Michael McDonald is a five-time Grammy Award winning American singer, songwriter, and musician. He is known for his work in pop, soul, and R&B music. He has released several solo albums, as well as albums with his band The Doobie Brothers. McDonald has also worked with many notable musicians, including Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins, and Fleetwood Mac. He has also been a part of many movie soundtracks, such as The Big Chill and Thelma & Louise.
Early Life of Michael McDonald
Michael McDonald was born on February 12, 1952 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was raised in Ferguson, Missouri and attended McCluer High School. McDonald was interested in music from a young age, and began taking piano lessons at the age of eight. He was a member of his high school’s choir, and also sang in local clubs and bars. After graduating high school, McDonald attended college at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
McDonald’s first professional music gig was with the St. Louis-based group The Reebtoors. He then joined the jazz-funk band Steely Dan as a backup singer and keyboardist. He was with the band for two years and toured with them extensively. After leaving Steely Dan, McDonald went on to form the band The Doobie Brothers.
Musician Michael McDonald’s Wiki
The Doobie Brothers achieved commercial success with their first two albums, Toulouse Street and The Captain and Me. The band’s most successful album, Minute by Minute, was released in 1978 and was certified multi-platinum. McDonald was a co-writer of the album’s hit single, “What a Fool Believes”. He left the band in 1982 to pursue a solo career.
McDonald’s solo career began with the release of his 1982 debut album, If That’s What It Takes. The album featured the hit single “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)”, which reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. McDonald followed up with the albums No Lookin’ Back and Blink of an Eye. He also released a Christmas album, This Christmas, in 1992.
Michael McDonald’s Net Worth
Throughout his career, Michael McDonald has collaborated with many other musicians, including Kenny Loggins, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Vince Gill. He has also been featured on numerous soundtracks, including The Big Chill and Thelma & Louise. McDonald has won five Grammy Awards and has been nominated for a total of twelve.
McDonald’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million. He continues to tour and perform live shows, and his most recent album, Wide Open, was released in 2017.
Michael McDonald is one of the most successful and influential musicians of the past four decades. His work in pop, soul, and R&B music has earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards. He remains an active performer and continues to tour and record music.
