Michael Mcdonald Net Worth In 2023, Birthday, Age, Wife And Kids
American singer-songwriter and musician Michael McDonald is renowned for the Grammy-winning songs he wrote and performed with the Doobie Brothers. Since the 1980s, he has had success as a solo artist, and his career is still flourishing today. We shall examine Michael McDonald net worth, biography, height, and earnings in this post.
Author:Alex MercerReviewer:Nathanial BlackwoodSep 22, 202316.7K Shares329.3K Views
American singer-songwriter and musician Michael McDonald is renowned for the Grammy-winning songs he wrote and performed with the Doobie Brothers. Since the 1980s, he has had success as a solo artist, and his career is still flourishing today. We shall examineMichael McDonald net worth, biography, height, and earnings in this post.
Quick Facts About Michael Mcdonald
| Name | Michael Mcdonald |
| Date Of Birth | Feb 12, 1952 |
| Place Of Birth | St. Louis |
| Gender | Male |
| Profession | Singer, Drummer, Keyboard Player, Songwriter |
| Nationality | United States of America |
| Net Worth | $50 Million |
Early Life
On February 12, 1952, Michael McDonald was born in the St. Louis neighborhood of Ferguson, Missouri. He participated in local bands while attending McCluer High School, including Mike and the Majestics, Jerry Jay and the Sheratons, and The Guild. After being recognized while performing with the band Blue, he relocated to Los Angeles in 1970 to pursue a career in music.
Steely Dan
In 1974, McDonald joined Steely Dan's touring group as a lead and backup vocalist. He joined the band as one of several in-studio auxiliary musicians and sang backup vocals to many songs on Steely Dan's 1975 album "Katy Lied." He appears on the albums "The Royal Scam" from 1976 and "Aja" from 1977, both of which included keyboards on a few of the songs. He remained the band's backup singer until the 1980 release of "Gaucho." Michael accompanied Steely Dan on their summer tour in 2006 as both an opener and a band member.
The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers, a rock band, hired McDonald in 1975. After their main singer Tom Johnston became sick during a tour, they first brought in McDonald as a temporary substitute, but they decided to keep him on as a full-time member after seeing how well he performed.
Many of the band's most well-known songs, including the successes "Takin' It to the Streets," "Real Love," "Little Darling," "It Keeps You Runnin'," "Minute by Minute," and "What a Fool Believes," which reached No. 1 in the U.S., had McDonald on lead vocals. In addition, he performed with several musicians who were well-known at the time, such as Kenny Loggins, Toto, and Bonnie Raitt, as a session singer and pianist.
Around this time, McDonald collaborated with Carly Simon to write the song "You Belong to Me". After The Doobie Brothers' first breakup in 1982, McDonald reconnected with the group many times as a guest performer. McDonald made an appearance in 2010 on the group's 13th studio album, "World Gone Crazy." He collaborated with them in March 2014 on a new album that included the Doobies' 40-year career's biggest hits. The "SouthBound" album, the group's 14th studio album, was released in November 2014.
Solo Career
With the release of his first album "If That's What It Takes" in the early 1980s, McDonald began a solo career after the conclusion of the Doobie Brothers' first farewell tour. The album included the number-one singles "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)" and "I Gotta Try." Throughout this time, he continued to work with other musicians, contributing to the top-20 smash "I'll Wait" by Van Halen in 1984. He released "No Lookin' Back," his second studio album, in 1985.
He had co-produced and either co-authored or written all of the tunes alone for the first time in his solo career. A small success, co-written by Kenny Loggins, was the title song. The album "No Lookin' Back" had not been very successful by 1986, but McDonald had a tremendous hit with the release of the song "Sweet Freedom." The single, which was McDonald's last top-10 smash on the Billboard Hot 100, was included on the soundtrack for the movie "Running Scared."
In addition to his smash single "On My Own," a duet with Patti Labelle that reached No. 1 on the U.S. charts in 1986, he also re-released "No Lookin' Back" with several tracks that had been remixed. Later on in the year, McDonald contributed backup vocals to Toto's album "Fahrenheit," singing on the top-charting song "I'll Be Over You." McDonald's third studio album, "Take it to Heart," was released in 1990. He made a duet with Aretha Franklin called "Ever Changing Times" available as a single in 1991.
Trey Parker's humorous ballad "Eyes of a Child" was sung by McDonald in 1999 for the "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut" closing credits. Additionally, he has had appearances on both "30 Rock" and "The Young and the Restless." McDonald received two Grammy nominations in 2003 for his album "Motown," an homage to Motown music. "Motown 2" was published in 2004.
He published another collection of covers in 2008 called "Soul Speak." With regard to the underpayment of royalties from internet sales, McDonald and Warner Music reached an out-of-court settlement in 2013. The rock group Toto and Michael co-headlined a U.S. tour the following year. He collaborated once again with Kenny Loggins in 2017 on the song "Show You the Way" by Thundercat from the album "Drunk."
McDonald later that year released his 10th studio album, "Wide Open." He contributed vocals as a guest performer to Barbra Streisand's 2018 rendition of "What the World Needs Now." He has received five Grammys, including the Song of the Year and Record of the Year awards for "What a Fool Believes" and "Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal" for "Yah Mo B There" in 1984. He collaborated with musicians including Jack Jones, Van Halen, Patti LaBelle, Carly Simon, and Bonnie Raitt during his career.
Michael Mcdonald Wife
Michael McDonald, the American singer and songwriter, is married to his wife, Amy Holland. Amy Holland is also a singer and songwriter. The couple has been married since 1983 and has worked together on various musical projects.
Michael Mcdonald Kids
Since 1983, Michael McDonald has been wed to Amy Holland. Together, they have two kids: Dylan (born in 1987) and Scarlett (born in 1991). Holland and McDonald are Nashville, Tennessee residents.
Michael Mcdonald Net Worth
Michael McDonald is said to have a net worth of around $40 million. His lucrative career in the music business has allowed him to amass his money. In addition to being nominated for several prizes, including six Grammy prizes, he has sold millions of CDs worldwide. Additionally, he has made money through his live concerts and other musical endeavors.
Coming To Fame
In 1974, McDonald became well-known after becoming the main vocalist for Steely Dan's touring band. 1975's Katy Lied, 1976's The Royal Scam, 1977's Aja, and 1980's Gaucho all included Michael's vocals. On a few songs the band recorded, he also played piano. He was employed by The Doobie Brothers in 1975 to take Tom Johnston's position as their bands' main singer.
After the band's 1975 tours were a big success, Michael joined the group permanently and contributed to the writing of several of their popular songs, including Takin' It to the Streets, Little Darling (I Need You), It Keeps You Runnin', and Minute by Minute. The Grammy Award for Song of the Year was given to McDonald in 1980 for his number-one hit, "What a Fool Believes."
Michael Mcdonald Awards
Michael McDonald's talent and contributions to the music industry have been recognized with various awards and honors throughout his career. He has won several Grammy Awards both as a solo artist and as a member of The Doobie Brothers. Notable Grammy wins include "Record of the Year" (as a co-writer of "What a Fool Believes" with Kenny Loggins) and "Album of the Year" (as a member of The Doobie Brothers for "Minute by Minute") in 1980, as well as "Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals" for "Yah Mo B There" with James Ingram in 1984.
In 2002, Michael McDonald received an honorary doctorate from Berklee Collegeof Music, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the music industry. He was also awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004 for his achievements in the recording industry. In 2007, he received the SESAC Legacy Award for his role in shaping American music and his accomplishments as a songwriter and artist.
Further solidifying his impact on music, McDonald was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2015. These awards and honors reflect his enduring musical career and the significant mark he has left on the music industry.
Interesting Facts About Michael Mcdonald
- Before his solo career, McDonald was a key member of Steely Dan, contributing vocals and keyboard work to albums like "Aja."
- His time with The Doobie Brothers brought him fame, with hits like "What a Fool Believes" and "Takin' It to the Streets."
- McDonald secured five Grammy Awards, including Record and Song of the Year for "What a Fool Believes."
- His solo work often blends smooth jazz elements, showcasing his genre-blending talents.
- Apart from his solo work, McDonald's voice and keyboard skills were in demand for artists like Kenny Loggins and Toto.
- His recognizable salt-and-pepper beard has become an iconic part of his image.
- Possessing an impressive vocal range, McDonald can convey a wide array of emotions in his performances.
- His music has been featured in soundtracks for movies like "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and TV shows like "South Park."
- McDonald collaborated with a diverse range of artists, from Kenny Rogers to Aretha Franklin.
- He participated in charitable efforts like "We Are the World" in 1985 to raise funds for African famine relief.
- His 2017 duets album "Wide Open" showcased collaborations with artists such as Warren Haynes and Branford Marsalis.
- McDonald's songwriting talent is evident in hits he co-wrote, blending memorable melodies and poignant lyrics.
- Contemporary artists continue to be influenced by his unique style and vocal prowess.
- Beyond his group successes, McDonald's solo career also brought hits like "I Keep Forgettin'" and "Sweet Freedom."
Michael McDonald Was EVERYWHERE In The 70s and 80s
People Also Ask
What Unique Feature Has Become A Trademark Of Michael McDonald's Appearance?
Michael McDonald's salt-and-pepper beard has become a recognizable and iconic feature of his image.
How Did Michael McDonald Contribute To The Famous Song "What A Fool Believes"?
Michael McDonald co-wrote "What a Fool Believes" with Kenny Loggins and provided his distinctive vocals to the song, contributing significantly to its success.
Which Genre Is Often Associated With Michael McDonald's Solo Work?
Michael McDonald's solo work is often associated with the smooth jazz genre, showcasing his ability to infuse different musical styles.
What Was The Title Of Michael McDonald's Duets Album Released In 2017, And Who Were Some Of The Artists He Collaborated With?
Michael McDonald released the duets album "Wide Open" in 2017, collaborating with artists like Warren Haynes, Branford Marsalis, and Robben Ford.
How Did Michael McDonald's Involvement In Steely Dan Contribute To His Music Career?
Michael McDonald's work as a session musician and backing vocalist for Steely Dan exposed him to a wider audience and helped shape his musical style before his solo and Doobie Brothers career.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Michael McDonald is a multifaceted musical talent whose career spans decades and genres. From his early influences and contributions to iconic bands like Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers, to his successful solo endeavors, McDonald's impact on the music industry is undeniable.
His signature salt-and-pepper beard and distinct vocal style have made him a recognizable figure, while his collaborative efforts with various artists showcase his versatility. His timeless hits, like "What a Fool Believes," have earned him Grammy Awards and continue to resonate with audiences. Beyond his musical achievements, McDonald's philanthropic contributions and lasting influence on contemporary artists demonstrate the profound mark he has left on the world of music.
Alex Mercer
Author
Alex Mercer is a seasoned author and analyst specializing in wealth research, with a keen focus on evaluating the net worth of individuals across various industries. With over a decade of experience in financial analysis and wealth assessment, Alex has developed a nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to an individual's financial status, from investments and assets to market trends and economic policies. His work involves in-depth reviews and analyses, providing insightful observations on wealth accumulation, management strategies, and the socio-economic implications of wealth distribution.
Throughout his career, Alex has become known for his ability to distill complex financial data into understandable and engaging narratives, making the subject of wealth and net worth accessible to a broad audience. His expertise is not just in numbers but in telling the stories behind them, highlighting the journeys, strategies, and decisions that lead to financial success or challenges. Alex's contributions to the field of wealth research are valuable resources for anyone looking to understand the dynamics of wealth in today's world, offering a unique perspective that bridges the gap between financial analysis and human interest.
Nathanial Blackwood
Reviewer
Nathanial (Nate) Blackwood is a distinguished financial journalist with a decade of experience in net worth analysis. He holds an Economics degree from the University of Finance and a Data Analysis certification, enabling him to blend thorough insights with engaging storytelling. Nate is known for making complex financial information accessible to a wide audience, earning acclaim for his precise and reader-friendly analyses. Beyond his writing, Nate is dedicated to financial literacy, actively participating in educational forums and workshops.
He is the founder of PureNetWealth, a platform that demystifies the financial achievements of public figures by exploring the strategies and decisions behind their fortunes. Nate's work bridges the gap between intricate economic concepts and the general public, inspiring a deeper understanding of wealth dynamics. Follow Nathanial Blackwood for essential insights into the financial narratives shaping our world.
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