Known for his distinct husky
baritone, five-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Michael
McDonald and band will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the
Reichhold Center for the Arts, delivering an evening of American
soul that spans the decades.
The 56-year-old St. Louis native rose to popularity as a member of
Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, churning out time-honored hits
such as "What a Fool Believes," "Takin' It to the Streets," and "I
Keep Forgetting."
Getting his start playing in several local bands in Missouri,
McDonald moved in 1970 to Los Angeles to launch his music career.
He sang backup and played keyboards and piano as an original
touring member of Steely Dan during the mid-70s, performing on
recordings such as Katy Lied, The Royal Scam and Aja.
McDonald began to develop his signature style in 1975, when he was
recruited by the Doobie Brothers after lead singer Tom Johnston
fell ill on tour. His success with the group included churning out
hits such as "Little Darling," "It Keeps You Runnin'" and "Minute
By Minute."
He won his first Grammy in 1978 for "What A Fool Believes" which
captured best song and best album of the year. By 1982, McDonald
struck out on his own to pursue a solo career, releasing his first
solo album If That's What It Takes featuring hits such as "I Keep
Forgettin'" and "I Gotta Try." In 1985, his duo with James Ingram,
"Yah Mo B There," sealed a Grammy Award for best R&B
performance by a duo or group with vocals. The following year, his
collaboration with Patti LaBelle, "On My Own," rose to #1 on the
national charts.
Having moderate success in the 1990s with the release of subsequent
albums, in 2003 McDonald held the limelight again with Grammy
nominations for the platinum tribute album Motown. The same year,
he was honored with a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
Audiences will get to hear selections from his latest album, 2008's
Soul Speak, a testament to the journey and inspiration for his
30-year-old career. The CD includes covers of songs such as "Walk
On By," "Love TKO," and "Redemption Song," in addition to original
songs "Only God Can Help Me Now," "Getting Over You" and "Enemy
Within."
"These songs span my life - they're the ones where I can remember
where I was when I first heard them," he said.
McDonald has been married to singer Amy Holland since 1983 and has
two children.
Ticket prices are $88, $67, $47. Ticket outlets are: St. Thomas:
Urban Threadz, VI Bridal and Tuxedo, Home Again, Essentric Shoe
Boutique, Reichhold Center Box office, UVI Bookstore. St. John:
Connections.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.reichholdcenter.com or by
calling the box office at (340) 693-1559.
The Michael McDonald concert is sponsored by International Capital
& Management Company, First Bank, First Insurance, VI
Lottery, Tropical Shipping, Innovative Cable TV, Marriott
Frenchman's Reef Resort, and the Virgin Islands Council on the
Arts.
UVI Internet