Michael McDonald Was EVERYWHERE In The 70s and 80s
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- Опубликовано: 27 июн 2022
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Michael McDonald leant his smooth soulful voice and his gospel-inspired keyboard playing to Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers and countless other musical artists during the 70s, 80s and 90s! Let's explore the fascinating career that crossed from Classic Rock to Pop to Motown to Yacht Rock and see if we can discover what made EVERYONE want that "Michael McDonald Sound."
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He doesn't sound baritone to me. He sounds very much like a tenor
@@leebrandt8597 - As a baritone, I agree wholeheartedly that he's a tenor. But he has a wide range and presents a nice baritone in addition to his tenor. Reminds me of how Karen Carpenter was able to do that, though I think her range was at least three full octaves. Guessing McDonald's is 2.5 octaves or better (listen to his high harmonies), which is well above average for male vocalists. But the biggest thing is that Michael McDonald singlehandedly created the most-sought-after sound of background vocals and subsequently, many lead vocals in American pop music. He wasn't the first to present a "raspy-soul" vocal wash, but his unique tonal blend was a feast for the ears and will be for some time to come.
Trivia question: What major city is Michael McDonald from?
Answer: St. Louis, Missouri
Hence, his classic raw and true St. Louis soul, gospel and jazz sound, a unique blend of several 20th century regional musical roots.
Thanks for the video. Very well done. You get a 10 for this one!
Wonderful video!
You also have some “Secret Sauce”. Best wishes
I had the privilege to play bass with Michael for a number of private shows in Hawaii in the early 2000's. It was an absolute thrill for me having grown up with his music. He is such a kind and humble person despite his huge success and otherworldly musical abilities. We played most of his hits and a few Motown covers and it was something I'll never forget! I recall having about a week to learn the set prior to the first gig and it was a challenge. Most of his songs are quite complex even though they flow right into the ears without this being obvious. Testament to his musical genius I suppose. I also sang backup vocals and to harmonize with THAT voice was unreal. Most amazing musician I have ever played with. He's the real deal!
You've just made a lot of older musicians jealous!
What a nice story!
I’m 60. He used to play in Wood River, Illinois before his career “took off.” I caught a few shows and he blew me away..!
Wow amazing opportunity,,I’m so jealous,,,in a good way.
Beautifully put and allllllll the way TRUE, JLR 💯
Michael's voice is unmistakeable! What an amazing talent!
The older I get.. the more I appreciate growing up in the 70’s….the music is Timeless…💛
Facts ❤
Back then, we had no idea the greatness we were actually experiencing. Then again, we did like disco, too. haha
Yes the 70ies are very special, I say it is even the greatest decade of the music business. Since only the best were in the business back then, because there hasn't been any helping technology yet, to fix a lack of talent as it was happening a few decades later. all of the improvements in recording and instrument technology just started to be available and was making huge steps forward each year. it was heaven for the artists who were in the business. Nowadays any talent free person can be fixed in the studio.
Ditto
Best headphones albums ever the 70s
His voice is amazing.
I would consider Michael McDonald a national treasure. He was a man of the times, and I think he gave us all something we all needed. He was there even when you didn’t even know it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
He's still alive and still singing!
One of the GREATEST blue-eyed soul singers EVER!!!!!
Ong
Do you like "blue eyed soul"? Check out Bryan Duncan and Bob Carlisle.
Who else is on here after the Michael McDonald/ Jeff Beato interview?? I remember being 14 backstage at the Doobie Brothers reunion concert at the Irvine Meadows. I was 10’ away from McDonald as he played. One of the greatest nights of my life.
*Rick* Beato 😊
Michael's "No Lookin Back" solo album was unbelievable.
My wife and I say that Michael McDonald is the glue that held 70's and 80's music together.
He is.
No doubt about that! Aimee’s research commentary really makes that point.
And Jeff Porcaro💙
Yes!!
Listen to Sirius's Yacht Rock channel... 😂
He is EVERYWHERE! (love it, though)
Two people are immediately recognizable, Karen Carpenter and Michael McDonald. Ah music, the soundtrack of our lives!!
Dolly and Barbra and Cher?
Shillebeth! Everybody whos' famous is immediately recognizable , Its saying something so obvious that it defies logic.
OMG yes!
@@carlv1379 GT Dee tbh but 0qt⅗ ££¹ few at where few we few few few few tweaks few days Deea
I love Steely Dan and Michael. Their sound is one of a kind❤
Amen Great memories. Now I only listen to Christian music and it is total worshiping the King.
The music of the 70’s will remain unmatched.
Starting in the mid to late 60s.
I'm not sure how anyone could hear Michael McDonald's voice and NOT know it was him. Trust me, we were aware of his pervasiveness, and never got tired of it. #80sTeen
I agree 100% that we knew immediately that it was him. The only thing is, I hated his voice and I still do. His talking voice is normal though. From the comments I think I am the only one who doesn't like his singing.
I was going to comment.....I knew he was present on the songs he sang.
Yeah, the entire premise of this video is faulty. I think it was meant to be a tribute but is factually incorrect.
My ALL time favorite male vocalist...I'm 73 and still crank up his records on my stereo almost every weekend! ❤ you Michael!
10-12 years ago myself and a couple of buddies went to see Steely Dan in Dallas. As we were walking into the venue, I was surprised to look up and see Michael walking into the venue with us and everyone else. He saw me do a double take and probably expected to be “beaten down” by us wanting selfies or autographs and the like. I just smiled and gave him the head nod and he nodded back with a smile of relief. I’ll never know why he was entering with the crowd, most didn’t even notice him, but it was a cool moment. Then to see him with Steely Dan on stage just made for a cool moment.
Without question, THE SINGLE BEST backing vocalist of ALL TIME! NOBODY is in his category, NOBODY!
It’s about time this man gets his credit. One of the most underrated singers the last 50 years but one of the greatest. There’s a reason so many top artists recorded with him.
I agree he is a great singer, but I’m not sure why you would think he’s underrated. By whom?
Yep! I truly believe in a Michael McDonald doll with all my fave songs!
Absolutely!!!
He was never underrated. He always got his due.
What makes you state otherwise?
He is amazing!!!
I love, love, love Michael McDonald’s voice. It is so distinctive and extremely soulful.
Talented and gifted and handsome
I feel like we're talking a whole lot about Michael McDonald's voice without ever mentioning Aimee's amazingly smooth, built for late night radio, voice. Is it just me?
Totally agree. Could listen to her for hours.
YESSSSS ❣️
Aimee's your incredible with your amazing history .
Really loved Steely Dan - followed Michael from there to
Doobie Bros -
Talkin to the street .
What a fool believes - Masterpiece
Minute by Minute - Grammy Winner 🏆
Terrific to see Michael Mc Donald &
Larry Carlton finally get the praise that these fantastic virtuosso artist richly deserve !
Bravo 👏
🎶🎷🏆
Her FLAWLESS SKIN
I arrived on this page a Michael McDonald fan, I leave it an Aimee Nolte devotee.
I always said one of the best duets EVER written was a song called "On My Own " with Patti Labelle and Michael McDonald. Beautiful lyrics... Now I know what loving you cost....now we're up to talking divorce...and we weren't even married........and what perfect voices they had together
That song brings a lump in my chest, the pain in their delivery was incredible and feels real.
My favorite MM duet is "Ya Mo Be There" with James Ingram. Two soaring tenors over a funky track. Just awesome.
@@thatcarlchick7655 I love that combo also! Their voices go together so well. Wish they would have done an album of duets.
My absolute favorite!
I was working backstage at a show about 15 years ago that featured The Doobies and Kenny Loggins. They'd both flown in at different times, so didn't perform together, but as I was hanging around, Loggins drove up in a golf cart in one direction, McDonald in the other - they saw each other, stopped, Loggins said, "Hey, old man!" and they got out and hugged and then drove off again. Highlight of the night.
Aimee, I hope Michael sees this video. You’ve done a beautiful job of giving him his props. He’s one of the best to ever do it. Thank you.
Truly a lovingly, crafted tribute to one whose impact is immeasurable..
I took my father to see the Doobie Brothers in 1980.
(Michael was still touring with them.)
In the 90 days prior,
I was blessed to see Fleetwood Mac( for the 2nd time), Van Halen (third row center stage) and Elton John.
Only after I reached 50 years old did I really appreciate what I witnessed in 1980 as far as getting to experience Michael...
I saw DBs last spring with MM again. Chills, even past his prime. 🫨
I just love Michael's music, his style, his voice. Just really great music. He is one of the very exceptional musicians for me. Thanks for this video!
I found his voice strained sounding and annoying. Something unnatural that I could not put my finger on.
Thank you, thank you for being so honorable to Michael. I was there when they recorded the original tracks at Capitol Records in Detroit, MI. My uncle, Jerome Jones, was the session musician on drums. He has played with Michael Henderson, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and The Doobies. I was 12 years old, then, and I met Michael walking down the session hall. I remember because his hair was brown and I told my uncle, "who's that singer?He can really sing!" He said , "And he's a white guy!" I didnt belive him until I saw him. Later, I wrote him when his hair turned Paltinum and we connected some 6 years later and he has become my favorite vocalist. My first kiss came after I sang Taking it to the Streets! So I love him.
Oh, I knew it. Having grown up during the 70's and 80's Michael is deeply ingrained in my musical vocabulary, absolutely love him! BTW, Kenny Loggins is also a tremendous musician that turns up more than you may realize.
Kenny and Micheal together are a treat for the ears!
LOL! I was gonna say, "Oh, I knew it," too. I'm a 70s kid. My parents listened to Steely Dan and Doobies non-stop. So, I can hear MMs voice in other bands' songs. He has such a distinct sound.
Michael McDonald is really an unsung hero in many ways. Great video!
“Unsung”! Very punny!
I can’t give this man enough credit.
What a legend!
1:57 The fact that he survived having a Pinto lets us know that the destiny wanted us to enjoy Michael's voice for many years to come
Brilliantly stated. Thankfully, he found another way to become a ball of fire. Lol
As a professional vocal coach I can honestly say whole heatedly that
Michal McDonald is PHENOMIAL.
PHENOMENAL
that's how I'd spell it too
PHENOMIAL? That's not a word!
Maybe you focus on your spelling
@@mrfester42 They meant POLYNOMIAL.
😊
He has such a distinctive voice. There is no way you could miss it whether he was singing as the lead or doing back. I could always hear his voice on the songs he did back up on.
I love your channel. Being a Radio DJ in the 1970’s, I was VERY aware of McDonald’s presence on so many recordings. His pitch accuracy is phenomenal! No matter the song, his distinctive voice always rides on top of the rest of the backup vocals, even when mixed WAY back!
What A Fool Believes is just a magical song, a real work of art.
Worst Doobie Brothers song ever. Then again, every Doobies song with McDonald singing was terrible.
@@TheYamahog12 whoop one of my favorite songs for 40+ years. 🌷
@@TheYamahog12 I have literally the opposite opinion lmao. Every pre Michael McDonald Doobies hit is basically dogshit
Saw the Doobie Bros at an outdoor concert in the early '80's. It was a perfect day and I was in the 3rd row, right in front of MM. I thought I'd died and went to heaven. 😂 Beautiful man with a beautiful voice. Ahhh, memories ❤
Yacht rock! Priceless. What a privilege it has been to be graced with his voice and his beautiful touch on keyboard all these years. Thank you for your wonderful wealth of knowledge.
SOMA FM, has a Yacht Rock channel. It's so fun
I am always so immensely thrilled when I hear people who know music, in all its complexities and nuances, covering the one-of-a-kind voice of Michael McDonald! That voice is loaded with so much range from rich barritones to smooth falsettos that seem effortless! I have to confess, at the older age of 55, watching his performances from the late 70s and into the 80s makes my heart skip a little beat! He was such a gloriously beautiful man! Perfect hair, steele-blue eyes, and the voice that is still to this day unmatched.
Thank you for such a well-done video on him! By far, the best one I've seen so far.
Michael has been my favourite singer for over 40 years.
Mine too
You got bit around the same time I did. It’s as good today as it as when I first heard him.
Why was he everywhere..,excellent unique voice, like no other. He never overshadowed the artist he was working with. Sound engineers said he was so easy to work with. He worked with a different variety of artist. HE SOUND GREAT
His vocals on Peg blew my mind. He sounded like a keyboard sample before there were samples. Amazing.
Michael Mcdonald still Rocks us in 2022..!! Thank you Michael for your Golden Voice..!!
his voice was flipping flawless. Aja was perfection.
I’m happy to hear Michael is still at it. Have always liked his voice, but didn’t realize just how much of an influencer he has been. Thanks for the video.
I saw The Doobie Brother last night in Charlotte. Pat, Tom, and Michael were awesome. Those voices!
My favorite is his backing vocals on Hey 19.
"The Cuervo Gold"
"The fine Colombian"
"Make tonight a wonderful thing"
It's the best part of this song for me. It's so cool. Can't get it out of my head. Never want it to end just go on and on 😍
We used to play it when we were teens in our Pentecostal household. Nobody had a clue what the lyrics were because our house was sooooo dry there was no context for them!! 😂😂
“Bacervogo
Naficolunbiak
Mayktunite a wonderful thing” is what we heard and sang. Because I was a brain and a jock, I didn’t know what a nerd I was too!! 🤣🫣🤭
@@whatifschrodingersboxwasacofin Omg that's so funny 🤣 !
I got Cuervo Gold part but the rest I had to Google for the correct lyrics as well.
I'm a very late fan. I did have resentment when they won the album of the year at years back then but looking back now they truly deserved it after 20 years with a new album. I did felt the same for ABBA as well this year and broke my heart for them not winning.
I have always loved Michael McDonald’s voice, keyboard playing, and his humble grateful spirit. This was a great
video!
Thanks!
Ditto
As much as I'm a fan of his work with the Doobies and Steely Dan, I'll always love his contributions to Christopher Cross' monster first album, with McDonald's unmistakable vocals on hit after hit.
They both absolutely kill "Ride Like the Wind"... it is vocal perfection!
@@stuartstogdill2406 You're right. And for a guy who was making his first album, Cross had some pretty cool "friends" who showed up to contribute to the lp.
My favorite MM vocal on a CC song is on "It's Alright (Think We're Gonna Make It)". The harmonies on the line "work out fine this time" are just perfection. And the Steve Lukather guitar solo is just joyous. (CC liked it so much he plays it himself live.)
@@matth5752 Really a great song. Still amazes me how many hits Cross' first album had, and the great artists who helped him out. The enduring image for me is the shot they took of Cross at the Grammys, holding an armload of awards.
I literally grew up listening to this man. He has always been one of my faves and he graduated from the same high-school here in STL. You couldn't miss that voice if you tried and he knows he can bang those keys. Underrated for sure!!
I just love Michael McDonald. His sound is so powerful. I could just listen to him for hours. Thank you for this review of Michael. 💞
What a fantastic voice. So smooth and perfectly pitched. “It Keeps Your Running” is such a fantastic vehicle for his talent.
I grew up with Michael’s sound as an 80s kid. Love the Doobies and Toto but until you put his sound in this kind of light, I never realized that yes indeed Michael was everywhere back then. Thanks for the new perspective. Jeff Porcaro is one of my favorite drummers and Michael McDonald’s I Keep Forgettin’ is my favorite Porcaeo drum groove.
I've heard 'Peg' in concert 3 times: 2003, 2012, 2022, and of course on their live albums. It has never, EVER sounded the same live without McDonald.
His voice makes my heart skip a beat and gives me goose bumps. One of those rare artist who sounds as good live, as he does on the recording.
Caught him live at the Wiltern in LA along with a little-known saxophonist named Kenny G
@@tperk I saw Kenny G once when he was playing as a pickup sideman for The Jeff Lorber Fusion at a bar gig at the Eugene Hotel. He was introduced by Lorber using his actual name, Kenny Gorelick. We sat in a front row table about 8 feet from the band, but we could have sat anywhere because hardly anyone was there. Lorber gave me crap in the restroom during a break about the shirt I was wearing, something about it having a “real club look.” I got him back, asking him to play a Weather Report song, Teen Town. He did.
Just a few years later we were watching Kenny G in a large, packed-out venue in Seattle as the headliner. I’m not a big fan of his smooth jazz, but he’s made a ton of money doing that. Having heard what he can do with jazz fusion prior to his commercial success, I have a great deal of respect for him as a musician.
Sadly, Lorber’s music was under appreciated in my opinion and it never made the impact it deserved. Maybe it was his restroom manners.
I agree ☝️
Thank you, Ms. Aimee, for putting this brilliant piece together. I love how you give MM the critical attention he deserves.
His voice was awesome,he IS one of the best and yes 70s and 80s were about his voice and sound
This is an outstanding analysis of Michael McDonald's impact on music. A few years ago I saw some clips where his vocals seemed to be slipping but in recent years his voice is still amazing. He is also an outstanding keyboard player. Hs is truly one of a kind with a huge soul sound in his voice. He is a unique amazing talent. As a quick story I followed Bruce Hornsby in Virginia before he became famous in 1978 and in 1980 or so the Doobies were on an HBO special and Michael wore a Bruce Hornsby Band t-shirt long before Bruce was known. Michael seems so down to earth and humble and helps deserving musicians.
Bruce Hornsby talks about Michael McDonald being an early supporter on his excellent interview on Cory Wong's podcast.
Musicians tend to respect each other, so much more than fans do.
Bruce was in Ambrosia with David Pack in 1982
HE SUCKED SHIT BACK THEN AND HE SUCKS SHIT NOW. that sound RUINED music for two decades.
Dan. Mike helped me out with the bus fare home and a cigarette on the streets of a cold Chicago night in the late 70's. ty Sir
@@zachhoran Bruce was in Sheena Easton's band in a few videos about that time. Bruce's bassist Joe Puerta was with Ambrosia. Not sure Bruce ever was.
My wife and I have a running joke that Michael just hung out in studios back then and barged into sessions to try to get on the record. Patty LaBelle in there singing "On my own..." Michael barges in and says "Oh, no you're not, I'm going to be on this record too".
😂
😁😄😃😀 nice1
oh, yes I did ! And I use to drive everybody crazy with it when I was in the 7th grade, lol. Love me some Mike McD❤💯
Thanks Aimee!! Mike’s voice was even more pervasive than I realized!!
Michael McDonald is one of my favorite vocalists. His tone adds such character to anything he sings on.
Michael McDonald's is my all time favourite male voice in pop or rock, very closely followed by James Ingram, two giants in the Music Industry. Thank you for that.
Mine too 😊
@@joywright7297 , I get a renewed surprise every time I hear his voice. It never gets old.
@@gisele.1488 yep. that secret sauce
@@richiejohnson yep,👍👍
Same. He could sing the phone book and I'd love it
Michael’s vocals on “Ride like the win” is very little, but brings so much life! Imagine the song without his backing vocals, wouldn’t be the same song. “You belong to me” is a great song!
Perfect pitch - soulful unique baritone vocal ! Steely Dan - Doobie Bros -
Incredible fantastic songs in 70's -80's
Bravo Michael 👏
"What a fool believes " - Masterpiece !
😃🏆🙋♂️🎷
I love “What a Fool Believes” so much. Those changes and those harmonies are just ethereal. I remember reading Steve Lukather’s biography about how Michael McDonald nearly joined Toto, but ended up in the Doobie Brothers instead. Interesting to think about what might have been. Thanks for the video.
Whoa! Mike Masse. You, of course are blessed with a very fine voice, as well. Thanks for stopping by.
I love Michael McDonald but I'm a big Mike Massé fan too!
I recognize your name from your covers. I love that song too that's a great riff and the music is great. I think the words are amazing too. Really nail's down what happens to us all in a relationship. We want to believe in the face of the obvious.
Wish he had gone to Toto, they were already Yacht Rock. Instead, he denatured one of the best rock bands of the 70's. Just like Chicago, the Doobies lost their soul and went pop. They quit being the Doobie Brothers and became the Dubonnet Brothers.
@@cheesedude1733 OR from another point of view, went for a shit-kicking biker band (who had Angels as security when Mike joined) to an international best selling group who could play more than folk and country rock. I think if you asked Pat and Tom, they would agree that Mike lifted the Doobies to another level.... they have said it enough times over the years.
Mike McD is of few in their later career who still has it. Great nod to his keyboard chops. Brutally underreported
Yeah - try playing Minute by Minute sometime. Incredible.
@@trebleboost7 Saw Steely Dan recently, no Mikey McD. He’s touring with the Doobie’s. One of these days Im going to see the Dan with the McD…one of these days. A fool can believe…
It's only brutally underreported if you didn't live in the 70's-80's. Charlie Chaplin has been brutally underreported from the 1960's to the present.
Love love this guy
Just saw him a month ago on The Doobie Brothers 50th anniversary tour. He and they were fantastic.
I am so happy I got to witness Michael McDonald at the height of his success. He was/is amazing
I told my husband this!!! I heard him a few times on 40 Year Old Virgin and I got an ear for his voice. Now I can pick him out of any song. Heard him in Ride Like the Wind and had to confirm but damn did I get it right!
Thanks for the video. I feel so validated!
Him along with James Ingram and David Pack on "I Just Can't Let Go" is about as crazy a set of talented vocalists on one record that you'll ever find...all BIG voices that found a way to work together.
Great song
The same trio sings "Maria" on Pack's version of the West Side Story. Give it a listen.
@@azfrankie6542 - Know it and love it!
+1 on the David Pack reference!!
He
I thought I knew just about everything about Michael McDonald. I'm from his hometown (still live here), graduated from the same high school and started listening to him in the 70s as a kid. He is my fave solo American artist and I'm one lucky girl to have such a cool local connection to him. My family is obsessed and still play his music along with The Doobie Bros every week. My brother is attending their 50th anniversary show in Tampa this month!!! Michael is a legend and one of a kind...never get tired of listening to him.
St. Louis Stand Up!!
What a beautiful voice love his music
I was born in 1970 so yeah, Michael McDonald seemed like he was everywhere from Steely Dan to The Doobie Brothers, backing vocals with Christopher Cross on "Ride Like the Wind", and his solo work in the late 70's to the early 80's.
I love this so much! Michael really was everywhere back then, and it made every track he was on just that much better. His sound and the fat chords... they were delicious!
Ms. Nolte - huge props to you for presenting such a comprehensive overview of the stellar career of Michael McDonald! I've listened to those steely dan and doobie brothers songs literally thousands of times, and I agree with your analysis 100%. Mike has a totally unique tone, and a unique style, that any fan can pick out immediately. Absolutely a fan!
Yes!! Picking him out of the vocal mix is like a message from an old friend!
Christopher Cross .......he sang on some of his songs as well
This was brilliant, explaining the many roles Michael McDonald played over years that would be childhood or before for most watching this video. And how important Steely Dan was to his story and rock music as a whole over a long period of time. To me, Steely Dan is just so satisfying, total brain candy. And Michael just sells emotion being demanded by a song, love and pain.
@scottyo64 "..Such a long way to gooo.."
He’s my favorite. I always say Alexa play Micheal McDonald
cool to see people learning just how prolific michael mcdonald is...truly one of the greats!
I think anyone who was alive and listening to music at the time knew what MM was doing. His voice is unmistakable
Michael’s heart-rending breakup ballad “I Can Let Go Now” from his first solo album kills me every time. From the simple, repeated piano motif to the gorgeous string arrangement, and the way he sings “I was tossed high by love, almost never came down…” makes me weep inside.
wow! I know that song from bassist Nathan East, who finally released _his_ first solo album a few years ago. He recorded it with Sara Bareilles. 🎶 I hadn’t realized it was covered by so many artists until now.
The preceding track on Nathan’s album is a cover of Van Morrison’s “Moondance” featuring… Michael McDonald! 😁
My morning alarm is set to a Michael McDonald song (Playin by the Rules), and sometimes I just keep listening to the other songs. But more often than not I have to skip the song you refer to... It's too much. Hartwrenching.
Omgsh thank you for showing me this song. Might be my favorite thing I’ve ever heard him on!
@@AimeeNolte , you’re very welcome. I’m playing keyboards for a tribute show of McDonald, Loggins and Ingram music next month. (We wanted to throw David Pack/Ambrosia and Christopher Cross into the mix, but the show is only 90 minutes!) We won’t be covering “I Can Let Go Now”, but are looking forward to playing so many songs that MM was a part of.
I have two Michael related albums in my Apple Music library - the Doobie Brothers’ “Minute by Minute” and Michael’s “If that’s What it Takes”. Never get tired of listening to either of them!
His power is that when he sings one note, it sounds like a chord. So many overtones.
And when he's double tracked for a chord way up high, his vibratos are all in sync…what a talented singer…He's always been up there for me and I can easily pick him out in most songs. Well done video. Thanks.
I was just listening to Little Feat's "Red Streamliner," from their 1977 album "Time Loves a Hero," and realized the McDonald sang background vocals! Indeed, everywhere!
Around a month ago, I was listening to 'This is It' on Spotify and thought to myself how many times Michael McDonald had been credited with his voice in so many songs in the past. Growing up in the late 70's and early 80's, I was familiar with his music from my mom's record player. So here I am on RUclips scrolling for vids and the algorithm miraculously pulls up this vid! PERFECT TIMING AND PERFECT VIDEO for a crash course for everything that MM has touched in his life. Your research was on the money, and your description of his voice and talent was kind and insightful. A really wonderful dive into his work but you made it shine on this history lesson that was really thought-out!. Great work!
I don't know if you've read Ted Templeman's book, but in it he talked a lot about Michael McDonald saying that when he got the call from the Doobie Brothers that he was living in a garage because he'd been kicked out of apartments because he was ALWAYS practicing and playing his Fender Rhodes at full volume. A great book about an amazing producer with a lot of insights.
I remember hearing an interview with MM many years back in which he said that much of the late 70s and 80s were a blur because he was in such high demand for background vocals. He claimed that at least half the time he didn't even know which city he was in.
Great video, Aimee!! Thank you!
Wow that’s amazing! Thanks for sharing Jim!
I never liked that kind of singing it was much better before McDonald .Steely Dan is a much better fit,, for McDonald.
I agree with Jesus, they should have left him in the garage. Michael McDonald ruined the Doobie Brothers.
@@tommyrottn-oh man that hurts! Differences in musical tastes, though. ✌🏼
Michael M's voice was like a musical instrument.. like a Rhodes keyboard totally unique. That unforgettable sound, hear it once and you're hooked.
Michael’s voice is simply GORGEOUS!!! He does have the sauce!
OMG, you are absolutely amazing. You totally echoed what I have been saying about that Dupree track in conjunction with Mcdonald. I'm a trained speech level singer in Canada. What a breath of fresh air you are! Your husband is a lucky man! 😊
Just got done running spot for the Doobie Brothers in West Palm Beach, FL. The place was packed and they put on a wonderful show. Everyone played a great show. My spot was on Tommy who was awesome. It was so great to finally hear the great Michael McDonald in person. What a golden voice!
Thanks for this spot on video!
Hearing him say he was good friends with Jeff Porcaro (Toto) and got him connected with Steely Dan was interesting and very cool. Jeff is another one that you heard on many people's hit records except it was drumming and not singing. Boz Scagg's Lowdown, Steely Dan's FM and Michael McDonald's I Keep Forgettin' are just a few of the many tracks Jeff Played on outside of Toto. Lost way too soon.
Indeed. The list hit records and big name artists he's played with is mind boggling.
I remember him as vocalist in I'll be over you with Toto,great voice 😍
Listening to Silk Degrees I was drawn to the drumming…. not pretentious, not flamboyant or self promoting but tight as hell, with just enough riffing to keep it real interesting, always in service to the song. What a great drummer!
@@neriozulberti1492 that was Steve Lukather
@@henryavelino8396 sorry Michael was background vocal
Aimee,every time I come to your channel Im thinking to myself "I'm only going be here for a minute or two " but I end up being here for hours, thanks for the great work!
You're the best!
He has always been the best of the best in my book!
I had the privilege of being in a gospel choir as part of Peabo Bryson's Colors of Christmas annual concert tour. Michael was one of the featured soloists in the show. We took photos with him backstage after the show. He was so unbelievably humble! "You want your picture taken with ME?!" At the time, I had no idea how truly big he was. I KNOW NOW!!!
I really love Michael McDonald with the Doobie Brothers. The Doobie Brothers are a unique band that they've had two different sounds that are really good!
You are an excellent presenter with a lovely voice and you are very thorough. I love how you insert a short clip of each song you are referencing so the viewer can go "Ahhh, yes, I remember that great song!". All theses artists are what I grew up listening to and love to this day. Liked and subbed!
I was a fan of the Tom Johnston Doobie Brothers from the beginning and their first hit ‘Listen to the Music”. When Michael McDonald joined the band for ‘Takin it to the Streets’, I thought “hmmm🤔…this is pretty good”. Upon the release of ‘Minute by Minute’, which literally took over the FM airwaves, I knew they had become something very special. Joining forces with Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins, Patti Labelle, Nicolette Larson, Toto, Little Feat, James Ingram, Elton John (the list goes on…) over the years, Michael McDonald’s contribution to the soundtrack of that era is unmatched!
Aimee it cracks me up in a good way to see a person from the younger generation really get Michael McDonald and the music of the 70’s and 80’s. There will never be a time like that again, but maybe, if enough people of this generation begin listening to that era, who knows what may be. I really enjoyed your video. 🙂
I worked for Hall & Oates when they did a summer tour with him in 2003 or 4? Amaaaazing shows. He is truly the nicest man. No ego. I just love him to death. 🥰
What a great collab. I'd have loved to see this.
Thanks for this video. I listened to Michael McDonald growing up in the 80’s then forgot about him in the 90’s and rediscovered him in the 2020’s. Never knew he was so prolific 🙏
Michael McDonald is truly a pioneering, artful, tasteful treasure of a singer, musician. In a class by himself!
I love this man. I just saw him with the Doobie Brothers last month! Awesome show!
I as well. Definitely recommend the 50th Anniversary Tour they are doing right now.
Just saw the Doobies in West Palm Beach and I thought it was awesome.
I have downloaded almost every McDonald song, whether it was with Chris Cross, Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins, Robby Dupree, plus his Doobie stuff and his solo albums. Anytime I heard that high pitched wail, I grabbed it. Keep this Train Rollin' is a favorite of mine from One Step Closer, Doobies. Great tribute video to MM.
I would love that playlist.
Michael Mac Donald always my favorite. Truly a genius!
Thank you so much for putting this wonderful story together. I have loved Michael's music all my adult life and continue to enjoy him daily. I wish I could thank Michael for putting a smile on my face every day with his voice and his music.
This is an insanely well done video.
You could usually tell when MM was backing an artist! I recall hearing What A Fool Believes in 1979 and could not get enough of that song. I saw The Doobies with and without Michael. Fabulous band...
He is one of my all-time fav's!! The voice of today will NEVER match what we once had back then...