Michael McDonald, the iconic yacht-rock king, has recently released a captivating memoir titled ‘What a Fool Believes,’ co-written with comedian Paul Reiser. The book delves into the smooth singer’s illustrious career, shedding light on the turbulent and often surprising aspects of the yacht rock genre.
Despite his surface smoothness, Michael McDonald’s memoir unveils a darker and more tumultuous side to the artist. From his early days in the music industry as a member of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, McDonald’s journey was filled with wild experiences that contrasted with his mellow voice and electric piano melodies.
One intriguing revelation from the memoir is McDonald’s brief stint as a part-time dealer alongside Walter Becker of Steely Dan. The duo’s studio antics and off-duty adventures, including a failed cocaine scheme, offer a glimpse into the rock & roll lifestyle of the era.
McDonald’s conflicts were not limited to his personal life; tensions with Doobies guitarist Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter over musical arrangements in the mid-seventies highlight the complexities within the band. The memoir provides insights into the dynamics and creative differences that shaped McDonald’s career.
