Michael McDonald (singer)

Michael McDonald
McDonald performing live, 2011
Background information
Born	(1952-02-12) February 12, 1952 (age 65) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Genres	R&B pop rock soul
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter composer keyboardist record producer
Instruments	Vocals keyboards
Years active	1974–present
Labels	Warner Bros. Reprise Ramp Universal Music Group Motown
Associated acts	Steely Dan The Doobie Brothers Kenny Loggins Toto
Website	michaelmcdonald.com

Michael McDonald (born February 12, 1952) is an American singer, songwriter, keyboardist and record producer.

McDonald's music career spans more than forty years. His early career included singing with Steely Dan. He joined The Doobie Brothers in 1976 and remained an integral member until 1982, after which he released the first of eight solo albums. During his career, he has collaborated with a number of other artists, including Kenny Loggins, Van Halen, Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, Toto , Grizzly Bear, and Thundercat (musician). He has also recorded for television and film soundtracks. During his career, McDonald has won five Grammy Awards.

Michael McDonald was born on February 12, 1952, into an Irish American Catholic family in Ferguson, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. McDonald attended McCluer High School where he played in local bands including Mike and the Majestics, Jerry Jay and the Sheratons, the Reebtoors and The Guild. He was 'discovered' while playing with a group called Blue and moved to Los Angeles, California, in 1970 to pursue a career in music.

In 1974, McDonald became a member of Steely Dan's touring group, singing lead and backing vocals. He also became one of the many in-studio adjunct members of the band, providing backing vocals on tracks for 1975's Katy Lied. He appeared on subsequent Steely Dan recordings including 1976's The Royal Scam and 1977's Aja. He also played keyboards on some Steely Dan tracks.