Michael McDonald

A prominent part in the soundtrack to our times, Michael McDonald, as an artist and songwriter, has been awarded an impressive five Grammys®. However, by maintaining a low-key profile, the contrast of Michael McDonald as a person and as a musician is astounding. Though comfortable onstage, he has never been a flashy entertainer, nor has he been distracted by passing trends. Instead, McDonald has triumphed through music alone, with a remarkable voice and a body of well-crafted songs. Few have made such an impact with so much substance and so little hoopla. 

Known equally for his benevolence, as his musical prowess and successes, Michael McDonald has lent his talents and energies to a long, varied list of charitable causes throughout the first three decades of his career and he has contributed an overwhelming amount to numerous benevolent events and enterprises. Michael’s recent appearances have included a tsunami relief concert sponsored by The Wave in Los Angeles; TJ Martell’s Stevie Wonder tribute, NARAS/MusiCares’ tribute to Brian Wilson in 2005 and again in the 2007 tribute to Don Henley; Morehouse College’s tribute to Ray Charles, a fundraiser for Stax Museum and shows for The Little Sisters of the Poor in San Pedro, CA, and the Sisters of Mercy, in Oakland, CA, among others. Michael also participated in the 7UP Grammy Signature Schools Program and painted a Gibson Les Paul guitar for a NARAS/MusiCares auction. McDonald was recently honored at the WHY-Chapin awards dinner with the prestigious ASCAP Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for both his musical career and his vast charitable endeavors. McDonald continues his fundraising efforts actively working with WHY’s – Artists Against Hunger & Poverty program.

Michael’s matchless and prolific consistency through more than 25 years of recording and performing was celebrated in August 2005 by Warner Brothers, who released Michael McDonald: The Ultimate Collection, highlighting the wide breadth of his career from his days with The Doobie Brothers to his solo hits, to his version of the Motown favorite Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.

Michael recorded a 2005 holiday CD, Through the Many Winters, A Christmas Album, that was recorded specifically for Hallmark Cards and sold exclusively through Hallmark Gold Crown stores. This collection of traditional and original holiday songs was certified gold within two weeks of the album’s release.

With a career that has seen innumerable chart successes and sales feats and as an artist who has maintained consistent popularity and earned numerous accolades in both personal and professional arenas, McDonald remains the artist's artist and an enduring presence in popular music.