Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald has become one of the most distinctive and popular vocalists to emerge from the pop/rock scene. McDonald found the middle ground between blue-eyed soul and smooth soft rock, a sound that made him a star. After singing backup on several Steely Dan albums in the mid-’70s, Michael joined the Doobie Brothers in 1977 and sang lead on many of their hits, including “What a Fool Believes” and “Taking It to the Streets.” He was largely responsible for moving the group away from boogie rock and toward a more polished, jazzy blue-eyed soul sound. McDonald released his solo debut, If That’s What It Takes, in 1982. The record climbed to #6 on the strength of the single “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near),” which also crossed over into the R&B Top Ten. In 1983, he had another Top 20 pop hit with his duet with James Ingram, “Yah Mo B There.” Now, firmly entrenched as a solo artist, Michael McDonald continues to record and perform to passionate crowds wherever he goes.