Michael McDonald
b. 1952, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Following his departure from the Doobie Brothersin 1982, McDonald, the former Steely Dan keyboard player, embarked on a popular solo career. He had already won a Grammy for his song, co-written with Kenny Loggins, What A Fool Believes, but during the '80s he had his compositions recorded by a plethora of artists, including Aretha Franklin, Millie Jacksonand Carly Simon. He almost made the top of the US charts in 1982 with his soulful I Keep Forgettin (Every Time You're Near)’. It is not often that a white singer is able to write and sing black soul music with conviction and integrity. His Yah Mo B There, recorded with James Ingram in 1984, is a modern soul classic. The 1985 NO LOOKIN’ BACKWAS a dance favourite, shortly to be followed by his epic number 1 hit with Patti LaBelle, On My Own. During that year, he scored an international hit with the theme from RUNNING SCARED, the graceful Sweet Freedom. McDonald has one of the best voices in modern soul/rock; it is effortless and powerful. Additionally he has honed his ability in order to become a major songwriter, but can be accused of selling himself short.