Michael McDonald brought his legendary singing voice and songwriting talent to not one but two legendary bands: Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers, the latter of which earned him a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Michael sits 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; his solo career; what he thinks of the term “yacht rock”; and how getting sober saved his life.

Michael’s memoir is called “What a Fool Believes”. You can buy it here.

Links from the show:

I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near) music video
Warren G: Regulate music video
What a Fool Believes music video
Sweet Freedom (1986)
Michael talking about singing on Steely Dan’s “Peg”
Rick Moranis SCTV sketch about Michael
Three Michael McDonalds Sing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” (w/ Jimmy Fallon & Justin Timberlake): Tonight Show
Family Guy having fun with Michael’s famous backing vocals
Michael’s Instagram
Michael’s Facebook page
Michael’s memoir, “What a Fool Believes”

See all our episodes – including conversations with Tom Hanks, Jason Sudeikis, Bjork, and many more – at TheGreatCreators.com.

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Michael McDonald: I Went from “Couch Surfing” to Playing Arenas… in Just a Few Days! 01:08:38 Share

The Great Creators with Guy Raz

Shownotes Transcript

Michael McDonald: I Went from “Couch Surfing” to Playing Arenas… in Just a Few Days!