The story behind Warran G getting approval to use this sample is amazing. They met on the street on the lower east side of Manhattan years earlier, Warren G fanboyed over Micheal MacDonald, stopped him and raved over his talent. MacDonlad had been so shocked this rap artist loved his music that the meeting held dear meaning as a memory. Many years later Warren G called him to ask the use the sample and Macdonald instantly said Yes. He’d remembered him from their passing encounter on a NYC street and was thrilled to see what Warren G envisioned and could turn out using this sample. And he became an instant fan ❤
McDonald collaborated, with so many. With so many branches, one was bound to bear fruit, in every genre's garden. Check out his collaboration, with Kenny Loggins, and Thundercat.
Bassist on this track is the late Louis Johnson, of the famed Brothers Johnson (Stomp, & Strawberry Letter 23), who ya’ll should check out if you haven’t yet. Louis became an in demand studio bass player from his association with Quincy Jones. He’s the bassist on Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall album, Thriller, George Benson’s Give me the Night & many others.
He’s definitely one of the best blue-eyed soul artists of any decade….he brought soul to the Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan & his awesome solo stuff ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
This was such a massive hit in 1982! Virtually everyone who heard the name “Michael McDonald” immediately thought of this song. It was his signature tune as a solo artist.
@@anexceleratedlife My bad. Totally misunderstood. They really have a LOT of reactions. I was up the other night watching the older ones and just feeling the vibes.
Don't forget Michael McDonald sings on some Kenny Loggins hits, and they've even performed live together as a duo. "This Is It" and "Heart To Heart" come to mind.
Michael and Kenny are very good friends. Michael's song "I Gotta Try" which he released as a follow up single to this and Kenny does backup vocals. Later Kenny did the lead vocals on "I Gotta Try" and Michael did the back up. Kenny's version is on one of his albums. "I Gotta Try" is a wonderful uplifting song which is underrated and written by Michael McDonald.
Yes Jay, Warren G sampled this for "Regulate" Michael McDonald silently ran the late 70's early 80's singing background on many hits in that time frame. He wasn't EXACTLY in Steely Dan but he did alot of background vocal work for them. His becoming a part of the Doobie Brothers completely changed their sound. You should checkout "Ya Mo Be There" by James Ingram with Michael McDonald on backing vocals!
And, he actually does have BLUE eyes. So, in his case it actually applies. One of the greatest of all time. He made everything sound better. Try "Real Love" too. Love this artist the really has blue eyes and is super soulful.
This man is the most soulful sounding white man I’ve ever heard. Saw him a few times with the Doobies then about ten years ago I saw him solo, followed by Earth Wind and Fire, then they all came out and did a final set together doing each other’s songs. Amazing show.
I work as a customer service rep and one day I got a call from a client named...Michael McDonald (not the real one). I told him how much a fan I was of him and joked about how cool he is and of course the client laughed it off and said, "Yeah I get that a lot". Well I helped him out and gave him great customer service and at end of the call, he says, "Thanks for everything. And, just for you--"Shine, Sweet Freedom, shine a light on me!", in his best Michael McDonald impersonation! I so lost it, I was laughing so hard.
That's so funny my handyman name was Michael McDonald. Every time he had to something for me, I would start singing I keep forgetting. He was such a sweet guy. I wonder was that him. He has since moved Louisiana. I surely miss him.
Michael McDonald is a highly underrated yet decorated vocalist. Back in the 70s, you were guaranteed to have a hit with Michael McDonald singing the background vocals. From the Doobie Brothers, and Steely Dan to Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross and even Patti LaBelle, Mr. McDonald has definitely made his mark in the world of pop and R&B music.
Bluesy. Jazzy. Sultry Soulful and So Smooth. One of the most distinctive voices in music. Wrote You Belong To Me by Carly Simon and his duet On My Own with Patti LaBelle is just amazing. Sings back up for Christopher Cross's Grammy winning album too. So accomplished and not as appreciated as he should be. ~Red
This song was released in 1982. When I saw this pop up on my feed, I knew you'd recognize it. Love the looks on your faces when you did! "Clear black night, a clear white moon! You know what this is!" Love it!
There are things in my sixties plus life that take me to a place I can truly call Heaven. Ethereal, or absolutely majestic. Jennifer Holliday is just one of those voices. How fortunate I was to grow up in the 60 s, 70 s , and 80 s. To love everything afterwards in the 90 s and 2000s as a trained guitarist who loves it all but some come along that absolutely floor you. So glad the next Gen gets the best of it. Canadian Grandma Lori. C.
Never be another voice like his!! He was SUCH a great artist, songwriter, musician! His voice was so recognizable in every song. Was great with The Doobie Brothers & Steely Dan but sounds sooo good solo. So many Motown hits! ❤
Michael is as asked to sing background on several records because of his distinctive voice. He sang with Christopher Cross on the song “Ride like the Wind.”
Another great jam from my youth that I still keep in heavy rotation today. Also Patti LaBelle did a really decent cover of it believe it or not. I’m still hoping you guys discover Stephen Bishop and his hit “On And On” .
Amber and Jordan, it's been a while since you reacted to a legendary band. The Eagles,-(Desperado)'73. It's different from them. Keep up with the good work 😎👍
This song if from McDonald's album "If That's What It Takes". Besides Steve Lukather and Jeff Porcaro from Toto, McDonald brought in a bunch of other friends to participate in the album that he had worked with over the years: Mike Porcaro (bass, Toto), Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Edgar Winter(Sax), Bobby LaKind (percussion, Doobie Bros.), along with some top studio session players. Friends working with friends making magic. 🎸😎
He’s also backing vocals on Toto’s “I’ll be over you,” and multiple Kenny Loggins classics. You’ve all been hearing his writing and voice for a long while ;)
Michael McDonald also was in the group Dukes of September with Donald Fagen ( Steely Dan ) and Boz Scaggs, 3 great musicians. Taking it to the Streets. Peg and Lowdown. definitely worth a listen
1982 hmmm...And what a band behind him!!!! Steve Lukather - guitar Toto, Michael Jackson 100s of studio hit credits. Greg Phillinganes - clavinet This guy is a superb talent (All the Michael Jackson hits, Quincy Jones etc…Louis Johnson - bass guitar “Thunder Thumbs Johnson”, from the Brothers Johnson and Quincy Jones. Jeff Porcaro - drums. The late great pocket player! HE set the tone and groove for this song!! (Toto, Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs and a huge amount of hits) Maureen McDonald - backing vocals; His Sister with the smooth “I keep forgetting not in love any more". Michael McDonald - lead vocals, electric piano, synthesizers The most sought-after singer on everyone’s tracks in the 80s (Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Doobie Brothers etc…) This was THE 80s hit machine behind Michael McDonald after he left the Doobie Brothers. And it sounds and grooves today just as it did back then!
So funny that all you can hear is Regulators, because whenever I hear Regulators, I'm mad it's not this song! 😂 This is my favorite Michael MacDonald song since I was 10 years old! (It came out in 1982). His voice just melts a girl! 😂❤️ Just for future reference, the sample/rap version is NEVER the original. Regulators came out in 1994.
I have seen him in concert several times and he is just a stellar performer. Need to watch him on live version of Taking it to The Streets. He takes you to church on that one!
Aside from The Doobie Brothers he's credited on a couple of hundred songs including backup vocals on Christopher Cross's “Ride like the wind,” James Ingram's “Yah mo be there,” Toto's “I'll be over you,” and Kenny Loggins' “This is it.” He also helped David Lee Roth with lyrics for the song “I’ll Wait” from Van Halen’s 1984 album.
Please check out This Is It by his buddy Kenny Loggins. Michael sings backup for him on that song. (He was on Kenny’s Heart to Heart which you enjoyed as well.)
I have been good friends since about 1981 with someone who is Michael McDonald's cousin. I've had the opportunity to meet and talk with him many times - one of the most genuine, easygoing artists ever who loves his fans. I have forwarded the link to this video to her. Hope Mike gets a chance to watch it! PS - you guys should react to Carly Simon's "You Belong To Me" - Mike wrote and produced it.
His duet with Patti LaBelle called "on my own" will give you chills and his duet with James Ingram is fire, called "ya mo be there" . Legendary vocal uniqueness.🔥👍
Michael McDonald always brings it! That's why Steely Dan, Patti Labelle, Toto, and James Ingram (to name a few) chose him for their projects. He's that "extra something" added to the mix. I highly recommend James Ingram's "Yah Mo Be There" with Michael, and Toto's "I'll Be Over You".
Oh I've been waiting for THIS one!!! Yes, Regulator is sampled from this, the original, which was in the 80's. This is one of my favorite songs of all-time. MM has his vocals on tons of songs before and after this was released.
🤣 As soon as I saw the title of your video, I knew you were going to mention Warren G's "Regulate." That was an amazing sample. *FUN FACT:* Michael McDonald's sister (Maureen McDonald) sings the female parts in this song. I just found that out late last year! After all of these years, I'm still learning cool stuff about the songs I grew up with. 🙂
About 23 years ago, I saw Cher in concert in the Chicago area. It was a rescheduled concert and originally, Cindy Lauper was supposed to open for Cher but was un available for the rescheduled event. Cher was told her friend Michael McDonald was in town and asked him to fill in that night. He did and he was AMAZING!! What a talented singer, songwriter, and musician!
You guys are definitely becoming smooth jazz / R&B / soul aficionados! This song is awesome, I guess it's sort of a crossover jazz/pop song. It was big in its day (1982)!
Louis "Thunder Thumbs" Johnson from the Brothers Johnson. Think Stomp! and Strawberry Letter 23 from the Brothers Johnson, was the bassist on this track.
Michael McDonald for you that don't know, he's a top notch artist and probably one of, if not not the GREATEST Blue eye singers in the History of Music. He made so many songs such as Just Enough, and so many other songs. He is one of my favorite artists. ❤ Love you Mike 😍 💗 And don't forget TAKING IT TO THE STREETS!! MY JAM !!
1982 song - it's quintessential yacht rock. You'll love his Sweet Freedom, and Yah Mo Be There. With Doobies he's lead vocals on Takin It to the Streets, It Keeps You Runnin, Minute by Minute, Real Love. All 🔥🎶
You should here him and patti labelle “on my own.” The background singer is his sister. “It was a clear black night, it was a clear white moon warren g was on the street trying to consume.” Warren G made one call and Michael said cool. He had no idea that song would be that big and introduce rap to his music. I don’t even think he asked for royalties. Yes it’s blue eyed soul, but he’s also a bit of a whiskey tenor (that raspy quality to his voice. As always great reaction; gray song. ❤
'Regulate' came out in 1994, this song came out in 1982. Most samples in hip hop are from the 70s and 80s. Check out Steely Dan's 'Peg' being sampled on De La Soul's 'Eye Know.' ✌
While you're thinking of Michael McDonald being in several bands you like, don't sleep on the mighty Jeff Porcaro, the drummer on this track. Best known as the drummer on every Toto song you've reacted to, but also a legendary studio drummer who played on scores of hits, including "Beat It" by Michael Jackson, "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" by Boz Scaggs, "Black Friday" and "FM" by Steely Dan, "Dirty Laundry" by Don Henley, "Diamond Girl" by Seals & Crofts, "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" by Christopher Cross, and on and on and on - the man was a hit machine. Taken from us way too young at age 38 by a heart problem, of all things. Maybe he just put so much heart into what he did, he didn't keep any for himself. Respect.
I don’t know guys (RAD) if you noticed or you knew/realized it but the backing musicians behind this tune are massively magical! And you know some of them without knowing it was them :-) - drums are provided by Jeff Porcaro (from TOTO) - rythm and funky guitar is provided by Steve Lukather (also from TOTO) - keyboard: Michael Mc Donald himself - clavinet: Greg Phillinganes (a great keyboardist who has worked also with TOTO but with many other famous artists such as Michael Jackson, Richard Marx, etc) - and the bass is provided by the late Louis Johnson (from the band THE BROTHERS JOHNSON) Everything is connected in the music industry because you can hear Michael McDonald backing Toto on a couple of tracks such as I’ll Be Over You and others. McDonald is also featured on another famous 80s song: Ya Mo Be There, with James Ingram, produced by Quincy Jones. Ingram has also worked with Toto, and Quincy Jones has hired Toto guys to work on Michael Jackson’s Thriller album 😉
This early 80's hit was played often on the radio. The singer (Michael McDonald) co-wrote it. It's an original! Not surprised that it was sampled by others later.
Michael McDonald was a huge presence as a solo artist, part of a group, in the background as writer/producer and backup vocals on countless songs. He really was amazing.
He also sang and wrote for Toto. He did the backup vocals for Toto's "I'll be over you". He is really special vocally though. He has two duets with major RnB\Soup divas in Patty LaBelle, On My Own, and Aretha Franklin in Ever Changing Times. Please give those a listen
In this original music video, the blonde woman is his wife, (Amy, I think?), and the redhead at the very end is his sister. Amy actually had some beautiful songs of her own in the 80s. I love Michael McDonald, be it solo, backup, lead singer in a group, anything. Can't get enough of him. ❤️ Fun facts; he was born and raised in Ferguson, Missouri, and has said his soulful sound must have come from his early music influences, like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, etc.
The story behind Warran G getting approval to use this sample is amazing. They met on the street on the lower east side of Manhattan years earlier, Warren G fanboyed over Micheal MacDonald, stopped him and raved over his talent. MacDonlad had been so shocked this rap artist loved his music that the meeting held dear meaning as a memory. Many years later Warren G called him to ask the use the sample and Macdonald instantly said Yes. He’d remembered him from their passing encounter on a NYC street and was thrilled to see what Warren G envisioned and could turn out using this sample. And he became an instant fan ❤
Doesn’t surprise me - many black people loved and grew up on Michael McDonald.
Thank you!! Always love a little extra to a story I really never thought about but... so cool!!
McDonald collaborated, with so many.
With so many branches, one was bound to bear fruit, in every genre's garden. Check out his collaboration, with Kenny Loggins, and Thundercat.
Thank u mate I was wondering and now I know
Warren maybe g but so is michael
Bassist on this track is the late Louis Johnson, of the famed Brothers Johnson (Stomp, & Strawberry Letter 23), who ya’ll should check out if you haven’t yet. Louis became an in demand studio bass player from his association with Quincy Jones. He’s the bassist on Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall album, Thriller, George Benson’s Give me the Night & many others.
"On my Own" a great duet with Patti Labelle 👍👍👍
They already listened to that one. Great track!
He wasn't a member of steely Dan. He sang backing vocals for them on records and possibly live. I keep forgetting is from 1982.
He’s definitely one of the best blue-eyed soul artists of any decade….he brought soul to the Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan & his awesome solo stuff ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
" blue eyed soul" WTF? are you that ashamed of being white? As if white people cant sing "soul music" They were great artists period.
@@smtbigelow first off….I’m not white…the “blue-eyed soul” term has been used since the Righteous Brothers in the 1960’zzzz…relax & enjoy the music 🤓
Wild Cherry is another good example IMO
@@MrCubFan415 yup….they’re funky as hell “Play That Funky Music(White Boy)” is kikass 🤘🏽🤘🏽
This was such a massive hit in 1982! Virtually everyone who heard the name “Michael McDonald” immediately thought of this song. It was his signature tune as a solo artist.
Or the Patti LaBelle song... On My Own...
What a Fool believes walks in
@@anthonylee5982 yes, please..😮
Me and my girl friend loved this song back in tha day. ... I was 14 and she was 16... Were still together . Now she's 57 and im 55 .. 💜 GOOD TIMES!!!
@@anthonylee5982Patti don't just sing with anyone. They better be good.
Patti Labelle doesn't do a lot of duets, but she did one with Michael McDonald called "On My Own". It was a big hit and great song to react to.
They did that one! You should be able to find it if it hasn’t been taken down!😁
@@anexceleratedlife It's up. On her official channel.
@@user-dz6fy6qv2l Thanks! I was referring to the reaction to that video still being up on the Rob Squad channel.
@@anexceleratedlife My bad. Totally misunderstood. They really have a LOT of reactions. I was up the other night watching the older ones and just feeling the vibes.
One of my late fathers favourite songs.
Don't forget Michael McDonald sings on some Kenny Loggins hits, and they've even performed live together as a duo. "This Is It" and "Heart To Heart" come to mind.
Those songs are fire
Also Christopher Cross
Michael was everywhere in the 80’s. Didn’t he do a song with Patti Labelle? Crazy good. 😍
Music Gold
Michael and Kenny are very good friends. Michael's song "I Gotta Try" which he released as a follow up single to this and Kenny does backup vocals. Later Kenny did the lead vocals on "I Gotta Try" and Michael did the back up. Kenny's version is on one of his albums. "I Gotta Try" is a wonderful uplifting song which is underrated and written by Michael McDonald.
Yes Jay, Warren G sampled this for "Regulate"
Michael McDonald silently ran the late 70's early 80's singing background on many hits in that time frame. He wasn't EXACTLY in Steely Dan but he did alot of background vocal work for them. His becoming a part of the Doobie Brothers completely changed their sound.
You should checkout "Ya Mo Be There" by James Ingram with Michael McDonald on backing vocals!
⚜️ I keep forgetting.... how much I love this song! ❤️
❤
This song was released in 1982 on his debut album. It was one of his 10 best ranked songs.
Handsome AND talented!! He’s one of the best voices out there💕
And, he actually does have BLUE eyes. So, in his case it actually applies. One of the greatest of all time. He made everything sound better.
Try "Real Love" too. Love this artist the really has blue eyes and is super soulful.
This man is the most soulful sounding white man I’ve ever heard. Saw him a few times with the Doobies then about ten years ago I saw him solo, followed by Earth Wind and Fire, then they all came out and did a final set together doing each other’s songs. Amazing show.
Sweet
I could see Michael vibing with Earth,Wind,and Fire!🎙🎶🔥
Dude is soulful regardless of color. One of the coldest voices ever
@@primeminister66 fact's
Don't forget Joe Jackson and Boz Scaggs
Ya Mo Be There... Michael Macdonald and James Ingram. Fantastic soul dance hit! 😎
I work as a customer service rep and one day I got a call from a client named...Michael McDonald (not the real one). I told him how much a fan I was of him and joked about how cool he is and of course the client laughed it off and said, "Yeah I get that a lot". Well I helped him out and gave him great customer service and at end of the call, he says, "Thanks for everything. And, just for you--"Shine, Sweet Freedom, shine a light on me!", in his best Michael McDonald impersonation! I so lost it, I was laughing so hard.
I feel bad for his brother Ron;)
That's so funny my handyman name was Michael McDonald. Every time he had to something for me, I would start singing I keep forgetting. He was such a sweet guy. I wonder was that him. He has since moved Louisiana. I surely miss him.
I love to hear stories like this!!!
I served with Michael McDonald in the military...(not the singer). We use to tell him to sing for us lol
This is a great story!
LISTEN!!!! MICHAEL MCDONALD IS EVERYTHING! I'm 54, grew up listening to this man and the Doobie Brothers. amazing talant.
Michael McDonald is a highly underrated yet decorated vocalist. Back in the 70s, you were guaranteed to have a hit with Michael McDonald singing the background vocals. From the Doobie Brothers, and Steely Dan to Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross and even Patti LaBelle, Mr. McDonald has definitely made his mark in the world of pop and R&B music.
👏👏👏 All True
"Takin it to the streets" was one of his best doobie brothers songs.
Came out in 82. This is the original
Got to no. 43 in the UK. Nate Dogg's Regulate got to no. 4 in the UK
love it when the younger gen discover where some of the best samples come from :)
Bluesy. Jazzy. Sultry Soulful and So Smooth.
One of the most distinctive voices in music. Wrote You Belong To Me by Carly Simon and his duet On My Own with Patti LaBelle is just amazing. Sings back up for Christopher Cross's Grammy winning album too. So accomplished and not as appreciated as he should be.
~Red
This song was released in 1982. When I saw this pop up on my feed, I knew you'd recognize it. Love the looks on your faces when you did! "Clear black night, a clear white moon! You know what this is!" Love it!
There are things in my sixties plus life that take me to a place I can truly call Heaven. Ethereal, or absolutely majestic. Jennifer Holliday is just one of those voices. How fortunate I was to grow up in the 60 s, 70 s , and 80 s. To love everything afterwards in the 90 s and 2000s as a trained guitarist who loves it all but some come along that absolutely floor you. So glad the next Gen gets the best of it. Canadian Grandma Lori. C.
Never be another voice like his!! He was SUCH a great artist, songwriter, musician! His voice was so recognizable in every song. Was great with The Doobie Brothers & Steely Dan but sounds sooo good solo. So many Motown hits! ❤
He has been on more other peoples records than you can count. He was the voice of the 80s.
Love this song!!!!
Michael is as asked to sing background on several records because of his distinctive voice. He sang with Christopher Cross on the song “Ride like the Wind.”
Love love love this one!!! Will be in my head for days now
I saw the Doobie Brothers in concert in the mid-80s. I was seated right above the huge drum set. It was awesome!
Another great jam from my youth that I still keep in heavy rotation today. Also Patti LaBelle did a really decent cover of it believe it or not. I’m still hoping you guys discover Stephen Bishop and his hit “On And On” .
Yesssssss! Such a distinct voice and vibe ❤❤❤❤❤smooth as butter
Amber and Jordan, it's been a while since you reacted to a legendary band. The Eagles,-(Desperado)'73. It's different from them. Keep up with the good work 😎👍
This song if from McDonald's album "If That's What It Takes". Besides Steve Lukather and Jeff Porcaro from Toto, McDonald brought in a bunch of other friends to participate in the album that he had worked with over the years: Mike Porcaro (bass, Toto), Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Edgar Winter(Sax), Bobby LaKind (percussion, Doobie Bros.), along with some top studio session players. Friends working with friends making magic. 🎸😎
He also sang on 2 duets that you've reacted too. "Ride like the wind" by; Christopher Cross, and "On my own" by Patti Labell. 😁
On my own ❤️
I think they might have reacted to On My Own before-- was surprised that they didn't remember that when they mentioned Doobies and Steely Dan
"Ride Like The Wind" isn't a duet, he just sings backup.
He’s also backing vocals on Toto’s “I’ll be over you,” and multiple Kenny Loggins classics. You’ve all been hearing his writing and voice for a long while ;)
Such a long way to go...................
Michael McDonald also was in the group Dukes of September with Donald Fagen ( Steely Dan ) and Boz Scaggs, 3 great musicians. Taking it to the Streets. Peg and Lowdown. definitely worth a listen
He also sang on TOTO's "I'll Be Over You" which you reacted to a few months ago.
And two members of Toto are playing on this track
1982 hmmm...And what a band behind him!!!! Steve Lukather - guitar Toto, Michael Jackson 100s of studio hit credits. Greg Phillinganes - clavinet This guy is a superb talent (All the Michael Jackson hits, Quincy Jones etc…Louis Johnson - bass guitar “Thunder Thumbs Johnson”, from the Brothers Johnson and Quincy Jones. Jeff Porcaro - drums. The late great pocket player! HE set the tone and groove for this song!! (Toto, Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs and a huge amount of hits) Maureen McDonald - backing vocals; His Sister with the smooth “I keep forgetting not in love any more". Michael McDonald - lead vocals, electric piano, synthesizers The most sought-after singer on everyone’s tracks in the 80s (Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Doobie Brothers etc…) This was THE 80s hit machine behind Michael McDonald after he left the Doobie Brothers. And it sounds and grooves today just as it did back then!
He also sang background on Ride Like The Wind by Christopher Cross.
I don’t care what anyone says, I was a teenager in the 70s. The best music ever came from that decade.
What's that got to do with an 80s track?
So funny that all you can hear is Regulators, because whenever I hear Regulators, I'm mad it's not this song! 😂 This is my favorite Michael MacDonald song since I was 10 years old! (It came out in 1982). His voice just melts a girl! 😂❤️
Just for future reference, the sample/rap version is NEVER the original. Regulators came out in 1994.
That bassline is courtesy of the late great Louis "Thunder Thumbs" Johnson from The Brothers Johnson!
Hey guys! Fun fact: Michael McDonald sang backup vocals in Christopher Cross's song Ride Like the Wind!
I have seen him in concert several times and he is just a stellar performer. Need to watch him on live version of Taking it to The Streets. He takes you to church on that one!
Aside from The Doobie Brothers he's credited on a couple of hundred songs including backup vocals on Christopher Cross's “Ride like the wind,” James Ingram's “Yah mo be there,” Toto's “I'll be over you,” and Kenny Loggins' “This is it.” He also helped David Lee Roth with lyrics for the song “I’ll Wait” from Van Halen’s 1984 album.
Please check out This Is It by his buddy Kenny Loggins. Michael sings backup for him on that song. (He was on Kenny’s Heart to Heart which you enjoyed as well.)
ABOUT DMN TIME YOU REACTED TO THIS BEAUTY!🎶🥰👍🏻
I have been good friends since about 1981 with someone who is Michael McDonald's cousin. I've had the opportunity to meet and talk with him many times - one of the most genuine, easygoing artists ever who loves his fans.
I have forwarded the link to this video to her. Hope Mike gets a chance to watch it!
PS - you guys should react to Carly Simon's "You Belong To Me" - Mike wrote and produced it.
Great song
It Keeps You Running...GO!!!
Great song, great voice! I liked him better with the Doobie Brothers, but his solo stuff was great, too!
Released date for I keep Forgettin' was August 1982, Regulate was released in June 1994.
His duet with Patti LaBelle called "on my own" will give you chills and his duet with James Ingram is fire, called "ya mo be there" . Legendary vocal uniqueness.🔥👍
Chills for Days! Michael and Patti LaBelle - On My Own
This song lyrics so moving. I remember losing a love and these lyrics summed it up. I keep forgetting were not in love anymore,
Such a distinctive voice.
Elton John’s “Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding” is a masterpiece. You really need to check it out.
Agree!!!! Funeral For A Friend. Haven't heard it in decades. Thanks for the reminder.
Michael has got that soul!
Michael McDonald always brings it! That's why Steely Dan, Patti Labelle, Toto, and James Ingram (to name a few) chose him for their projects. He's that "extra something" added to the mix. I highly recommend James Ingram's "Yah Mo Be There" with Michael, and Toto's "I'll Be Over You".
That song has more soul than a 1970’s disco party and that bass, man that bass.
My wife loves hearing him. She loves “yacht rock” and Michael McDonald is certainly an admiral.
One of my favorites of his is Sweet Freedom from 1986. Fun video (Video also his Billy Crystal, from “When Harry met Sally” in it)
Oh I've been waiting for THIS one!!! Yes, Regulator is sampled from this, the original, which was in the 80's. This is one of my favorite songs of all-time. MM has his vocals on tons of songs before and after this was released.
He also sang duets with many including Anita Baker, and backing vocals for Chris Cross.
This is an 80's Yacht Rock classic! Awesome song!
🤣 As soon as I saw the title of your video, I knew you were going to mention Warren G's "Regulate." That was an amazing sample.
*FUN FACT:* Michael McDonald's sister (Maureen McDonald) sings the female parts in this song. I just found that out late last year! After all of these years, I'm still learning cool stuff about the songs I grew up with. 🙂
Good info. I always thought that was Nicolette Larsen
Didn't know that. Thanks for the info.
About 23 years ago, I saw Cher in concert in the Chicago area. It was a rescheduled concert and originally, Cindy Lauper was supposed to open for Cher but was un available for the rescheduled event. Cher was told her friend Michael McDonald was in town and asked him to fill in that night. He did and he was AMAZING!! What a talented singer, songwriter, and musician!
I did not even know McDonald had sing with Steely Dan! He has a voice that would definitely fit their music!!!
Love Michael McDonald’s delivery. He is one of the best make vocalists of all time!
You guys are definitely becoming smooth jazz / R&B / soul aficionados! This song is awesome, I guess it's sort of a crossover jazz/pop song. It was big in its day (1982)!
Finally! And next you must react to his duet with James Ingram, "Ya Mo' Be There" it's an odd title but trust me t's a MUST 👍
Michael McDonald sings LEAD VOCALS on Chicago 26's cover of Jackie Wilson's "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher".
Louis "Thunder Thumbs" Johnson from the Brothers Johnson. Think Stomp! and Strawberry Letter 23 from the Brothers Johnson, was the bassist on this track.
When you look up the definition of
BLUE!
EYED!
SOUL!
Michael McDonald's picture is there.
Michael McDonald for you that don't know, he's a top notch artist and probably one of, if not not the GREATEST Blue eye singers in the History of Music.
He made so many songs such as Just Enough, and so many other songs.
He is one of my favorite artists. ❤
Love you Mike 😍 💗
And don't forget TAKING IT TO THE STREETS!! MY JAM !!
soul, funk and jazz awesome
1982 song - it's quintessential yacht rock. You'll love his Sweet Freedom, and Yah Mo Be There. With Doobies he's lead vocals on Takin It to the Streets, It Keeps You Runnin, Minute by Minute, Real Love. All 🔥🎶
My friend and I took a road trip to Nashville to see the Doobie Brothers in concert. They did not disappoint!
You should here him and patti labelle “on my own.” The background singer is his sister. “It was a clear black night, it was a clear white moon warren g was on the street trying to consume.” Warren G made one call and Michael said cool. He had no idea that song would be that big and introduce rap to his music. I don’t even think he asked for royalties. Yes it’s blue eyed soul, but he’s also a bit of a whiskey tenor (that raspy quality to his voice. As always great reaction; gray song. ❤
His song Real Love is nice too
One of my favorite artists. His sister sang background on this.
'Regulate' came out in 1994, this song came out in 1982. Most samples in hip hop are from the 70s and 80s. Check out Steely Dan's 'Peg' being sampled on De La Soul's 'Eye Know.' ✌
While you're thinking of Michael McDonald being in several bands you like, don't sleep on the mighty Jeff Porcaro, the drummer on this track. Best known as the drummer on every Toto song you've reacted to, but also a legendary studio drummer who played on scores of hits, including "Beat It" by Michael Jackson, "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" by Boz Scaggs, "Black Friday" and "FM" by Steely Dan, "Dirty Laundry" by Don Henley, "Diamond Girl" by Seals & Crofts, "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" by Christopher Cross, and on and on and on - the man was a hit machine. Taken from us way too young at age 38 by a heart problem, of all things. Maybe he just put so much heart into what he did, he didn't keep any for himself. Respect.
That's Louis Johnson on that bass, ace!
I don’t know guys (RAD) if you noticed or you knew/realized it but the backing musicians behind this tune are massively magical! And you know some of them without knowing it was them :-)
- drums are provided by Jeff Porcaro (from TOTO)
- rythm and funky guitar is provided by Steve Lukather (also from TOTO)
- keyboard: Michael Mc Donald himself
- clavinet: Greg Phillinganes (a great keyboardist who has worked also with TOTO but with many other famous artists such as Michael Jackson, Richard Marx, etc)
- and the bass is provided by the late Louis Johnson (from the band THE BROTHERS JOHNSON)
Everything is connected in the music industry because you can hear Michael McDonald backing Toto on a couple of tracks such as I’ll Be Over You and others. McDonald is also featured on another famous 80s song: Ya Mo Be There, with James Ingram, produced by Quincy Jones.
Ingram has also worked with Toto, and Quincy Jones has hired Toto guys to work on Michael Jackson’s Thriller album 😉
This early 80's hit was played often on the radio. The singer (Michael McDonald) co-wrote it. It's an original! Not surprised that it was sampled by others later.
This is one of my all time favs!! Such a soulful classic voice and this song is and always will be 🔥
Michael McDonald was a huge presence as a solo artist, part of a group, in the background as writer/producer and backup vocals on countless songs. He really was amazing.
Jeff Porcaro's drum shuffle kills!!!
He also sang and wrote for Toto. He did the backup vocals for Toto's "I'll be over you". He is really special vocally though. He has two duets with major RnB\Soup divas in Patty LaBelle, On My Own, and Aretha Franklin in Ever Changing Times. Please give those a listen
Micheal also features in ride like the wind by christoper cross..hes a great singer that has done so many good tunes..
Michael with the Doobies.."It keeps you running" Fabulous resume. Doobies, Steely Dan, Solo, so much more 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Glad you have discovered this man. One of my wife's favorites. He has been a part of several hit songs, writing many of them.
In this original music video, the blonde woman is his wife, (Amy, I think?), and the redhead at the very end is his sister. Amy actually had some beautiful songs of her own in the 80s. I love Michael McDonald, be it solo, backup, lead singer in a group, anything. Can't get enough of him. ❤️
Fun facts; he was born and raised in Ferguson, Missouri, and has said his soulful sound must have come from his early music influences, like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, etc.
His sister sang on the track with him. One of my favorites.
More than once, I have sung the song, Outloud walking through the grocery store because it is that smooth!!!! ❤
This was released in 1982 and it was huge.. I’m lucky enough to remember the originals and the raps they were sampled from
I love it when he realized that this was the sample to Regulate. Y’all keep up the great work. You gained a subscriber in me.
This Was Definitely One Of My Late Dad's Favorite Song
Great song, great voice.
He's done songs featured in films, ex."RUNNING SCARED" with Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines (RIP). "SWEET FREEDOM"