McDonald played in several local bands (such as Mike and the Majestics, Jerry Jay and the Sheratons, the Reebtoors, and The Guild) while attending McCluer High School in his hometown of Ferguson, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. He was 'discovered' while playing with a group called Blue and consequently moved to Los Angeles in 1970. He first gained wide attention as an adjunct member of the group Steely Dan, providing back-up vocals and keyboards. Michael continued to do background vocals for Steely Dan up to their 1980 Gaucho release.
McDonald was recruited by The Doobie Brothers in April 1975 when lead singer Tommy Johnston became ill during a national tour. As a member of the Doobies, he recorded some of his most memorable songs, such as "Takin' It To The Streets," "Little Darling," "Minute By Minute," and "What A Fool Believes" (which earned him a 1980 Grammy Award for Song of the Year).
After the Doobies' first farewell tour, McDonald continued with a very successful solo career. Among his hits are
* "I Keep Forgettin'", a duet with his sister Maureen, later sampled in 1994 by Warren G
* "Sweet Freedom", the theme to the 1986 MGM film Running Scared
* "Take It To Heart"
* "Yah Mo B There", a duet with James Ingram which won a 1985 Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals
* "On My Own", a 1986 duet with Patti Labelle which reached #1 on the US charts
McDonald has produced and/or appeared on albums recorded by many other artists, including his singer wife Amy Holland and Grammy winner Christopher Cross. He is also a co-founder of the small independent recording label Ramp Records, with studio designer Chris Pelonis and actor Jeff Bridges.
His current album out 3/4/8 is titled "Soul Speak."
*********
There is also Michael McDonald, an American songwriter based in Helsinki, Finland. Michael has played with Helsinki-based bands Montevideo and Treeball, and is about to release his first solo album in 2007.
White Christmas/Winter Wonderland
Michael McDonald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,
Just like the ones I used to know
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
And may all your Christmases be white (all your Christmases be white)
And may all your Christmases be white (all your Christmases be white)
And may all your Christmases be
(All your Christmases be white)
(All your Christmases be white)
Michael McDonald's rendition of "White Christmas/Winter Wonderland" is a combination of two classic Christmas songs. In the first verse, he expresses his desire for a white Christmas reminiscent of his childhood memories. He longs to see the world covered in snow and wishes to listen to the sound of sleigh bells in the snow. The second verse expresses his hope that his Christmas wishes would come true for the people he shares his Christmas cards with. He hopes that their days would be filled with joy and cheer and that all of their Christmases would be white.
The song has a nostalgic quality to it, and McDonald's soulful voice gives the lyrics a different feel from the original versions. By merging two songs, McDonald has created a unique version that highlights the beauty of a White Christmas while emphasizing the desire for unity and hope during the holiday season.
Overall, "White Christmas/Winter Wonderland" is a heartwarming Christmas classic that captures the essence of the holiday season. From snow-covered treetops to children's laughter, it reminds us of the simple joys of Christmas and the importance of spreading love during this special time.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
I am longing for Christmas to be characterized by the glistening, rejuvenating white snow.
Just like the ones I used to know
Christmas would be more fulfilling if it was reminiscent of the ones from my childhood.
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
Where the tops of the trees shine with the snow's reflection and kids eagerly draw close to hear the sound of sleigh bells ringing in the winter air.
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
Children look forward to the amazing sound effect of jingling slay bells on the snow.
With every Christmas card I write
With each Christmas card penned, my wish for others is to experience an enjoyable and cheerful Christmas.
May your days be merry and bright
My desire is that the Christmas season will bathe each and every day of yours with happiness and sparkle.
And may all your Christmases be white
I wish you the pristine and breathtakingly clean, white snow to accompany each of your Christmas celebrations.
And may all your Christmases be white (all your Christmases be white)
May both your present and future Christmases be characterized by the bliss of pure, crystalline snow.
And may all your Christmases be white (all your Christmases be white)
May every day of your Christmas season be filled with the same rejuvenating white snow.
And may all your Christmases be
May all your Christmases henceforth be filled with jolly gatherings, bright lights and snow.
(All your Christmases be white)
The purity of the white snow is a key component of my wish for you to have an enjoyable Christmas season.
(All your Christmases be white)
The rejuvenating power of white snow should be the defining feature of all your Christmas celebrations.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Irving Berlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind