MUSICLAB - with Michael McDonald

MUSICLAB is a series of creative music educational content. This episode - "The Spirit of Soul" - features singer/songwriter Michael McDonald. It is hosted by bassist Gerald Veasley.

[@ELLE-nk9mr]

Just left the Doobie Bros 50th Anniversary Tour Concert in Jones Beach on Long Island and he took the audience to CHURCH tonight, I nearly caught the Holy Spirit… came home and needed more, so I found myself here… what an anointed voice.

[@MsShellectable]

Not only is he an absurdly talented musician he appears to be a very kind soul. And Lordy, is he ever one delicious man. Mmm hmmm.

[@dianekoopmann171]

I agree. Nice looking.

[@marcathens2951]

I agree. Distinctive voice no one would confuse. Love his music 🎶 ... the man in the audience behind Michael in the off white sweater ain't so bad lookin either ! 🔥👍😍😋

[@cessaly100]

Yeah girl! Oh well..!

[@jeanmarielieb9127]

Ain't it the truth?! Saw him in concert. His blues eyes were visible everywhere!!

[@musicfan8493]

I agree!

[@barrysallows1777]

MICHAEL MCDONALD IS A NATIONAL TREASURE ! MUCH LOVE AND PEACE TO YOU AND YOURS.

[@pennynorman3833]

Golden.....no auto-tune....no synthesizers....just pure raw talent....Love Michael.....everything he does....from the heart!!

[@willritter4076]

Amazing session with the Master! Thanks for posting... I'd greatly appreciate it if a few of Mike's fans would check out my acoustic piano & vocal cover of HEART TO HEART (a duet with Kenny Loggins) on my channel. Real live acoustic with no autotune. Thanks and please excuse the promo.

[@destineeshai]

god stfu w that shit nobody can ever just enjoy a yt video surrounding a classic artist without ppl like u in the comment section talking down on modern music. And he used synths on his 80s albums u bum

[@austinepperson3576]

prod. by messina well yeah because modern music sucks. Artists sing lyrics that are bland with no soul and they have no discipline to not use autotune. Listen to Don Henley on hotel California or Boys of summer. If it could be done back then with raw, real talent it can now.

[@Mathperez-d6v]

All the things Michael said are so deep, profound, honest, sincere & inspiring. What a blessing to hear music & message from him today.

[@tracyfrazer4014]

Coolest Guy out there,cause he has it all, yet authentic,humble, so genuine

[@tracyfrazer4014]

You can tell music just gives him so much joy inside

[@FreddyRodrigues66films]

I was 14 when Real Love came out. I don't remember if I knew who the Doobie Brothers were or who Micheal McDonald was, but I do remember hearing this voice that put me at peace. I'm 51 now and whenever I am uncomfortable, stressed out, or just plain scared. Michael McDonald's voice reassures me that everything will be okay. And for that I am forever grateful to him.

[@4.carmeljwn]

I was 12 still and I still love this man's music and voice❤🥰

[@chadunderwood5924]

'What a fool believes' does that very same thing for me . As a matter of fact, I was so fed up with all the mainstream media madness, I went and found that song a couple days ago and enjoyed a day of music and memories from the 70's and the 80's that healed my soul.

[@sandrauk7258]

Chad Underwood Good comment. Totally agree.

[@sharonkutz8272]

I will have e to remember that especially in this time we are in. Thank you 😊 💓 ☺ 💗 💛 💖

[@martycee]

That is a wonderful description of the healing power of music. Music has been the heartbeat of my life. So much so that I made music my career. No one moved me more than Michael McDonald at times, I Can Let Go Now, Hey Girl, Matters Of The Heart, When Scarlett Smiles, it just goes on and on. And as you said, it has the ability to put you at peace. Take care.

[@tomsmyth4836]

The blackest white Mannnn on the planet ever . Bless you Michael!

[@helenwatkinson681]

😂

[@mariadircinhalimadearaujo4605]

Yessss!!!!!!

[@waynefoote3781]

You just can NOT get any more real than this! ........................Micheal McDonald is Sheer Excellence!

[@Mathperez-d6v]

What a humble, honest, heartful human being blessed with such great talent & good looks.

[@richardmindemann6935]

I think the debate between the Doobie Brothers fans around Michael McDonald is pretty absurd. The guitar centered rocking band of the China Grove era and the R&B infused band of Takin' It to the Streets are both fantastic exponents of their respective styles. I don't run into too many folks who are enthusiastic about both styles. But I am. I'm thankful for it all.

[@TheDivayenta]

Same!

[@TheZipeedoo]

I might be an interesting case study for you, because I used to view Michael as Lord Voldemort, but I've come around. Your comment nails the issue: the Doobies were initially a fantastic guitar-based R&B band; MM turned them into a keyboard-based pop band. I used to say: "Taking It To the Streets; Minute by Minute; What a Fool Believes - the path defined by those data points, that's the road to perdition." But over time I've come to see the humanity in MM, and the deep soulfulness of his music. Also, I've seen plenty of interviews with Tom Johnson where Tom speaks of Michael with real fondness. Life doesn't always move in a straight line. Michael kept the band from fading into oblivion at a time when Tom wasn't able to be frontman. He did it humbly and in service to music.

[@richardmindemann6935]

@@TheZipeedoo Well said!

[@michaelgottlieb9083]

I think bands have to evolve to survive. I dig both versions of the band.

[@petereyles5583]

Most Definitely!!!🎤🎹🎼🎶🎵❤️

[@DrummerDanVa]

What's Going On was MAGIC! How many "artists" in their 20's today will be relevant 40 years from now. Michael has so much talent and is so humble.

[@destineeshai]

DrummerDanVa stfu with that

[@phoenixrise3126]

Unbelievable talent, a triple threat, vocals, instrumentalists and songwriter.

[@sclenney495]

There is no voice or musical talent like Michael McDonald. Amazing talent.

[@cornerstoneproductio]

What a Gift Michael is to us all...Thank the Lord for him.

[@keptenkeerk2040]

There's no better singer/entertainer around....haunting, soulful, captivating....hard to stop watching and listening to him. Thanks Michael. You make the world a better place.

[@richardmindemann6935]

Pale face soul brother.

[@sirhooligan7489]

Man, that voice...and such a humble and lovely guy...incredible....

[@terrancefonseca2129]

The words to that song are exactly the struggle my grandson is going through. He just entered a 90 day program, just 2 days ago but this time it's Christian based. Addictions are a spiritual battle for your soul. That song has been a comfort for our family. Michael McDonald has always been one of my favorite singers, being a musician from New Orleans who also sang his songs in the band I was in. Michael I can't thank you enough for that song. Jesus told his disciples I give you my Peace. I saw my grandson battle for that peace and I pray he gets God's peace. Thank You

[@sabrinabowden-hughes1730]

Amen! I pray the Lord makes ur grandson whole and uses his life to help others with his testimony!

[@mpeman01]

All cleaned up!!! (Thanks nurses!)

[@BarryWray-m3j]

I hope all is still good with your grandson. I lost my son in 2021 to a drug overdose at 39 years old. I didn't see the obvious signs and wasn't able to make sense of what was right in front of me. God bless you and your 🙏🙏​@mpeman01

[@cutypetuty]

Wishing he would come out with a contemporary RnB album of originals, voice is a national treasure.

[@denfinch5694]

I hope you mean Rhythm and Blues and not the stolen expression, RnB which is the awful grim hip Hop stuff!!!

[@Spartanm333]

And What's Goin' On... this is genuine love, way before Motown came knocking on Mike's door in 2001 for a covers album (no one else had the range :) ) I was lucky enough to meet Mike and be invited to an industry pre-gig at The Jazz Cafe in London early 90s. It went very well, intimate, we were practically on the stage area with the band. For the encore, Mike went into Whats Goin On... no introduction, just a look back to his band and that first wail like Marvin. Well by the end of the song people were crying, including hard edged radio jocks and marketing people. It was very emotional and I think Marvin might have been smiling. This was the best musical experience of my life, incredible. And that is why Motown came calling a few years later... it took Mike a few more years to agree to sign on, out of respect to the original artistes, and only after Little Stevie gave him a call, and his blessing.

[@sandyanderson3077]

I LOVE when I find a Michael McDonald treasures on KZbin! THANK YOU! I AGREE with the post below, his voice has always brought me peace for about 45 years now ! I will always be a fan and grateful for his magic.

[@michele3414]

"You put everything into every note." Yes he does. I don't think I've ever heard Michael McDonald sing without coming away in awe.

[@michele3414]

@almichaelmcdonald0009 If this is really Michael McDonald, you're welcome. Thank you for all of the beautiful music. What a body of work you've created over a lifetime. As you can tell from all of the comments on KZbin, I'm just now rediscovering it all.

[@lifeobserver8079]

This is the most intimate interview I've ever seen with Michael McDonald. Very tastefully done, beautiful. He's an amazingly gifted songwriter, a deeply soulful singer, and a well learned musician, but an even better human. Absolutely love this man!! So much depth to his being and he lets it show through every song he's written.

[@MW-rq5uc]

Yes he is one of the best looking men ever. And that voice that stays steady over time. Absolutely talented. And such a heart. We need more men like this.

[@JillKennedy-cw1wi]

Such a beautiful, open-hearted exchange, the music *and* the talk. If ‘butchered’ means a tender, bittersweet expression of What’s Going On?…lol. Yes, MM; you brought that. So lucky we all found our way here. 🙏

[@DonnaReed-f3y]

God please protect this man! The best male singer of all time!!

[@bigmichael2765]

Can we take a minute just to appreciate how well the audio is balanced for all of the sound sources? Any noise or reverb isn’t overtaking the sound and all of the voices and instruments are very well balanced for a setup like this

[@paulmcgrath2430]

He simply blows me away! The epitome of soul and musical prowess. His voice, his playing style incredibly flawless 🎹

[@alexismccourt7712]

Peace, is Beautiful.

[@josephmaharaj2890]

This dude and his music changed my life!!

[@eurekarekers]

There are musicians,songwriters and singers who can move me,touch deep emotions & bring tears of joy. For sure-Michael McDonald is one of them. What a wonderful interview and experience hearing Michael McDonald talk,play and sing on this video.He is such a gifted musician. Thank you,Studio Jams for posting this treat.

[@dougjackson9703]

The best....Bravo Michael.....please do not leave us....Rosanne

[@chromemusic4401]

I’ve got to add my story. Saw him live about 7 years ago. Meet n greet was sold out. I waited by his bus and spoke to his background singer and Bass player (Tommy Sims) who wrote change the world for Eric Clapton. Here comes Mr McDonald who could’ve easily jumped on his bus, nope… he stopped, talked to me, took photos. You can’t get any nicer or more humble. This is who Oprah got for her bday parties

[@susanwheeler1562]

Yes, seen him many times and always do the meet and greet!! I agree, he seems to be such a humble and genuinely nice person.

[@HQBergeron]

I loved the original Doobie Bros. Some of the best road trip music ever! When Skunk Baxter came to the group from Steely Dan, I was absolutely pleased. And I had heard the background vocals Michael had done for Steely Dan as well, so when he joined it was also great. I had no idea at the time Tom Johnston would not be back, but the different style the band morphed to was exceptional. Bands change as time goes on, and I could tell this would work, even better than most changes bands make which often result in them disintegrating. But not the Doobies. They kept going for decades, and time is the test. Most of their fans stuck, and more came. What a great band in all they did!

[@zahraflower6231]

I was hooked the first time I heard this voice. Singing and speaking...just sweet.

[@wendytinnes1039]

Michael was born with soul whether he knows it or not. Every interview I see enamors me even more. He’s a humble dude with major chops. I’m so glad I saw the “world cafe” bite. I listen to it here on the east coast. Good stuff. Thank you Michael.

[@ericdoce4974]

1:30 “peace” 6:52 “what’s going on?” 12:58 “together again” 16:37 “takin it to the streets” 24:18 “it keeps you runnin’”

[@OneMan-wl1wj]

finally a legitimate interview with relevant questions..good job to all involved👍

[@fireside007]

🎤 Ear Candy . . . YOU ~ SOUL ~ ROCK ! ! 🎹

[@sahras.8319]

Since the first time I heard Michael's music sometime between 1969 and 1970 his music has been my hiding place. Not so much a place to hide " "from" some unpleasant experience, rather a place where always I find a comfortable, promising atmosphere where I am content. My prayer is that I am not alone in this. As it is truly beloved experience.

[@euanelliott3613]

One of my influences growing up. I love the feel in soulful music, and Michael is one of the best artists. How he sings those high notes with such a deep voice is amazing.

[@betseyadams4861]

been in love with this man and his voice since 1981!

[@Syld0103]

Betsey Adams he's so beautiful to behold and a stellar vocalist!

[@jl79sgirl]

Gorgeous man - talented. Amazing voice, smart, articulate…and god those eyes!! I’m so envious of his wife!

[@marcathens2951]

@@jl79sgirl lol me too !! 😂🤭

[@psgman41]

I hope this person never dies

[@danmyers9372]

He will live on forever through his music my friend!

[@MsShellectable]

Let's hope he lives and sings healthily into his triple digits.

[@MsShellectable]

@@danmyers9372 so true!!!

[@toddbehling1745]

His birthday is Jan 1952, so he's 68

[@izzyfloresofficial]

Wowwww. I do understand your statement. It's more the Spirit Matter that he emminates that's missing in our culture.

[@marygreen9934]

Love Michael McDonald's music and his voice can't be imitated. I will compare him to an artist I loved, Donny Hataway.A gift that God gave him.

[@ebolds4918]

Didn’t realize Michael had such awesome piano chops👍🏽🎵🎤

[@elainepowell4654]

A treasure, what his heart feels his voice sings.

[@inescardillo8829]

Love Michael MacDonald's music and singing.

[@ianreid9103]

saw him this week 40years wait but it was worth it the best voice ever

[@joeydelarosa413]

Wow... The great Michael McDonald is in the house.

[@danmyers9372]

I was a Doobie Brothers fan in the 70’s and I recall vividly when I first heard the Taking It To The Streets album (Michaels first with the Doobies). To say I was stunned was putting it mildly. To go from the classic rock lead vocals of Tom Johnston to Michaels deeper voices soul sound was at first, honestly a bit of a put off. Just because it was so incredibly different. As with most I had to listen to it over and over to begin to really appreciate what I was hearing. I now recognize that I was truly blessed to be hearing one of the most unique, soulful artists of our time. He truly opens his soul and gives absolutely everything he has inside every time he sings or plays the keyboards. To hear him speak in such a soft, humble introspective voice. It’s such a marked contrast to his music snd makes me appreciate him as a person all the more. What an incredible blessing he is to all of us! Thank you Michael for all you have given to us.

[@sharonkutz8272]

Said so well thank you 😊 🙏 ☺ ❤ 💕 💓

[@janetwoodford6497]

He’s the very best! The man with a soulful voice!

[@susanstanton2156]

OMG what a great episode! Love MM, what a fantastic singer & player & songwriter - and a still-gorgeous silver fox to boot :)

[@dianekoopmann171]

Silver fox is right.

[@abrarahmed1888]

Two singers whose voices always send a shiver up my spine : Michael McDonald and Karen Carpenter

[@freddieblue6351]

I agree

[@daflalo]

Very true. Cristal clear voices

[@sharonkutz8272]

So agree. I wonder what a duet would of sounded like with the two singing together ❤ 🤔 💀

[@ncfldtw2422]

Karen Carpenter had such an angelic voice. So tragic what happened with her, but praise God that we've got many generations to enjoy the magic of Michael McDonald.

[@PianoMan-hx3ev]

💯

[@ariellehart6632]

As always, a master singer and musician! Thank you, Michael McDonald!

[@albinahajd4451]

Mr. McDonald is the spectacularly musician with divine voice

[@robert4196]

Wonderful interview! Such a talented singer/songwriter but also such a sensible, well grounded individual. How refreshing.

[@dianekoopmann171]

I agree.

[@tracypapermouthpickerzella195]

He has the most angelic voice that I have ever heard, ever!!!🤔👏🏾👌🏾👑🎼🙏🏾

[@Spartanm333]

Love Mike so much in all he does, but the period with the Doobs between 74 and 78 was literally inspired... so many great songs, chords and memories - it keeps you running - indeed, it has for 30 years :)

[@crjetpilot]

Napster?! Lol! Totally forgot about all that. He blew me away when he said playing his instrument didn’t come natural, that he had to work at it. I’d say he is a master on the piano, and in voice also! I never get tired of listening to him!

[@rosemariemassey7480]

OMG! Can’t get enough of Michael McDonald😊

[@rosemariemassey7480]

Always!

[@rosemariemassey7480]

OMG! Since the 70s, just showing my age😆

[@bernlin2000]

6:47 "No matter how bad we butcher it" (proceeds to belt out an amazing vocal) Oh Michael...too modest! Amazing voice, utterly unique, nobody sounds like him in the music business.

[@insomniaholics]

Chris Ducat truly killed it from the first note on. Unbelievable.

[@allkindamuzak11]

WOW! I have seen Michael live 5 times. He is always GREAT. However I think this the best yet. Just him, the piano, and bass on some. Am I the only person who would love to see him do a tour like this. The man can sing anything, like Ray Charles did. Hid version of the country standard, "Together Again", gave me goose bumps, made me happy and sad at the same time.

[@sharonkutz8272]

Like a small venue with a piano and him.

[@richardmindemann6935]

Together Again always struck me as a soul song.

[@DannyKavka]

He hasn’t played an acoustic show like this in years, unfortunately. MM playing solo with backing tracks on a digital piano doesn’t have the same impact as him playing a grand and digging into the groove in real time.

[@golfprogress]

This video helped me through a troubling phase. Michael's vocal chords were touched by God

[@adeleflateau6216]

It’s December 2022 and the song PEACE resonates deeply. I truly appreciate the incredible talent of Michael McDonald more than ever. The voice, the lyrics, the soulful passion and the look are unique and undeniable! I’ve been a fan for decades and won’t stop now. 😊♥️🎶

[@amyhelgesen6295]

Michael, Michael Micheal McDonald. I can remember back to the first time hearing that voice if yours. I have been listening to hear it ever since. No other vocal compares for me. Thank you for taking me along on your ride, it has been my soulful joy.

[@patrickputman1448]

Magical voice, with deep musicality... Thank you Micheal!

[@dibaliba]

Michael McDonald is my idol.

[@bullneck912]

How special is MMcD I grew up listening to him in many guises brilliant

[@Mario-xr3jo]

What a beautiful journey with Michael!

[@Obiwan702]

one of the best male vocalists and melody arrangers of all time.Legend!!!!

[@healingwithsource8819]

Wonderful intimate sharing........love Michael and his natural depth and resonance......thankyou..........

[@elizabethdunn1668]

So much great music from Michael McDonald! 🎶🎹💙

[@paulabear101]

Michael makes my soul sing along-many thanks!

[@shellhunter777]

I wish Michael would reord singing 'Together Again' himself. Wow...so emotion in his voice, it takes that song 'over the top'! Love it. Love all of his music! Always..

[@CWS1963]

There is a video on you tube of him and Wyonna at the ryman doing it. Great performance.

[@MW-rq5uc]

This is gold! Thank you!

[@nene5857]

Man has aged marvelously, his hair is magnificent...love him

[@MsShellectable]

He is yummy, made even more so by his kind, humble demeanor, especially in the face of his enormous talent and musical success.

[@kdkd693]

Hehe, just coincidently i have recently I have grown my hair (from #1 cut) to the same style as Michaels. He’s still a much better looking human than me tho

[@sharonkutz8272]

Such a humble man.

[@shellhunter777]

I love the song, 'Peace'...I need to listen to it at times. Thank you for sharing this Michael. Love Marvin's music also, another favorite. Blessings..

[@localpm]

Michael McDonald the master of all.Thanks a lot for posting.

[@TheDive25]

master of the smooth groove! Voice of God! Creator of the Doobie bounce.

[@joannesparke596]

Beautiful ❤️

[@slimty007]

My goodness boy you betta sing. Yes sir what a voice.

[@garylansman5683]

Oh my he’s so incredible.

[@GratefulGoddess444]

Great interview! Questions are in depth. Love that the camera man shot his hands a lot. Love seeing him play. Unique voice & playing style ...fascinating musician. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@The101950]

A great singer a piano and a bass guitar simply genius. WOW!

[@kayduhaime8390]

He is just so good. He has always just blown me away with his talent.

[@lionswimmer4637]

Wow, what a treat. Nice interview, great guys. Kool to see them play together. Gerald is a gracious and appreciative interviewer, and smooth interfacer with his bass!

[@greatmusic2645]

Great interview ....and the music, from both of them!

[@Theo-hc5ob]

He has a phenomenal voice, no doubt, but he is an AMAZING pianist. W O W! ! ! Just listen to Takin' It To The Streets. Also, Is that his brother or manager behind him dressed accordingly: Grey sweater (mock turtle neck and faded blue jeans)? MM Is a LEGEND!!!

[@joewakeford]

Theo 80126 That guy is his stunt double.

[@Spartanm333]

Mike doesn't have a brother, rather sisters who have sung with him many times on recordings and TV appearances. Back in the day he had several fans who took to sporting the white hair and beard thing. I don't know what he thought of that although it's a bit creepy because he isn't celebrity at all - ran a saddlery and horse business in Nashville with his wife when not performing (for many years). He's a T shirt and baseball cap guy.

[@joannedarling546]

He made the 1970s happen right on Micheal MacDonald I luv you doobies were cool old school my favorite group

[@raularquiteto]

BEAUTIFUL MAN, BEATIFULL VOICE...

[@texasmr]

I love listening to this talented man sing! #michaelmcdonald

[@dawred3390]

This Guy is so fantastic! I love him for years. I am sad that I never had a chance to see him in Germany. Great voice, great playing, wonderful. Keep on playing for us, Michael McDonald 😊

[@mojogypsy]

Stunning.

[@angielewis9976]

Michael McDonald you are my soul! God bless you

[@haysfordays]

Gee, I thought i'd never wanna hear another cover of What's Goin' On. Is it ok to say that I may like this version as much as the original?? Lord! And then Buck Owens? I'm speechless. This version is illuminating as the What's Goin On was. I can't believe it.

[@jansenferreira775]

incredible voice incredible soul

God Bless You Michael. 🕊

[@janetnewton457]

Fantastic audition by both musical men. Loved that they were both playing at times. With Michael he was at his best again and he was enjoying every moment as he always does when playing live. He won’t ever stop as it’s in the blood. It was all great, thanks again❤

[@elizabethdunn1668]

Such an amazing singer, songwriter, musician! Love when he sings with his wife, the lovely Amy Holland.

[@sachindeshpande8923]

What a special person/talent Michael McDonald is! Thank you for doing this and sharing this. And love the bass playing too.

[@Americanjazzlady07]

Music with heart is what brings people together. We need that peace in our country and our world now more than ever.

[@sharonkutz8272]

So 👍 👍 agree

[@moldingpro7208]

Awesome. I am always in awe of his voice and pure talent.

[@traciwilliams5673]

Micheals music takes me back to some beautiful easy going childhood memories that just makes me soooooo happy and peaceful. What a God given gift you have. Love it!!!!! Bless you! I have the new ☮️ PEACE song to share and make even more beautiful memories! Thank you 🙏🏽😊❤️

[@traciwilliams5673]

You’re sooooo welcome 🤗🤩❤️😁

[@traciwilliams5673]

@Official Michael McDonald unfortunately I haven’t 😕