Singer Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald

Platinum selling R&B Singer Michael McDonald was born in St. Louis, Missouri on February 12th, 1952.

Michael is best known for his work as a member of the famous Doobie Brothers band and backup singer for Steely Dan. In addition, he also enjoyed a successful solo career with the hit songs I keep Forgettin’ (Everytime You’re Near) and the song “I Gotta Try”which was co-written with Kenny Loggins.

Michael attended Mcleur High School in Ferguson, Mo and played in a few bands during this time. Later on he was discovered while playing in a band by the name of Blue and moved to Los Angeles in 1970 to further his professional career as a singer.


In 1972 he met RCA Producer Rick Jarred and signed a deal to record a series of sides. This is the same year he met the future drummer for the band Toto, Jeff Porcaro. Later in the same year Pocaro did some session work for Steely Dan and told Michael about the band auditioning for players. Michael tried out and got the gig.

In 1975, the Dobbie Brothers singer/guitarist, Tommy Johnston, was unable to tour. Michael McDonald was suggested to the band as a replacement by another Dobbie guitarist by the name of Jeff Baxter. Jeff was in Steely Dan with Michael and certainly new his talents. The band loved him so much they recruited him as a full time member and the rest is history.

Michael is married to another singer by the name of Amy Holland and has been since 1983. The couple has two children. One girl and one boy.

Over the years, Michael McDonald has worked with many well known musical talents such as Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Alan Jackson and Cher to name just a few.

He’s also been awarded an impressive five grammys and we St. Louisans are proud to say that Michael McDonald hails from our home town.

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Michael McDonald