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

The Great Creators with Guy Raz

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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