Michael McDonald Set for August Concert

It’s easy to recognize the voice of Michael McDonald. Distinctive and soulful, it is one of the most yearningly emotive instruments of our time. To this add formidable songwriting and keyboard skills, and you have an artist who has been a singular musical presence for four decades. From 1970s-era Doobie Brothers classics such as “What A Fool Believes” to solo hits like “I Keep Forgettin’,” the five-time Grammy-winning McDonald is that rare thing in contemporary pop — an artist whose work is both timeless and ever-evolving.

Born into a musical family in St. Louis in 1952, Michael started singing when he was four years old. After tinkering with banjo and guitar, he found his true passion at the piano. Soon he was writing his first songs and doing the time-honored apprenticeship with bands in the family garage. Determined to pursue music full-time, McDonald moved to L.A. in the early 70s, where he honed his skills as a session musician and singer.

That soon led to an invitation to join Steely Dan. Over the course of four classic albums, from Katy Lied to Gaucho, McDonald became an integral part of the group’s sound, singing background vocals on staples like “Black Friday” and “Peg.”

In the mid-1970s, McDonald joined The Doobie Brothers, helping the band redefine their funky R&B sound as a singer, keyboardist and songwriter on such Top 40 singles as “Takin’ It To The Streets,” “It Keeps You Runnin’,” “Minute By Minute,” and “What A Fool Believes.”

With a career that encompasses five Grammys, numerous chart successes, personal and professional accolades, as well as collaborations with some of the world’s most prominent artists, Michael McDonald remains an enduring force in popular music.

Michael McDonald — Monday, August 19 — Purchase tickets here