“I grew up in the era where everybody wanted to sing like Mitch Ryder and James Brown. And I did, too. But I learned real quick that it hurts after a while.”

American singer, keyboardist, and songwriter

Michael McDonald is an American singer, keyboardist, and songwriter. He is known for his distinctive, soulful voice and for his work with Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers. He sang backing vocals for Steely Dan from 1973 to 1980, then became a lead vocalist and keyboardist for the Doobie Brothers across several periods. With the band, he wrote and sang hits including "What a Fool Believes," "Minute by Minute," "Takin' It to the Streets," "Real Love," and "It Keeps You Runnin'." He has also been a sought-after backing vocalist for artists such as Toto, Christopher Cross, and Kenny Loggins.