Michael McDonald (singer)

Michael McDonald (born February 12, 1952) is a five-time Grammy Award winning American singer and songwriter. McDonald is known for a soulful singing style, with a distinctive husky-sounding voice. Before going solo, he did back-up vocals with Steely Dan, and was a member of the Doobie Brothers (1976–1981)—bringing them their most successful period.

Early years

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, McDonald played in several local bands (such as Mike and the Majestics, Jerry Jay and the Sheratons, the Reeb-Toors, the Del Rays and The Guild) while attending McCluer High School in his hometown of Ferguson, Missouri, now a city of some 25,000 people in St. Louis County, Missouri. McDonald was 'discovered' while playing with a group called Blue and consequently moved to Los Angeles in 1970.

Steely Dan

Michael McDonald first gained wide attention as an adjunct member of the group Steely Dan, providing back-up vocals on tracks for 1975's Katy Lied. He would return on subsequent Steely Dan recordings including 1976's The Royal Scam as well as both "Peg" and "I Got the News" from the 1977 album Aja. He also played keyboards on some Steely Dan tracks. McDonald continued to do background vocals for Steely Dan up to their 1980 release, Gaucho. He also was a member of the final incarnation of the early '70s Steely Dan touring band, playing keyboards/piano and singing backup.

Doobie Brothers

McDonald was recruited by the band The Doobie Brothers in April 1975 when...
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