He Went from “Couch Surfing” to Playing Arenas in Just a Few Days!

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Michael McDonald lent his legendary singing voice to not one but TWO great bands: Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer sat down with Guy to talk about writing classic songs on envelopes and forgetting about them for years; feeling self-conscious on stage as a frontman; what he thinks of the label “yacht rock”; and how getting sober saved his life.
Michael’s memoir is called “What a Fool Believes”. You can buy it here: www.harpercollins.com/product...
Listen to this episode on the go:
🟣Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
🟢Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/218B...
(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:03) - Growing up in Ferguson
(00:06:34) - St. Louis music culture
(00:10:36) - Discovering his voice
(00:16:47) - Recording offer at 18
(00:26:44) - Joining Steely Dan
(00:38:03) - The Doobie Brothers
(00:57:13) - The Doobie Brothers splits, going solo
(01:05:32) - Addiction and recovery
(01:12:59) - Taking years to finish songs
(01:22:49) - “Yacht rock”
(01:26:51) - Michael's legacy?
Mentioned in this episode:
• I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near) music video - • Michael McDonald - I K...
• Warren G: Regulate music video - • Warren G - Regulate (O...
• What a Fool Believes music video - • The Doobie Brothers - ...
• Sweet Freedom (1986) - • Michael McDonald - Swe...
• Michael talking about singing on Steely Dan’s “Peg” - • Steely Dan--Michael Mc...
• Rick Moranis SCTV sketch about Michael - • Rare footage of Michae...
• Three Michael McDonalds Sing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” (w/ Jimmy Fallon & Justin Timberlake): Tonight Show - • Three Michael McDonald...
• Family Guy having fun with Michael’s famous backing vocals - • Family Guy - Michael M...
• Michael’s Instagram - / michaelmcdonaldofficial
• Michael’s Facebook page - / themichaelmcdonald
• Michael’s memoir, “What a Fool Believes” - www.harpercollins.com/product...
Connect with Michael:
• 💻Website www.michaelmcdonald.com/
• 📺TH-cam: / michaelmcdonaldvideo
• 📸Instagram: / michaelmcdonaldofficial
Connect with us:
•💻Website: TheGreatCreators.com
•📸Instagram: / thegreatcreatorspodcast and / guy.raz
• 🎵TikTok: / guyraz

[@kennewton7518]

Michael McDonald is a legend and an icon to all genres of music. Rock, soul , jazz and blues

[@brendakronberg345]

I was very impressed with Guy. Michael is doing many interviews to promote his book. Guy is persistent in asking Michael about his feelings on personal issues. In response, Michael mumbled a bit but revealed his joys and sorrows which seemed very truthful. Sometimes, answers are not easy to communicate or share with strangers but Michael was amazing. I learned a lot about him as he would share his stories. I eagerly read his book in two days. I was really moved by his (or Paul’s) words. Great job Roz. I enjoyed your interview.

[@lpines8891]

His music was my world in the 70s through today. Read his memoir last week and was not aware of his challenges through life.

[@mattspokane]

Salt of the earth guy.
When I was stationed in the Navy in Guam, around 1990, the Doobie Brothers came and performed not only on the base but on the small peninsula separate from the rest of the base where my ship was stationed. They set up a stage on the tiny beach from which I used to windsurf.
They even made their entrance via speedboat. I suspect that Michael McDonald had something to do with going to such a remote place and orienting it around a military base. It wasn't just for the military. I believe it was open to the public.
And you know what: I didn't freaking get tickets and missed it. 🙂 one of the few regrets of my life. 🙂 but I did learn not to pass up opportunities like that again. And I heard all about how wonderful it was from my friends.

[@GovernorSilver]

Navy veteran Michael Hossack was probably back in the Doobie Brothers by 1990. Also, it was a benefit tour for Vietnam vets that brought the Doobies back together for a reunion tour in 1987.

[@user-yj7iq6um8g]

That was a great interview, thank you so much. I always enjoy hearing Michael speak of all his life experiences I can relate, he is very personable.

[@jefferyburton1518]

MUSICAL GENIUS

[@sung5087]

wht doesn't he have a lot of subscribers? He deserves at least 100k.

[@pamelaoldham1298]

What a humble artist. Love Michael!

[@thenerktwins]

What's up with the filter on Guy's face?