b. 2 December 1952, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Michael McDonald has one of the most powerful voices in soul and rock. For a period in the 80s he also became a major, although not always completely consistent, hit songwriter.

He recorded an abortive solo session for Bell Records in the early 70s,

Vocalist with Steely Dan and as a member of the Doobie Brothers. McDonald was instrumental in steering the latter's sound towards highly commercial soul-based rock.
Following his departure from the Doobie Brothers in 1982, McDonald embarked on a popular solo career. He had already won a Grammy for the Doobie Brothers hit, co-written with Loggins, Kenny, 'What A Fool Believes', but during the 80s he had his compositions recorded by numerous artists, including Franklin, Aretha, Jackson, Millie and Simon, Carly.

He almost made the top of the US charts in 1982 with the soulful 'I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near), including Jeff Porcaro.

'Yah Mo B There', recorded with James Ingram in 1984 was on the top of the charts.

In 1985 "No Lookin' Back" was a dance favourite.

In 1986, the faboulous duet with Patti LaBelle "On My Own" (including Carlos Vega) was one of the romantics song of the year. During that year, he enjoyed an international hit with the theme from the movie Running Scared (Gregory hines and Billy Crystal), the graceful 'Sweet Freedom'.

His commercial profile declined in the 90s and with Reprise Records losing interest he joined the re-formed Doobie Brothers.

In 1999, McDonald inaugurated the Ramp Records label with the support of actor Jeff Bridges and Chris Pelonis. The following February he released Blue Obsession, an album originally scheduled for release on his old label.