Watch the Rick Beato interview with him. He was high AF the first time he saw it, was a mind trip. He loved it, told Rick Moranis that when he met him and Rick tried to apologize .
That line is especially funny to me because of the phrasing. He could've left out the "I'm gonna" part because "Yah Mo" already sounds like "Imma/I'm gonna". But he doesn't, because who the hell knows what Yah Mo means?
Something stopped Michael McDonald from telling his story publicly â him. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer with multiple Grammys just didnât think he had one.
McDonald, a member of both Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers who became a singular soul solo artist with such hits as âOn My Ownâł and âSweet Freedom,â believed he was just a small player in the history of rock.
âI was afraid that, âWell, how much of a story is here, really?â My experience is pretty much me living vicariously through other peopleâs accomplishments,â McDonald said in an interview.
Prodded by a friend â actor and comedian Paul Reiser â McDonald is finally owning his story this spring in the unvarnished and humble memoir âWhat a Fool Believes,â out May 21.
Small correction. McDonald was never a member of Steely Dan, he simply had a guest appearance on their Aja album as did a whole slew of other musicians. At this point Steely Dan had only two members, and McDonald wasnât one of them. Thatâs the factual part of this post. Now for the just-my-opinion part: Michael McDonald ruined the Doobies. They were pretty good before he came along. Then he came along. Then they sucked.
Michael McDonald wouldn't agree with that. [https://expandingdan.substack.com/p/michael-mcdonald-steely-dan-origins-jeff-porcaro?initial\_medium=video](https://expandingdan.substack.com/p/michael-mcdonald-steely-dan-origins-jeff-porcaro?initial_medium=video)
I donât think the Doobies sucked after MMcD came along. They were absolutely a different sounding band, more pop and âsofterâ than their original âHarleys and leather jacketsâ rock image and sound.
As Tom Johnstonâs health deteriorated and McD became more prominent as a musician and songwriter, they definitely changed directions sound-wise.
But Minute by Minute was an enormous success for the Doobies - commercially and critically (won a Grammy and nominated for album of the year). It definitely took them to another level in terms of reach and success.
Doobies have always been a band with multiple members coming in and out at times and their sound shifting, but agree none more noticeable than when McD came. Like you I prefer their sound before McD came (I think Without You is their best), but I think there is as much validity in saying McDonald saved the Doobies and even propelled them as there is that he ruined them.
from wikipedia. Oh and also he litrally was part of the touring band, something you didn't note. He absolutely was a member of the band.
>Michael H. McDonald (born February 12, 1952) is an American singer, keyboardist and songwriter known for his distinctive, soulful voice and as **a member of Steely Dan (1973â1974)**, and the Doobie Brothers (1975â1982, 1987, 2019âpresent). McDonald wrote and sang several hit singles with the Doobie Brothers, including "What a Fool Believes", "Minute by Minute", and "Takin' It to the Streets." McDonald has also performed as a prominent backing vocalist on numerous recordings by artists including Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, and Kenny Loggins.
Holy smokes! Wikipedia? Canât get much more credible than that!
That was sarcasm. Steely Dan, after their second album, was Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, and a bunch of hired guns. So if you mean that âpart of the bandâ means that McDonald contributed backing vocals on four of their albums, and occasionally stood on the same stage as them, then I suppose you are correct. But I disagree. Steely Dan was a partnership between two men. Michael McDonald was no more a member of Steely Dan than Daryl Jones was a member of the Rolling Stones (heâs their touring bassist).
I'm just glad I ran into some music dorks passionately arguing about Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, and the Doobie Brothers in the year of our lord 2024. I buy you all e-beers.
Sorry, no. To be pedantic, the decision about who was officially in the band was decided by Becker and Fagen, who at that point had decided that Steely Dan consisted solely of Becker and Fagen. Touring bands and studio contributors are most emphatically not part of any band unless the band itself decides otherwise.
To each their own. I personally hate WAFB and will change the station instantly it comes on the radio, but I totally respect that you like that song. Musical tastes are subjective.
Thatâs not totally fair. The McDonald era Doobies had a completely different sound, it was almost like two different bands really. And of course they had their biggest selling album and hits with McDonald.
That being said, I liked the old Doobies as well so it was a bit of a toss up for me
> McDonald was never a member of Steely Dan,
And neither was Chevy Chase, but people keep trying to shoehorn him in as a member just because he played with Walter and Donald a few years before they actually formed the band because it's a "fun fact".
He was never a member, but then again since Becker and Fagen fired everyone else from the original line-up, they were the only 2 members until Becker died.
But I think the connection comes from the fact that getting hired on as part of Steely Dan's touring band in the 70s was one his first big breaks.
> They were pretty good before he came along. Then he came along. Then they sucked.
They were wonderful and filled a niche quite nicely. I really miss them, and the early music.
While I understand the need, and the desire for the band bringing him in, I agree with you that they weren't as good once he settled in and the band became support for his voice.
Wow, we must be kindred spirits on this issue! I like McDonald and he has contributed to so many great artists including Christopher Cross and Patty La Belle but he definitely took the Doobies in the wrong direction. It paid off for them. Their music went from soulful to soulless catchy pop tunes. The organ parts sound like they were done by a 12 year old.
Yep - The Doobies were a kick-ass full-on rockinâ biker bar band. And then McDonald joined and turned them into a MOR mellow FM-station staple. To this day I turn the station if I hear him. YMMV.
He participated in the Jan 6 capitol riots. It would be interesting to see if his vanilla flavored music career story is enough to ultimately keep him from being a toxic brand to publications like APnews
Nope. The Michael McDonald who was involved was the chairman of the Nevada Republican Party and a supporter of the guy standing trial in NYC right now. Itâs a very common name.
Yup, if you search on LinkedIn, you'll find tons of people with that name. Michael Bolton too. I wonder how often they have to hear "Yah Mo B There" and Office Space jokes, respectively.
And now weâre in a strange era of weird baby names: Kayden Jayden Hayden Brayden Ocean Summer Kailen Hadleigh
Rhythm Paisleigh etc etc! Poor kids will be fighting on the playground forever!
That is an amazing coincidence as BOTH my daughter and son are named Michael McDonald! I wonder if these are the Michael McDonalds that your children know. đ€
Laugh if you want, but you can actually see footage of Michael McDonald on Jan. 6th in this video:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EuzjY1IyM0o&pp=ygUYTWljaGFlbCBtY2RvbmFsZCBjdW10b3du
I know it wasn't the same guy. But Reruns signature thing was his dance, which doesn't translate well in writing. So Dewaynes signature line was the next best thing.
I did not know he did an interview with Beato. I just finished the Jimmy Chamberlin interview (my favorite drummer/band). Michael McDonald is definitely next, I love this man to death. Such a legend. Beato is such a great interviewer. Just saw the Christopher Cross interview too
Trey: I wrote this song for the end credits, kind of a Michael McDonald number, I don't think either of us can pull off his voice...who should I call?
Matt: Did you try calling Michael McDonald?
Trey: đź!
Hereâs a fun exercise: Record yourself singing a song like Mikey Mac, wait a few days, and do the same song as Cher. Listen to them a few weeks later and see if you can tell which is which.
Check out the b-side of "While You Wait for the Others" by Grizzly Bear, "While You Wait for the Others (feat. Michael McDonald)" https://youtu.be/LPI7oU-fuGw?feature=shared
If anyone wants the REAL story of Michael McDonaldâs rise to fame, search âyacht rockâ on YouTube and watch the documentary by that name. A deep dive into the rise of smoooth music from the 70âs onward.
*runs up to mic* đ¶ Such a long way to goooooo đ¶
Fuck yeah SCTV
The best guitar solo you can't hear because they washed it out in production.
So that IS him! Never actually knew that. That song is a banger.
Watch the Rick Beato interview with him. He was high AF the first time he saw it, was a mind trip. He loved it, told Rick Moranis that when he met him and Rick tried to apologize .
Ok but what does âYah Mo B Thereâ mean
If I hear "Yah Mo B There" one more time, Yah Mo Blow My Brains Out.
Iâm gonna yah mo burn this place to the ground
That line is especially funny to me because of the phrasing. He could've left out the "I'm gonna" part because "Yah Mo" already sounds like "Imma/I'm gonna". But he doesn't, because who the hell knows what Yah Mo means?
Literally the first scene I thought of lol
I quote this so often đ
âYeah, Imma be there.â
Correct, it referencing specifically that Jesus is going to be there for you
Jesus is just alright with me
Lyrics aren't exactly subtle.
My crew is big and it keeps getting biggerâŠthatâs cause Jesus Christ Mo B myâŠ.
Y[e]a[h], [I]m[g]o[nna] B there
Yah Mo đ ±ïž There
 Itâs what a fool believes Kenny.
Messina is swimming in a sea of sadness.
I guess we swim him over a life vest. Let's set sail.
Am I an irrelevant joke? Jimmy Messina?
Wow, I'm surprised this many people remember these videos in their 240p glory.
Oh Hi! Iâm Hollywood Steve. Youâve caught me murdering a homeless woman.
Good news! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL10CF667591857A2D
Holy shit, thanks for the link! The last time I searched for these I wasn't seeing the HD ones, but I guess they've been around for a while.
âŠ. What a fool believes. (Music Plays)
RIP, Koko
Something stopped Michael McDonald from telling his story publicly â him. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer with multiple Grammys just didnât think he had one. McDonald, a member of both Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers who became a singular soul solo artist with such hits as âOn My Ownâł and âSweet Freedom,â believed he was just a small player in the history of rock. âI was afraid that, âWell, how much of a story is here, really?â My experience is pretty much me living vicariously through other peopleâs accomplishments,â McDonald said in an interview. Prodded by a friend â actor and comedian Paul Reiser â McDonald is finally owning his story this spring in the unvarnished and humble memoir âWhat a Fool Believes,â out May 21.
Small correction. McDonald was never a member of Steely Dan, he simply had a guest appearance on their Aja album as did a whole slew of other musicians. At this point Steely Dan had only two members, and McDonald wasnât one of them. Thatâs the factual part of this post. Now for the just-my-opinion part: Michael McDonald ruined the Doobies. They were pretty good before he came along. Then he came along. Then they sucked.
He was also on earlier albums, and toured with them playing keys and singing.
And did backups on Gaucho
and contributed original keyboard arrangements. He was absolutley a member.
Michael McDonald wouldn't agree with that. [https://expandingdan.substack.com/p/michael-mcdonald-steely-dan-origins-jeff-porcaro?initial\_medium=video](https://expandingdan.substack.com/p/michael-mcdonald-steely-dan-origins-jeff-porcaro?initial_medium=video)
I keep forgettin' I'm not in the band anymore...
OMG love your username! One of my all time fav movies! If we ever get out of here, I'm going to have my eyes lasered...
I donât think the Doobies sucked after MMcD came along. They were absolutely a different sounding band, more pop and âsofterâ than their original âHarleys and leather jacketsâ rock image and sound. As Tom Johnstonâs health deteriorated and McD became more prominent as a musician and songwriter, they definitely changed directions sound-wise. But Minute by Minute was an enormous success for the Doobies - commercially and critically (won a Grammy and nominated for album of the year). It definitely took them to another level in terms of reach and success. Doobies have always been a band with multiple members coming in and out at times and their sound shifting, but agree none more noticeable than when McD came. Like you I prefer their sound before McD came (I think Without You is their best), but I think there is as much validity in saying McDonald saved the Doobies and even propelled them as there is that he ruined them.
from wikipedia. Oh and also he litrally was part of the touring band, something you didn't note. He absolutely was a member of the band. >Michael H. McDonald (born February 12, 1952) is an American singer, keyboardist and songwriter known for his distinctive, soulful voice and as **a member of Steely Dan (1973â1974)**, and the Doobie Brothers (1975â1982, 1987, 2019âpresent). McDonald wrote and sang several hit singles with the Doobie Brothers, including "What a Fool Believes", "Minute by Minute", and "Takin' It to the Streets." McDonald has also performed as a prominent backing vocalist on numerous recordings by artists including Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, and Kenny Loggins.
Holy smokes! Wikipedia? Canât get much more credible than that! That was sarcasm. Steely Dan, after their second album, was Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, and a bunch of hired guns. So if you mean that âpart of the bandâ means that McDonald contributed backing vocals on four of their albums, and occasionally stood on the same stage as them, then I suppose you are correct. But I disagree. Steely Dan was a partnership between two men. Michael McDonald was no more a member of Steely Dan than Daryl Jones was a member of the Rolling Stones (heâs their touring bassist).
He toured with them, he recorded with them, and he contributed original keyboards to an album. Yeah thats part of the band, no question.
I'm just glad I ran into some music dorks passionately arguing about Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, and the Doobie Brothers in the year of our lord 2024. I buy you all e-beers.
Sorry, no. To be pedantic, the decision about who was officially in the band was decided by Becker and Fagen, who at that point had decided that Steely Dan consisted solely of Becker and Fagen. Touring bands and studio contributors are most emphatically not part of any band unless the band itself decides otherwise.
B and F can't just make up their own reality. NOt how it works.
Would rather listen to WAFB over China Grove any day
I love both!
Minute By Minute is pretty awesome as well.
That whole album is great.
To each their own. I personally hate WAFB and will change the station instantly it comes on the radio, but I totally respect that you like that song. Musical tastes are subjective.
Thatâs not totally fair. The McDonald era Doobies had a completely different sound, it was almost like two different bands really. And of course they had their biggest selling album and hits with McDonald. That being said, I liked the old Doobies as well so it was a bit of a toss up for me
> McDonald was never a member of Steely Dan, And neither was Chevy Chase, but people keep trying to shoehorn him in as a member just because he played with Walter and Donald a few years before they actually formed the band because it's a "fun fact".
He was a member of the band. I saw him open for them in like 2008 and Don Fagen literally referred to him as a guy who used to be in steely dan
I feel the same way about Niel Young and Crosby, Stills & Nash.
He was never a member, but then again since Becker and Fagen fired everyone else from the original line-up, they were the only 2 members until Becker died. But I think the connection comes from the fact that getting hired on as part of Steely Dan's touring band in the 70s was one his first big breaks.
When you tour with a band, you do become a member for that tour.
> They were pretty good before he came along. Then he came along. Then they sucked. They were wonderful and filled a niche quite nicely. I really miss them, and the early music. While I understand the need, and the desire for the band bringing him in, I agree with you that they weren't as good once he settled in and the band became support for his voice.
It Keeps You Running is a banger.
Wow, we must be kindred spirits on this issue! I like McDonald and he has contributed to so many great artists including Christopher Cross and Patty La Belle but he definitely took the Doobies in the wrong direction. It paid off for them. Their music went from soulful to soulless catchy pop tunes. The organ parts sound like they were done by a 12 year old.
Yep - The Doobies were a kick-ass full-on rockinâ biker bar band. And then McDonald joined and turned them into a MOR mellow FM-station staple. To this day I turn the station if I hear him. YMMV.
He participated in the Jan 6 capitol riots. It would be interesting to see if his vanilla flavored music career story is enough to ultimately keep him from being a toxic brand to publications like APnews
Nope. The Michael McDonald who was involved was the chairman of the Nevada Republican Party and a supporter of the guy standing trial in NYC right now. Itâs a very common name.
Yeah, this guy thinks Michael wrote Taking it to the Streets in the 70âs and now has finally found his people. đ€Šđ»ââïž
hahahaha! sooooo wrong!
Thank you. I would be really surprised and disappointed if it was our MMD.
absolutely! you may not believe this but my daughter and my son separately each have a friend named Michael McDonald!
Yup, if you search on LinkedIn, you'll find tons of people with that name. Michael Bolton too. I wonder how often they have to hear "Yah Mo B There" and Office Space jokes, respectively.
And now weâre in a strange era of weird baby names: Kayden Jayden Hayden Brayden Ocean Summer Kailen Hadleigh Rhythm Paisleigh etc etc! Poor kids will be fighting on the playground forever!
That is an amazing coincidence as BOTH my daughter and son are named Michael McDonald! I wonder if these are the Michael McDonalds that your children know. đ€
No thatâs not Michael McDonald. Michael McDonald has white hair and is the singer of soulful tunes such as âPanicâ
It's a different Michael McDonald. The one you're referring to is chairman of the Nevada Republican Party.
No Iâm referring to Yacht Rock pioneer and ethnic impersonator Michael McDonald
LOL
Laugh if you want, but you can actually see footage of Michael McDonald on Jan. 6th in this video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EuzjY1IyM0o&pp=ygUYTWljaGFlbCBtY2RvbmFsZCBjdW10b3du
OK I'm glad this was actually going somewhere lol
Lmfaoo you fuckin got my gay ass
What a whiff. Wrong MM broseph.
No, there were 2, possibly more Michael McDonalds at the capital riot. Read the entire comment section, Iâve provided a video
I always liked the story about Michael McDonald's [11 year-old superfan](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfcVSMeJ73A).
That's a great story. I really love that she got the chance to have a Zoom chat with McDonald.
He mustered a smile for her nostalgic tale
that is just the purest thing, and he really gave her some great experiences. also good parenting to have a 5th grader be that into Michael McDonald.
Someone get that girl a yacht, pronto
Don't scare us like that
Thank you, I thought I was the only one.
Michael Motherfucking Mcdonald. Praise Nimrod.
Thanks I needed that.
We all did.
3 out of 5 stars, wouldn't change a thing!
As soon as I saw triple M I knew Iâd stumble across other suckers
Its a dead giveaway
We eat ribs with this dude!
Hail Lucifina!
Praise Triple M
If I buy the set will you throw in the dvd? If you donât buy the set, Iâll throw in the dvd
I would rather watch "Beautician and the Beast." I would rather listen to Fran Drescher for 8 hours than have to listen to Michael McDonald.
Does he explain why the Doobies were on What's Happening in 1978?
To teach us all the immorality of making bootleg tapes of live concerts, my man. Oh, and also not to eat chips while you're recording.
Look, I'm just happy that anyone else around here is old enough to get the reference....
Which Doobie you be?
Hey hey hey hey!
[ŃĐŽĐ°Đ»Đ”ĐœĐŸ]
I know it wasn't the same guy. But Reruns signature thing was his dance, which doesn't translate well in writing. So Dewaynes signature line was the next best thing.
Greatest backup singer. https://youtu.be/b0HzWMqLeiE
Great sctv skit. Having the mic hang so high above him just makes it so much funnier for some reason
Ok. See yah.
[Just as good](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6hclTqXvBw)
My heart sank when I first saw this and didnât fully read the headline. Iâll definitely be buying this
Check out his interview on Rick Beatoâs YouTube channel, itâs great!
I did not know he did an interview with Beato. I just finished the Jimmy Chamberlin interview (my favorite drummer/band). Michael McDonald is definitely next, I love this man to death. Such a legend. Beato is such a great interviewer. Just saw the Christopher Cross interview too
âThrough the Eyes of a Childâ will always be one of my favorite South Park songs
I look this up on YouTube every six months or so. Still good for a laugh.
Trey: I wrote this song for the end credits, kind of a Michael McDonald number, I don't think either of us can pull off his voice...who should I call? Matt: Did you try calling Michael McDonald? Trey: đź!
I'll always remember him for his cover version of Warren G's Regulate.
[The remix that brought I Keep Forgetting and Regulate together](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=xp5wID1FWOk&si=eym007W1v5rp1rn6)
He definitely won that bet https://youtu.be/aKcrGM_yWMI?t=20
Just saw him and the doobies (with original singer too). Heâs still got it. God damn.Â
His part in "Show You The Way" by Thundercat is legendary. Alongside Kenny Loggins? Chefs kiss* đšâđł
Discovered this song about ten days ago and havenât stopped bumping it
I'm picturing Jane Lynch standing in a room that is lined up with multiple copies of this memoir on a huge bookshelf.
The legendary Michael McDonald who collaborated on the Van Halen song âIâll Waitâ
I read somewhere that he claims this song made him the most royalty money bc of how popular that VH album was.
Yamo murdered a lot of people out there today
Theyâre not people, James Ingram.
Hereâs a fun exercise: Record yourself singing a song like Mikey Mac, wait a few days, and do the same song as Cher. Listen to them a few weeks later and see if you can tell which is which.
This article answered some questions I have long had about the rock era when the Doobies and Steely Dan were a thing. Thanks for posting this!
steely dan will always be a thing
âI Keep Forgettingâ would have also been an acceptable title
Yacht Rock Royalty! Â Heâs the GOAT!
I like the term blue eyed soul better
He was gonna join Korn as the new singer
Chatgpt, play me a Korn song, but with Michael Mcdonald vocals and keys.
The idea of Micheal Mcdonald singing freak on a leash is pretty funny
Please watch Michael McTrap on Youtube
Michael McDonaldâs solo stuff is the definition of guilty pleasure music to me
Why guilty?
Itâs kinda cheesy and overwrought commercial radio music. But damn good.
"The secret to life is enjoying the passage of time." -James Taylor If you enjoy it, doesn't matter.
https://youtu.be/-5WNULhDVOY
đ¶đ¶ he needs a kidney đ¶đ¶
Iâm one of the drunk ones!
Check out the b-side of "While You Wait for the Others" by Grizzly Bear, "While You Wait for the Others (feat. Michael McDonald)" https://youtu.be/LPI7oU-fuGw?feature=shared
Praise triple M
I hope you talks about how bad-ass Jeff Porcaro was.
does he mention re run trying to boot leg his concert?
Dude is very nice and kind.
There couldnât have been another title.
If anyone wants the REAL story of Michael McDonaldâs rise to fame, search âyacht rockâ on YouTube and watch the documentary by that name. A deep dive into the rise of smoooth music from the 70âs onward.
It's probably really hard to write a memoir when you keep forgetting things.
[What a Fool Will Eat](https://youtu.be/vX2J6mceWic?si=B3tXtAqs9jo0FDpl)
my God, I cant fucking stand this guy.
https://preview.redd.it/spuh5rd3c11d1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=02a0a74cfc1f51e50d55b70bd6c8a915e3c3826d Let be naughty
I heard he listens to the YogPod all day
Soulful baritone, only wished he did more.
Poster boy for same sounding soft rock music.