Complete List Of Michael McDonald Songs From A to Z

Feature Photo: Randy-Miramontez-Shutterstock.com

Michael McDonald’s career is a testament to the power of a distinctive voice and a lifelong commitment to musical excellence. Born on February 12, 1952, in St. Louis, Missouri, McDonald grew up in Ferguson, where he honed his musical skills in local bands such as Mike and the Majestics, Jerry Jay and the Sheratons, and The Guild. His early exposure to performance eventually led to a pivotal moment in 1970 when RCA producer Rick Jarrard discovered him playing with a band called Blue in an Illinois nightclub. Recognizing McDonald’s potential, Jarrard brought him to Los Angeles, where he would begin laying the foundation for a career that would span decades across rock, pop, R&B, and soul.

McDonald’s big break came in 1973 when he joined Steely Dan as a backing vocalist and keyboardist. While initially brought in for their touring lineup, his smooth yet commanding voice became an integral part of the band’s recordings. He contributed vocals to several of their albums, including Katy Lied (1975), The Royal Scam (1976), and Aja (1977), helping to shape the band’s signature sound. McDonald continued working with Steely Dan into 1980, lending his voice and keyboard work to Gaucho, and later reunited with the band as an opening act and guest performer on their 2006 summer tour. His time with Steely Dan not only elevated his reputation as a sought-after session musician but also paved the way for his next major opportunity.

In 1975, The Doobie Brothers recruited McDonald as a temporary stand-in for lead singer Tom Johnston, who had fallen ill. However, McDonald’s influence on the band’s sound was so profound that he became a permanent member. As both a lead vocalist and songwriter, he helped guide the group toward a more soulful, R&B-infused style that defined their late-1970s success. His tenure with the band resulted in some of their most iconic hits, including “Takin’ It to the Streets,” “It Keeps You Runnin’,” and “Minute by Minute.” His co-written song “What a Fool Believes” became one of the band’s biggest achievements, winning the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1980. McDonald remained with The Doobie Brothers until 1982, later reuniting with them for various performances and recordings, including Southbound (2014) and the 50th-anniversary tour in 2019.

While McDonald had already established himself as a powerhouse vocalist, his solo career cemented his place in music history. His 1982 debut album, If That’s What It Takes, featured the hit single “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near),” which became a defining song of the era. Throughout the 1980s, he continued releasing solo albums while collaborating with a diverse range of artists. His work with James Ingram on “Yah Mo B There” won him another Grammy, while his duet with Patti LaBelle, “On My Own,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. McDonald also co-wrote Van Halen’s hit “I’ll Wait” and provided backing vocals for artists such as Toto, Christopher Cross, and Kenny Loggins.

In addition to his work in pop and rock, McDonald made a lasting impact on the R&B and soul genres. His love for Motown led him to release Motown (2003) and Motown Two (2004), both of which showcased his interpretations of classic soul hits. These albums earned him Grammy nominations and introduced his voice to a new generation of listeners. He later returned with Soul Speak (2008), an album that combined original material with covers of legendary artists like Stevie Wonder and Van Morrison. His ability to blend genres has made him a respected figure across multiple musical landscapes.

McDonald’s contributions to music have been recognized with five Grammy Awards, spanning categories from pop to R&B. In 2020, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Doobie Brothers, an honor that affirmed his impact on the industry. His legacy is also marked by his work outside of the studio—he has performed for numerous charitable causes, supported music education initiatives, and lent his talents to benefit concerts that raise awareness for various social issues. His commitment to philanthropy has been as enduring as his musical career.

Even after more than five decades in the industry, McDonald continues to tour, record, and collaborate with artists across generations. Whether revisiting his Doobie Brothers roots, performing alongside legends like Barbra Streisand and Ray Charles, or collaborating with modern artists like Thundercat, he remains a fixture in contemporary music. His unmistakable voice, combined with his songwriting and musicianship, has ensured that his influence endures well beyond his chart-topping years. His upcoming work with The Doobie Brothers on their 2025 album Walk This Road marks yet another milestone in a career filled with timeless contributions to music.

Complete List Of Michael McDonald Songs From A to Z

After the Dance – Motown Two – 2004
Ain’t No Good – Wide Open – 2017
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough f/ Fourplay – Motown – 2003
Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing – Motown – 2003
Ain’t That Peculiar – Blue Obsession – 2000
All I Need – Blue Obsession – 2000
All in Love Is Fair – Motown – 2003
All We Got – Take It to Heart – 1990
Angels We Have Heard On High – In the Spirit: A Christmas Album – 2001
Any Foolish Thing – No Lookin’ Back – 1985
Auld Lang Syne/O Tannenbaum (Reprise) – Through the Many Winters – 2005
Baby Can I Change My Mind – Soul Speak – 2008
Baby, I Need Your Lovin’ – Motown Two – 2004
Baby, I’m for Real – Motown Two – 2004
Bad Times – No Lookin’ Back – 1985
Beautiful Child – Wide Open – 2017
Believe in It – If That’s What It Takes – 1982
Blessing in Disguise – Wide Open – 2017
Blink of an Eye – Blink of an Eye – 1993
Build Upon It – Blue Obsession – 2000
By Heart – No Lookin’ Back – 1985
Children Go Where I Send Thee – In the Spirit: A Christmas Album – 2001 / This Christmas – 2009
Christmas On The Bayou – Through the Many Winters – 2005
Come, O Come Emanuel/What Month Was Jesus Born – Through the Many Winters – 2005 / This Christmas – 2009
Dark Side – Wide Open – 2017
Deck The Halls/Jingle Bells – Through the Many Winters – 2005
Distant Lover – Motown – 2003
Don’t Let Me Down – No Lookin’ Back – 1985
Down by the River – Blue Obsession – 2000
East of Eden – Blink of an Eye – 1993
Enemy Within – Soul Speak – 2008
Every Time Christmas Comes Around – In the Spirit: A Christmas Album – 2001 / This Christmas – 2009
Everlasting – Blink of an Eye – 1993
Find It in Your Heart – Wide Open – 2017
For a Child – Blink of an Eye – 1993
For Once in My Life – Soul Speak – 2008
Free a Man – Wide Open – 2017
Get the Word Started – Take It to Heart – 1990
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – Through the Many Winters – 2005 / This Christmas – 2009
Hail Mary – Wide Open – 2017
Half Truth – Wide Open – 2017
Hallelujah – Soul Speak – 2008
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – This Christmas – 2009
Hey Girl – Blink of an Eye – 1993
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher – Soul Speak – 2008
Homeboy – Take It to Heart – 1990
Honest Emotion – Wide Open – 2017
House Full Of Love – In the Spirit: A Christmas Album – 2001
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) – Motown – 2003
(I Hang) On Your Every Word – No Lookin’ Back – 1985
I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever) – Motown – 2003
I Heard It Through the Grapevine – Motown – 2003
I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) – Soul Speak – 2008
I Stand for You – Blink of an Eye – 1993
(I’ll Be Your) Angel – No Lookin’ Back – 1985
I Can Let Go Now – If That’s What It Takes – 1982
I Gotta Try – If That’s What It Takes – 1982
I Keep Forgettin’ – If That’s What It Takes – 1982
I Want You – Blink of an Eye – 1993 / Motown – 2003
I Was Made to Love Her – Motown Two – 2004
I’ll Be Home For Christmas – This Christmas – 2009
I’m Gonna Make You Love Me – Motown – 2003
If That’s What It Takes – If That’s What It Takes – 1982
If You Wanted to Hurt Me – Wide Open – 2017
Into the Mystic – Soul Speak – 2008
Just Strong Enough – Wide Open – 2017
Kikwit Town – Blue Obsession – 2000
Living for the City – Soul Speak – 2008
Lonely Talk – Take It to Heart – 1990
Losin’ End – If That’s What It Takes – 1982
Lost in the Parade – No Lookin’ Back – 1985
Love Can Break Your Heart – Take It to Heart – 1990
Love Lies – If That’s What It Takes – 1982
Love T.K.O. – Soul Speak – 2008
Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever – Motown Two – 2004
Matters of the Heart – Blink of an Eye – 1993
The Meaning of Love – Blue Obsession – 2000
Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology) – Motown Two – 2004
More to Us Than That – Blink of an Eye – 1993
No Amount of Reason – Take It to Heart – 1990
No Lookin’ Back – No Lookin’ Back – 1985
No Love to Be Found – Blue Obsession – 2000
No More Prayin’ – Blink of an Eye – 1993
No Such Luck – If That’s What It Takes – 1982
Nowhere to Run – Motown Two – 2004
O Holy Night – Through the Many Winters – 2005
O Tannenbaum – Through the Many Winters – 2005
Obsession Blues – Blue Obsession – 2000
On Christmas Morning – In the Spirit: A Christmas Album – 2001
On This Night – In the Spirit: A Christmas Album – 2001 / This Christmas – 2009
One Gift – In the Spirit: A Christmas Album – 2001
One Step Away – Take It to Heart – 1990
Only God Can Help Me Now – Soul Speak – 2008
Open the Door – Blue Obsession – 2000
Our Love – No Lookin’ Back – 1985
Peace – In the Spirit: A Christmas Album – 2001 / This Christmas – 2009
Playin’ by the Rules – If That’s What It Takes – 1982
Reach Out, I’ll Be There – Motown Two – 2004
Redemption Song – Soul Speak – 2008
Reflections – Motown – 2003
Searchin’ for Understanding – Take It to Heart – 1990
Second That Emotion – Motown Two – 2004
Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours – Motown – 2003
Silent Night – Through the Many Winters – 2005
Since I Lost My Baby – Motown – 2003
Someday You Will – Blue Obsession – 2000
Still Not Over You (Getting Over Me) – Soul Speak – 2008
Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart) – Motown Two – 2004
Sweet Freedom – No Lookin’ Back – 1985 (1986 Reissue)
Take It to Heart – Take It to Heart – 1990
Tear It Up – Take It to Heart – 1990
That’s What Christmas Means To Me – This Christmas – 2009
That’s Why – If That’s What It Takes – 1982
This Christmas – This Christmas – 2009
The Tracks of My Tears – Motown Two – 2004
Through The Many Winters – Through the Many Winters – 2005
To Make A Miracle – In the Spirit: A Christmas Album – 2001
Too High – Motown – 2003
Too Short – Wide Open – 2017
Tuesday Heartbreak – Motown Two – 2004
Walk On By – Soul Speak – 2008
Wexford Carol – Through the Many Winters – 2005 / This Christmas – 2009
What Makes a Man Hold On – Blink of an Eye – 1993
What’s Going On – Motown Two – 2004
Where Would I Be Now – Blue Obsession – 2000
White Christmas/Winter Wonderland – In the Spirit: A Christmas Album – 2001 / This Christmas – 2009
World Out Of A Dream – In the Spirit: A Christmas Album – 2001
You Are Everything – Motown – 2003
You Can’t Make It Love – Blue Obsession – 2000
You Don’t Know Me – Soul Speak – 2008
You Show Me – Take It to Heart – 1990
You’re All I Need to Get By – Motown Two – 2004