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What a Fool Believes: A Memoir
A sweeping and evocative memoir from the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Grammy Award–winning, platinum selling singer-songwriter Michael McDonald, written with his friend, Emmy Award–nominated actor, comedian, and #1 New York Times bestselling author Paul Reiser.
Doobie Brothers. Steely Dan. Chart topping soloist. Across a half-century of American music, Michael McDonald’s unmistakably smooth baritone voice defined an era of rock and R&B with hit records like “What A Fool Believes,” “Takin’ It to the Streets,” “I Keep Forgettin’,” “Peg,” “It Keeps You Running,” “You Belong to Me,” and “Yah Mo B There.”
In his candid, freewheeling memoir, written with his friend, the Emmy Award-nominated actor and comedian Paul Reiser, Michael tells the story of his life and music. A high school dropout from Ferguson, Missouri, Michael chased his dreams in 1970’s California, a heady moment of rock opportunity and excess. As a rising session musician and backing vocalist, a series of encounters would send him on a wild ride around the world and to the heights of rock stardom—from joining Steely Dan and becoming a defining member of The Doobie Brothers to forging a path as a breakout solo R&B artist.
Interwoven with the unforgettable tales of the music, Michael tells a deeply affecting story of losing and finding himself as a man. He reckons with the unshakeable insecurities that drove him, the drug and alcohol addictions that plagued him, and the highs and lows of popularity. Along the way he relays the lessons he’s learned, and that if he’s learned anything at all it’s that there’s often little correlation between what you get and what you deserve.
Filled with unbelievable stories and a matchless cast of music greats including James Taylor, Ray Charles, Carly Simon, and Quincy Jones, What a Fool Believes is a moving and entertaining memoir that is sure to be a classic.
Doobie Brothers. Steely Dan. Chart topping soloist. Across a half-century of American music, Michael McDonald’s unmistakably smooth baritone voice defined an era of rock and R&B with hit records like “What A Fool Believes,” “Takin’ It to the Streets,” “I Keep Forgettin’,” “Peg,” “It Keeps You Running,” “You Belong to Me,” and “Yah Mo B There.”
In his candid, freewheeling memoir, written with his friend, the Emmy Award-nominated actor and comedian Paul Reiser, Michael tells the story of his life and music. A high school dropout from Ferguson, Missouri, Michael chased his dreams in 1970’s California, a heady moment of rock opportunity and excess. As a rising session musician and backing vocalist, a series of encounters would send him on a wild ride around the world and to the heights of rock stardom—from joining Steely Dan and becoming a defining member of The Doobie Brothers to forging a path as a breakout solo R&B artist.
Interwoven with the unforgettable tales of the music, Michael tells a deeply affecting story of losing and finding himself as a man. He reckons with the unshakeable insecurities that drove him, the drug and alcohol addictions that plagued him, and the highs and lows of popularity. Along the way he relays the lessons he’s learned, and that if he’s learned anything at all it’s that there’s often little correlation between what you get and what you deserve.
Filled with unbelievable stories and a matchless cast of music greats including James Taylor, Ray Charles, Carly Simon, and Quincy Jones, What a Fool Believes is a moving and entertaining memoir that is sure to be a classic.
Audio CD
First published January 1, 2024
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About the author
Michael McDonald
47 books1 followerMichael McDonald is an American singer, songwriter, keyboardist and record producer.
McDonald's music career spans more than forty years. His early career included singing with Steely Dan. He joined The Doobie Brothers in 1976 and remained an integral member until 1982, after which he released the first of eight solo albums.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
McDonald's music career spans more than forty years. His early career included singing with Steely Dan. He joined The Doobie Brothers in 1976 and remained an integral member until 1982, after which he released the first of eight solo albums.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews
April 23, 2024
I'm not a fan of Michael McDonald per se, but thought this would be an interesting read because of his infusion into The Doobie Brothers after a founding band member became ill. I've seen documentaries and read a Doobie Brothers biography, so knew that it was a bit controversial how Michael McDonald's influence on The Doobie Brothers took its musical palette into a different direction- although quite successfully.
The book is a collaboration between Michael McDonald and Paul Reiser- yes, the actor who starred with Helen Hunt in the successful sitcom "Mad About You". The writing style was effortless, conversational, and natural. It was a pleasure to read. Michael was very honest, self-effacing, and didn't hold anything back. As a result I learned a lot about this musical artist of which I had no idea. I love to read rock/pop biographies, but if I don't already know about the subject sometimes they are not able to draw me in and keep me interested. Even though Michael was telling me about his alcoholism and drug problems and stints in jail, as well as a teenage pregnancy resulting in adoption, his forthrightness and likeability factor still shined through and connected with me.
This is an all-encompassing autobiography from childhood through the present day from Michael McDonald. I learned a lot of new things about this musical force such as his stint in Steely Dan (that's his background harmonies on "Peg"), lending an iconic vocal to a Christopher Cross song ("Ride Like the Wind"), and a multitude of musical collaborations with other titans in the industry. I especially enjoyed reading about his iron clad marriage with wife Amy, becoming a father to a son and daughter, and his long standing clean and sober status. This is definitely a worthwhile read for music lovers.
Thank you to the publisher Dey Street Books for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
The book is a collaboration between Michael McDonald and Paul Reiser- yes, the actor who starred with Helen Hunt in the successful sitcom "Mad About You". The writing style was effortless, conversational, and natural. It was a pleasure to read. Michael was very honest, self-effacing, and didn't hold anything back. As a result I learned a lot about this musical artist of which I had no idea. I love to read rock/pop biographies, but if I don't already know about the subject sometimes they are not able to draw me in and keep me interested. Even though Michael was telling me about his alcoholism and drug problems and stints in jail, as well as a teenage pregnancy resulting in adoption, his forthrightness and likeability factor still shined through and connected with me.
This is an all-encompassing autobiography from childhood through the present day from Michael McDonald. I learned a lot of new things about this musical force such as his stint in Steely Dan (that's his background harmonies on "Peg"), lending an iconic vocal to a Christopher Cross song ("Ride Like the Wind"), and a multitude of musical collaborations with other titans in the industry. I especially enjoyed reading about his iron clad marriage with wife Amy, becoming a father to a son and daughter, and his long standing clean and sober status. This is definitely a worthwhile read for music lovers.
Thank you to the publisher Dey Street Books for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
June 27, 2024
What a Fool Believes is one of the best rock memoirs I’ve read, and that’s not just because I’m a fan of Michael McDonald’s rich and soulful voice. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the singer-songwriter himself, whose distinct voice adds a personal touch. He co-wrote it with his friend, actor/comedian Paul Reiser. An interview of Paul and Michael is included at the end.
The memoir begins with his childhood outside St. Louis, where his love for music was nurtured by his father’s rich baritone voice. After dropping out of high school, McDonald moved to Los Angeles, becoming a session musician- a very busy one. I was surprised by how many songs he contributed to beyond what I already knew. He shares of his time with Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, and his solo career with a sincere, reflective storytelling style, with self-deprecating humor that makes his decades long journey even more relatable. He doesn’t shy away from discussing his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction and his insecurities despite his rising fame.
I was fascinated by his detailed history of how the song “What a Fool Believes” came to life with the help of Kenny Loggins. I like knowing the meaning behind the songs and thought it gave insight to his creative process. He also answers that nagging question as to why he sings with his eyes closed on stage.
As a long-time fan, I recently saw McDonald perform with the Doobie Brothers in Phoenix. The concert was a mix of the band’s early hits and McDonald’s own contributions, a wonderful memory I will cherish. It was wonderful to see him perform with founding member Tom Johnston, as well as Simmons and McFee.
The memoir begins with his childhood outside St. Louis, where his love for music was nurtured by his father’s rich baritone voice. After dropping out of high school, McDonald moved to Los Angeles, becoming a session musician- a very busy one. I was surprised by how many songs he contributed to beyond what I already knew. He shares of his time with Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, and his solo career with a sincere, reflective storytelling style, with self-deprecating humor that makes his decades long journey even more relatable. He doesn’t shy away from discussing his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction and his insecurities despite his rising fame.
I was fascinated by his detailed history of how the song “What a Fool Believes” came to life with the help of Kenny Loggins. I like knowing the meaning behind the songs and thought it gave insight to his creative process. He also answers that nagging question as to why he sings with his eyes closed on stage.
As a long-time fan, I recently saw McDonald perform with the Doobie Brothers in Phoenix. The concert was a mix of the band’s early hits and McDonald’s own contributions, a wonderful memory I will cherish. It was wonderful to see him perform with founding member Tom Johnston, as well as Simmons and McFee.
June 3, 2024
An easy, nostalgic read by a guy who seems likable. (Paul Reiser co-authors but only appears in the Acknowledgments and About the Authors sections.)
I grew up in the mid 70s and early 80s and MM was a big part of the soundtrack during that time. I approached the book more as a Steely Dan fan with a familiarity and appreciation of his vocal contributions to their work and a curiosity about the stories he'd tell about that time. There were several of those chapters along with other references I enjoyed.
MM starts from his early childhood and concludes sometime in 2023. The book moves along well and I thought he provided a pretty good sense of who he is without skipping or dwelling on any part of his life for too long. A big drawback was his excessive self-deprecation or maybe it's just humility. The guy had a whopper of a career but you wouldn't get that sense from how he tells it. He describes himself as a middling keyboardist and he never really talks much about his vocal talents in a way that a book like this demands. Instead, he elaborates much more on his addiction to drugs and alcohol and the problems he's faced in his life and career. The commendable rawness of the unpleasantries contrasts sharply with his restraint about his own gifts. He'll say he worked hard and got lots of lucky breaks but that doesn't tell the whole story.
A book like this screams out for YouTube and I have several items I'd highly recommend:
* Rick Beato - His YT channel is awesome. He has an interview with MM that's a little over an hour and it's very good. Beato is an excellent interviewer. He's knowledgeable, asks great questions and he lets the interviewee talk. I recently watched his interviews with Michael Omartian, Dean Parks, Larry Carlton and Bernard Purdie and thought they were all very interesting and informative. Beyond that he's got great videos (What Makes This Song Great? videos; Best___ videos). He really is a treat.
* SCTV video skit of Rick Moranis playing MM. Very funny and referenced in the book and the Rick Beato interview. (Also from SCTV: any of The Sammy Maudlin skits. MM's book often made me think of Sammy Maudlin with MM's borderline insincerely excessive praise about other artists he's worked with.)
* Yacht Rock HD - 12 short videos (about 5 minutes each) that purport to tell the history of yacht rock. They're super campy, way over the top and played for big laughs. It's a who's who of the genre.
I grew up in the mid 70s and early 80s and MM was a big part of the soundtrack during that time. I approached the book more as a Steely Dan fan with a familiarity and appreciation of his vocal contributions to their work and a curiosity about the stories he'd tell about that time. There were several of those chapters along with other references I enjoyed.
MM starts from his early childhood and concludes sometime in 2023. The book moves along well and I thought he provided a pretty good sense of who he is without skipping or dwelling on any part of his life for too long. A big drawback was his excessive self-deprecation or maybe it's just humility. The guy had a whopper of a career but you wouldn't get that sense from how he tells it. He describes himself as a middling keyboardist and he never really talks much about his vocal talents in a way that a book like this demands. Instead, he elaborates much more on his addiction to drugs and alcohol and the problems he's faced in his life and career. The commendable rawness of the unpleasantries contrasts sharply with his restraint about his own gifts. He'll say he worked hard and got lots of lucky breaks but that doesn't tell the whole story.
A book like this screams out for YouTube and I have several items I'd highly recommend:
* Rick Beato - His YT channel is awesome. He has an interview with MM that's a little over an hour and it's very good. Beato is an excellent interviewer. He's knowledgeable, asks great questions and he lets the interviewee talk. I recently watched his interviews with Michael Omartian, Dean Parks, Larry Carlton and Bernard Purdie and thought they were all very interesting and informative. Beyond that he's got great videos (What Makes This Song Great? videos; Best___ videos). He really is a treat.
* SCTV video skit of Rick Moranis playing MM. Very funny and referenced in the book and the Rick Beato interview. (Also from SCTV: any of The Sammy Maudlin skits. MM's book often made me think of Sammy Maudlin with MM's borderline insincerely excessive praise about other artists he's worked with.)
* Yacht Rock HD - 12 short videos (about 5 minutes each) that purport to tell the history of yacht rock. They're super campy, way over the top and played for big laughs. It's a who's who of the genre.
July 14, 2024
You'd have to be a fool to believe this is a good memoir. It's filled with dull ramblings about road trips and drug usage while failing to include a lot of fully-realized stories. It's incredibly boring in long sections, and the fact that Paul Reiser (yes that Paul Reiser) was his co-author should make you wonder where all the talent went. They must have Takin' It to the Streets because it isn't in this book.
For the first 100 pages McDonald thinks we're interested in his travel routes for a number of moves from St. Louis to Los Angeles, his dull family, playing in small Illinois towns with unknown bands, or the many drugs he consumed under what he calls his "genetic predisposition to substance abuse." Right. The guy is simply a high school dropout loser with no sense of direction nor respect for others, showing up late, mooching off friends and wasting money.
The facts contained in his early career could be summarized in a couple of paragraphs. Instead they stretch out to mind-numbing repetitiveness with few real compelling stories told. A story is not just telling readers that you drove 2000 miles for the third time or that your dad was skeptical of your music potential, but actually going into dramatic depth about conflicts on trips, issues with family members, and emotional career challenges. All of that is missing in the early third of the book.
Things improve a bit once he becomes a Doobie Brother. He takes a short paragraph to explain how he ended up on Ride Like the Wind, one of the greatest Christopher Cross songs. He gives a few specifics about writing his hits. A short section talks about him falling in love. Then he throws Ray Charles way under the tour bus (in what is certainly not a complimentary story, no matter how hard he tries to spin it!) and even Quincy Jones is made to look bad. Eventually McDonald explains his turn toward a Nashville career. But many of the stories are often meager, leaving questions in your mind, and yawn-inducing minutia keeps filling space where there needed to be entertaining beginnings, middles, and ends. He names a whole lot of famous musicians he encounters or works with, but rarely tells anything interesting about their interactions or friendships.
McDonald has no trouble naming specifics about drugs he took (including being a drug mule) or the facial expressions of cops that arrested him while he was babysitting his girlfriend's five-year-old girl (what woman would leave her little girl with this addict?) but it makes him sound like a real loser. His cavalier attitude toward illegal drugs, almost bragging at what he got away with, is a real turn-off. At least he owns up to many bad decisions and failures, including getting a girl pregnant when they were both 14, in the eighth grade, giving up the baby for adoption.
He wrote about this baby news, "I had no idea how to process this all; I only knew I had to stop the downward spiral of morbid reflection on the what-ifs, if just for sanity." What the heck does that mean? His solution to the "guilt and shame" he claims he felt was to stop the downward spiral by joining bands, doing drugs and quitting school!?
I appreciate the underage couple not choosing abortion but devoting only a couple of paragraphs to what obviously was an incredibly unique situation that could have made a fascinating addition to the book (Catholic school 8th graders? Pregnant in the mid-1960s? Her sent far away to have the baby elsewhere?) reinforces that this memoir isn't really about stories. It's him writing simplistic summaries of a life outline, as if he was doing a song lyric mixed with Paul Reiser's standup=style of writing short bits.
McDonald adds, "Early on, one of the big attractions for me of being in a band--beyond the music and the overdose of male bonding--was that it was a great way to avoid 'maturity' and still get paid." Well at least he's honest about it! And come to think of it, that may be the same approach he took to writing this book, avoiding some things and still getting paid.
I love his singing voice, appreciate his songs, but think much less of him after reading this mess because I'm foolish enough to believe the negative things he writes here about himself.
For the first 100 pages McDonald thinks we're interested in his travel routes for a number of moves from St. Louis to Los Angeles, his dull family, playing in small Illinois towns with unknown bands, or the many drugs he consumed under what he calls his "genetic predisposition to substance abuse." Right. The guy is simply a high school dropout loser with no sense of direction nor respect for others, showing up late, mooching off friends and wasting money.
The facts contained in his early career could be summarized in a couple of paragraphs. Instead they stretch out to mind-numbing repetitiveness with few real compelling stories told. A story is not just telling readers that you drove 2000 miles for the third time or that your dad was skeptical of your music potential, but actually going into dramatic depth about conflicts on trips, issues with family members, and emotional career challenges. All of that is missing in the early third of the book.
Things improve a bit once he becomes a Doobie Brother. He takes a short paragraph to explain how he ended up on Ride Like the Wind, one of the greatest Christopher Cross songs. He gives a few specifics about writing his hits. A short section talks about him falling in love. Then he throws Ray Charles way under the tour bus (in what is certainly not a complimentary story, no matter how hard he tries to spin it!) and even Quincy Jones is made to look bad. Eventually McDonald explains his turn toward a Nashville career. But many of the stories are often meager, leaving questions in your mind, and yawn-inducing minutia keeps filling space where there needed to be entertaining beginnings, middles, and ends. He names a whole lot of famous musicians he encounters or works with, but rarely tells anything interesting about their interactions or friendships.
McDonald has no trouble naming specifics about drugs he took (including being a drug mule) or the facial expressions of cops that arrested him while he was babysitting his girlfriend's five-year-old girl (what woman would leave her little girl with this addict?) but it makes him sound like a real loser. His cavalier attitude toward illegal drugs, almost bragging at what he got away with, is a real turn-off. At least he owns up to many bad decisions and failures, including getting a girl pregnant when they were both 14, in the eighth grade, giving up the baby for adoption.
He wrote about this baby news, "I had no idea how to process this all; I only knew I had to stop the downward spiral of morbid reflection on the what-ifs, if just for sanity." What the heck does that mean? His solution to the "guilt and shame" he claims he felt was to stop the downward spiral by joining bands, doing drugs and quitting school!?
I appreciate the underage couple not choosing abortion but devoting only a couple of paragraphs to what obviously was an incredibly unique situation that could have made a fascinating addition to the book (Catholic school 8th graders? Pregnant in the mid-1960s? Her sent far away to have the baby elsewhere?) reinforces that this memoir isn't really about stories. It's him writing simplistic summaries of a life outline, as if he was doing a song lyric mixed with Paul Reiser's standup=style of writing short bits.
McDonald adds, "Early on, one of the big attractions for me of being in a band--beyond the music and the overdose of male bonding--was that it was a great way to avoid 'maturity' and still get paid." Well at least he's honest about it! And come to think of it, that may be the same approach he took to writing this book, avoiding some things and still getting paid.
I love his singing voice, appreciate his songs, but think much less of him after reading this mess because I'm foolish enough to believe the negative things he writes here about himself.
October 17, 2024
Hey, Nineteen takes me back to those days in school. China Grove always makes me think of my sister who loved that song when we were kids. So, reading about a Micheal McDonald had me reliving my long gone past with a smile. MM recounts so many things from his career. It is plain that creative souls spice it up for all of us. This is a fun read.
July 3, 2025
An extremely well done memoir that was enhanced by Michael McDonald reading it.
May 21, 2024
"You're a sentimental fool, Kenny! You think you can come right back here from long ago and recreate your friendship just by mustering a smile and telling some nostalgic tales? That's what a fool believes, Kenny!"
May 18, 2025
Biography of singer and song-writer Michael McDonald of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers. Easy listening. A little slow moving for me though and I was hoping for some stories about his 1970s contemporaries.
May 17, 2024
I was excited to have been gifted a free copy of What A Fool Believes, through a Goodreads Giveaway, courtesy of William Morrow. What a gift it’s been! If you are a Michael McDonald fan, have ever been into The Doobie Brothers or Steely Dan, or a lover of 70s and 80s R&B/Rock/Blues/Pop music, you will love this book!
I find myself actually hearing the songs he’s speaking about as I read. I have to stop, and bring up a song he’s referring to on iTunes, so I can follow along with the discussion. His work on “Peg”, or his sister, Maureen, singing in “I Keep Forgettin”, for example. I even brought up on YouTube, some of his more recent music, where he’s done remakes of some classic Motown and Soul music. I enjoyed listening to most everything, but have to say “Nope” to his remake of one of my favorite songs, Into The Mystic, by Van Morrison. Fully invested in this book, I read every single word. I thought about every song reference and discussion. I could have finished much sooner, if I wasn’t pulling up the songs to listen as I read along. This book is so much fun!
The story is moving too. In the beginning I learned of his childhood and how he was sucked into the music industry at a very young age. There were specific gigs where he was playing in a well known place, with well known artists and I wished he would have been more specific with dates and/or timeframes. But I can see how, being now in his 70s, it would be difficult to remember the details way back then. He was good with timeframes in the later points in the book, which was fun to reflect on.
His family, father in particular, was a big part of his interest in music and what drove him to succeed. He had talent, which got him in the right places, and luck which put him in those places at the right time. He started that way with Steely Dan and later moved to become a member of the Doobie Brothers, before finding his own way.
Without giving away too much, he gives details of his problems, struggles and heartbreaks, as well as the good times in his life. He also gives you a glimpse into the music industry and how musicians can be taken advantage of. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn about Michael McDonald and relive some of my youth along with him, as he tells his story, co-written with Paul Reiser (who you may remember from 90s TV show, Mad About You with Helen Hunt).
I find myself actually hearing the songs he’s speaking about as I read. I have to stop, and bring up a song he’s referring to on iTunes, so I can follow along with the discussion. His work on “Peg”, or his sister, Maureen, singing in “I Keep Forgettin”, for example. I even brought up on YouTube, some of his more recent music, where he’s done remakes of some classic Motown and Soul music. I enjoyed listening to most everything, but have to say “Nope” to his remake of one of my favorite songs, Into The Mystic, by Van Morrison. Fully invested in this book, I read every single word. I thought about every song reference and discussion. I could have finished much sooner, if I wasn’t pulling up the songs to listen as I read along. This book is so much fun!
The story is moving too. In the beginning I learned of his childhood and how he was sucked into the music industry at a very young age. There were specific gigs where he was playing in a well known place, with well known artists and I wished he would have been more specific with dates and/or timeframes. But I can see how, being now in his 70s, it would be difficult to remember the details way back then. He was good with timeframes in the later points in the book, which was fun to reflect on.
His family, father in particular, was a big part of his interest in music and what drove him to succeed. He had talent, which got him in the right places, and luck which put him in those places at the right time. He started that way with Steely Dan and later moved to become a member of the Doobie Brothers, before finding his own way.
Without giving away too much, he gives details of his problems, struggles and heartbreaks, as well as the good times in his life. He also gives you a glimpse into the music industry and how musicians can be taken advantage of. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn about Michael McDonald and relive some of my youth along with him, as he tells his story, co-written with Paul Reiser (who you may remember from 90s TV show, Mad About You with Helen Hunt).
July 20, 2024
Baring of the soul. Totally. A true tell-all. Confession. Did he leave anything out? Indiscretions, a perpetual inferiority complex, and incessant substance abuse. I only wished I had listened to the audiobook as he is the narrator. I just love his voice. It's all there. A guy grateful to be able to do what he does. Well told and not preachy. Matter of fact telling. His life feels a lot like yours or mine even though he is a rock star.
March 24, 2024
Fascinating insights on the road to stardom from multi-talented keyboardist and songwriter Michael McDonald. It was a small world in the 70's and I followed a number of the bands noted within Michael's storytelling. I just came off of a yearly 70's rock cruise and I am crossing my fingers that McDonald will agree to join in the fun. A songwriter with a soulful, distinctive voice who comes across humble and grateful. One of my favorite artists.
August 2, 2024
"For sure, I would’ve done well to pay more attention to the business side of things, and I could have made some better choices here and there . . . But hell—just to have beaten the odds that worried my dad so much and been given the chance to make a livelihood from playing music . . . I’d be a fool not to count my blessings."
I guess I'll start by saying I love Michael McDonald, The Doobies, and Steely Dan so it probably follows that I would enjoy this memoir. Entertaining and honest, McDonald comes across as a regular guy, albeit one with a lot of talent and a little luck, a guy who's made some bad choices, made some mistakes, and has learned to appreciate his blessings along the way.
Some terrific pictures at the end of the book, also that voice, those eyes...💓
I guess I'll start by saying I love Michael McDonald, The Doobies, and Steely Dan so it probably follows that I would enjoy this memoir. Entertaining and honest, McDonald comes across as a regular guy, albeit one with a lot of talent and a little luck, a guy who's made some bad choices, made some mistakes, and has learned to appreciate his blessings along the way.
Some terrific pictures at the end of the book, also that voice, those eyes...💓
August 23, 2024
Michael McDonald wrote his memoir with Paul Riser and while it is a memoir it does feel like a guy telling his story to a good friend. The focus seems to be on the relationship with his father along with his addictions. Yes, there is stories of his music and those he worked with either in a band or solo. All of the book is respectful.
How did this book find me? Last year I saw the Doobie Brothers 50th anniversary tour and Michael McDonald was with them. I was excited to see his book.
How did this book find me? Last year I saw the Doobie Brothers 50th anniversary tour and Michael McDonald was with them. I was excited to see his book.
August 2, 2024
I’m a big classic rock fan (60/70s bc I refuse to consider anything else as classic age yet 😂) so I was excited for this memoir and I’m happy to say I absolutely loved it!!
Michael McDonald has had such a fascinating career and has been a part of some major bands such as Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers. His unique voice stands out and I was amazed at how many different songs he was a featured artist on over the years! I also had no idea how many popular songs he wrote which is impressive! He shares his story, both personal and career, in a refreshingly honest and upbeat way. He has a great attitude and this really felt like sitting down with an old friend to chat. I did the majority of this on audio which he narrates himself and I highly recommend that format, but I also loved seeing all the pictures he included in the hardcover as well.
I already recommended this to my dad who is not a nonfiction reader at all, and he loved it too! It’s one I think any music lover will enjoy. It’s a new fav celebrity memoir of mine.
Michael McDonald has had such a fascinating career and has been a part of some major bands such as Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers. His unique voice stands out and I was amazed at how many different songs he was a featured artist on over the years! I also had no idea how many popular songs he wrote which is impressive! He shares his story, both personal and career, in a refreshingly honest and upbeat way. He has a great attitude and this really felt like sitting down with an old friend to chat. I did the majority of this on audio which he narrates himself and I highly recommend that format, but I also loved seeing all the pictures he included in the hardcover as well.
I already recommended this to my dad who is not a nonfiction reader at all, and he loved it too! It’s one I think any music lover will enjoy. It’s a new fav celebrity memoir of mine.
April 22, 2024
Dey Street Books provided an early galley for review.
I have been a fan of McDonald's music since the 70's. He has one of those distinct voices that just harmonized so well with whatever he was collaboriting on. I was interested to learn more about his life.
Right out of the gate, I found the writing to be engaging and personal. Some of that might be due Reiser's input, but the story is all McDonald's. I was very fascinated by how he grew up and got into music at such a very young age.
I did not realize that McDonald spent time with the ranks of Steely Dan, time which actually overlapped some with his coming onboard with the Doobie Brothers. Looking at his discography, I was surprised with how few solo releases and hits he had through the 80's (my peak period of pop radio listening) even though his voice could be heard on so many tracks at the time (with the Doobies and with working with other artists). Funny how memory deceives you there.
Finally, I was glad we got a glimpse into his lasting marriage to Amy Holland and his family life. I've always been a fan of her debut album and hit single.
All in all, a nice casual autobiography from someone who made it through the excesses of the 70's and came out strong on the other side.
I have been a fan of McDonald's music since the 70's. He has one of those distinct voices that just harmonized so well with whatever he was collaboriting on. I was interested to learn more about his life.
Right out of the gate, I found the writing to be engaging and personal. Some of that might be due Reiser's input, but the story is all McDonald's. I was very fascinated by how he grew up and got into music at such a very young age.
I did not realize that McDonald spent time with the ranks of Steely Dan, time which actually overlapped some with his coming onboard with the Doobie Brothers. Looking at his discography, I was surprised with how few solo releases and hits he had through the 80's (my peak period of pop radio listening) even though his voice could be heard on so many tracks at the time (with the Doobies and with working with other artists). Funny how memory deceives you there.
Finally, I was glad we got a glimpse into his lasting marriage to Amy Holland and his family life. I've always been a fan of her debut album and hit single.
All in all, a nice casual autobiography from someone who made it through the excesses of the 70's and came out strong on the other side.
June 19, 2024
In a fascinating career which stretched from successful teenage bands St. Louis to his ranks as a superstar in L.A. in bands like The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan, to a successful solo career as a keyboardist, singer/songwriter and a stint in Nashville, Michael MacDonald has had rare luck. This memoir, written with friend, comedian, actor and author Paul Reiser covers the entire complexity of that life, including the darker corners where his propensity for alcohol and drugs and inability to learn anything by regular study has threatened to undermine all his achievements. It also covers his many collaborations with other notable musicians, the likes of which include Steve Cropper, Randy Newman, Carly Simon, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Burt Bacharach, Jackie DeShannon, Paul Anka, Elton John, Brenda Lee, James Ingram, Patti LaBelle, Valerie Simpson, Nick Ashford, Christopher Cross, Diane Warren, Jeff Baxter, Jeff Porcaro, Kenny Loggins, Jesse Colin Young, Ray Charles, Quincy Jones and many others. His has been a remarkable life by any standards. - BH.
September 22, 2024
Humble, self-deprecating, and about as Irish Catholic as you can get. Michael’s story is so modest and down-to-earth, it made me wonder does he even know how freakin cute & talented he is?? But this memoir will show you what happens when hard work meets opportunity.
Mike doesn’t shy away from sharing the ups and downs of his career but does shy away from spilling any gossipy tea on his collaborators throughout the years. Anything that went awry, he pretty much blamed on himself. And when he didn’t, he sort of made you guess who the perp might have been, but then went on to just blame himself anyway. I can relate-sometimes it’s just easier to suck it up rather than have any awkward issues between you and other humans.
One spoiler alert-but not really -you may wonder throughout this book, as did I, why the heck Paul Reiser is listed as a co-author. When do the Doobiehood jokes kick in? But he’s just that -a co-author. Apparently, he knows how to write a book, whereas Mike could sing one-certainly-but chose the 90s tv funny man to write it. Typically, co-authors are less renowned, without the need to be this distracting presence of when are we going to hear that voice—although, gladly, he didn’t appear (as himself) until an epilogue-at least in the audiobook. I didn’t see the print version of this.
I should also mention that MMcD did his own narration, in that smooth husky baritone that you know & love and would expect to hear tell the story.
Mike doesn’t shy away from sharing the ups and downs of his career but does shy away from spilling any gossipy tea on his collaborators throughout the years. Anything that went awry, he pretty much blamed on himself. And when he didn’t, he sort of made you guess who the perp might have been, but then went on to just blame himself anyway. I can relate-sometimes it’s just easier to suck it up rather than have any awkward issues between you and other humans.
One spoiler alert-but not really -you may wonder throughout this book, as did I, why the heck Paul Reiser is listed as a co-author. When do the Doobiehood jokes kick in? But he’s just that -a co-author. Apparently, he knows how to write a book, whereas Mike could sing one-certainly-but chose the 90s tv funny man to write it. Typically, co-authors are less renowned, without the need to be this distracting presence of when are we going to hear that voice—although, gladly, he didn’t appear (as himself) until an epilogue-at least in the audiobook. I didn’t see the print version of this.
I should also mention that MMcD did his own narration, in that smooth husky baritone that you know & love and would expect to hear tell the story.
October 18, 2025
When you’ve got a spare moment, hop onto YouTube and - assuming you haven’t already - have a listen to the following tracks by (and featuring) Michael McDonald:
1. I Keep Forgettin'
2. Sweet Freedom
3. Take It to Heart
4. Our Love
5. Yah Mo B There - yes, technically James Ingram’s, but we’ll let that slide
6. What a Fool Believes (The Doobie Brothers)
7. Little Darling (The Doobie Brothers)
8. Takin’ It to the Streets (The Doobie Brothers)
This is, I confess, one of my more shameful indulgences as a lifelong metal-head. The man's got one of the blackest, most soulful voices you'll ever hear... and he’s about as white as wallpaper.
Oh the book... right, the book. It offers some rather decent insights into the music he was mixed up in. Not bad at all. Three and a half stars.
Now off you go and give those tunes a listen. You'll thank me later... and probably brand me a proper pop slut. Which, to be perfectly honest, I am.
Next!
1. I Keep Forgettin'
2. Sweet Freedom
3. Take It to Heart
4. Our Love
5. Yah Mo B There - yes, technically James Ingram’s, but we’ll let that slide
6. What a Fool Believes (The Doobie Brothers)
7. Little Darling (The Doobie Brothers)
8. Takin’ It to the Streets (The Doobie Brothers)
This is, I confess, one of my more shameful indulgences as a lifelong metal-head. The man's got one of the blackest, most soulful voices you'll ever hear... and he’s about as white as wallpaper.
Oh the book... right, the book. It offers some rather decent insights into the music he was mixed up in. Not bad at all. Three and a half stars.
Now off you go and give those tunes a listen. You'll thank me later... and probably brand me a proper pop slut. Which, to be perfectly honest, I am.
Next!
August 14, 2024
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it. Michael McDonald is a humble man who seemed to look over his shoulder years after obtaining success as a singer and musician. For years, it seems that he appeared to believe any success was short lived. I had forgotten that his big break was as back up singer and keyboardist for Steely Dan. This has been a pleasant discovery and now I’m revisiting my love for that band by listening to their music from the ‘70’s.
This book was co-written with actor/comedian/author Paul Reiser. They pretty much had numerous Zoom calls during the pandemic with McDonald telling stories and Paul Reiser transcribing. Nice interview with the two of them at the end of the audiobook!
This book was co-written with actor/comedian/author Paul Reiser. They pretty much had numerous Zoom calls during the pandemic with McDonald telling stories and Paul Reiser transcribing. Nice interview with the two of them at the end of the audiobook!
January 5, 2025
I had forgotten how much Michael Macdonald was a part of music in the 70s and 80s. His voice was ubiquitous and instantly recognizable. This memoir was well written by Paul Reiser. An easy read even if sometimes it did get into the weeds of sound engineering and recounting names of everyone he has ever worked with. I appreciated his honesty about substance use in the music industry and his personal journey to sobriety.
October 24, 2024
Love this man’s voice and ALL his music. Was great to learn about how he got his start in music, his rise to stardom and his struggles along the way. The only downside was finishing the book. It left me wanting more!!
February 14, 2025
Michael McDonald has always been kind of an enigma to me. I’ve always wondered how this guy was in Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers at the same time. Why he became a part of the Doobies and wrote songs so unlike the rest of their songs. What he’s like. Most important of all, HOW he developed his signature singing style. I got answers to all those questions, here, plus a LOT of really funny stories. It turns out MM has been such a mysterious figure to so many because he’s a humble Everyman. Kudos to Paul Reiser for helping pull this memoir of love, addiction, parenthood and music out of him.
June 19, 2024
If you thought I wasn’t going to give this five stars you are out of your god damn mind
July 12, 2024
Just wanted to clarify that a 3 star review only means it was interesting to me but not earth shattering.
This would be a great book for someone in the music industry especially as a musician. This is a great homage to the career musician (instead of a pop singer).
This would be a great book for someone in the music industry especially as a musician. This is a great homage to the career musician (instead of a pop singer).
May 28, 2024
Much like McDonald’s career, this starts off blazing a trail, then gets even more interesting. But then it starts to really peter out towards the end. All up, it’s better than many similarly positioned memoirs, and by virtue of everyone Michael McDonald has worked with and intersected with it’s almost constantly interesting. Until the last hundred pages or so, which slogs by. But I’d still recommend it. And there’s some good writing too.
June 4, 2024
Serviceable memoir from the poster boy for "Yacht Rock" and a shout-out to my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, where McDonald was born and raised (Ferguson, actually - !!!) I was most interested in reading about his time with my favorite band, Steely Dan, and he does deliver a few classic Donald Fagen and Walter Becker stories. Then he joined the Doobie Brothers, and despite his protestations to the contrary I still think he ruined them (the rocking "China Grove" vs. easy listening "Minute by Minute" - you be the judge).
McDonald did a lot more drugs and alcohol than I would have guessed, although he writes about their hazardous effects on his health without much emotion. In fact, the entire book reads like someone who has gone through therapy and understands the roots of his unhealthy behavior, primarily on an intellectual basis.
Although the book didn't wow me, I respect McDonald for not taking his reputation too seriously; he recalls the SCTV skit in which Rick Moranis plays McDonald, riding like the wind to repeatedly sing his six-word backing vocal ("such a long way to gooooo") on Christopher Cross' smash hit fondly and without rancor.
McDonald did a lot more drugs and alcohol than I would have guessed, although he writes about their hazardous effects on his health without much emotion. In fact, the entire book reads like someone who has gone through therapy and understands the roots of his unhealthy behavior, primarily on an intellectual basis.
Although the book didn't wow me, I respect McDonald for not taking his reputation too seriously; he recalls the SCTV skit in which Rick Moranis plays McDonald, riding like the wind to repeatedly sing his six-word backing vocal ("such a long way to gooooo") on Christopher Cross' smash hit fondly and without rancor.
July 25, 2024
I wanted to love this book, and I even tried to enhance the experience by listening to the occasional McDonald song, but despite the good writing and storytelling, I couldn't. When his career first launched, I was interested to see all of the little details, but once the Doobies disbanded, it grew stale. It didn't help that I had no real interest in his solo career.
Yes, I will agree that Michael McDonald is a very successful artist, and he has made a great life for himself. I'm thankful that he decided to share his story with us, but I probably wasn't the target audience here. Although I did grow up with his music, I probably won't be coming back for more of his solo stuff.
One thing did enhance the story for me: I saw some of my own life in his. It gave me a deeper connection to him. It tells us that we all have similar stories, even if it's just a little connected. So in these cases, I could appreciate more of his own personal history.
Overall, I was deeply interested in his all-time fame and early beginnings and kind've interested in his older years.
Thank you, Michael, for giving us, "WHAT A FOOL BELIIIIEEEVVVEEESSSS."
*3 out of 5*
Yes, I will agree that Michael McDonald is a very successful artist, and he has made a great life for himself. I'm thankful that he decided to share his story with us, but I probably wasn't the target audience here. Although I did grow up with his music, I probably won't be coming back for more of his solo stuff.
One thing did enhance the story for me: I saw some of my own life in his. It gave me a deeper connection to him. It tells us that we all have similar stories, even if it's just a little connected. So in these cases, I could appreciate more of his own personal history.
Overall, I was deeply interested in his all-time fame and early beginnings and kind've interested in his older years.
Thank you, Michael, for giving us, "WHAT A FOOL BELIIIIEEEVVVEEESSSS."
*3 out of 5*
July 19, 2024
First, I have to say that I absolutely love Michael McDonald. He's one of my "hall pass" men. So when I read last year he was writing a memoir, I was so excited. But while he methodically goes through his entire life in this book, and gives readers lots of "facts" about him, he seldom tells any stories with any meat on them. He makes rock and roll sound, dare I say it, boring. Oh yeah, he's met and worked with tons of music gods, but it's as if he doesn't want to divulge anything other than vanilla details.
McDonald talks at length about his decades-long habit of procuring and taking drugs, but he never once tells us about any of the great times he had when he was high! It's as if he's writing for his son and daughter and someday grandchildren, trying to gloss over any wild times. Having read several rock star memoirs, I found McDonald's reluctance to tell all, disappointing. But, as an eadio book fan, probably my biggest disappointment was learning McDonald's speaking voice isn't anywhere near as sexy as his singing voice.
McDonald talks at length about his decades-long habit of procuring and taking drugs, but he never once tells us about any of the great times he had when he was high! It's as if he's writing for his son and daughter and someday grandchildren, trying to gloss over any wild times. Having read several rock star memoirs, I found McDonald's reluctance to tell all, disappointing. But, as an eadio book fan, probably my biggest disappointment was learning McDonald's speaking voice isn't anywhere near as sexy as his singing voice.
September 17, 2024
A pretty good by-the-numbers rock and roll autobiography that tells all the tales warts and all. Am interesting career, not extraordinarily well written by a fun book.
Read
October 13, 2025*I haven’t given this a star rating, because it feels wrong to rate someone’s life story*
As I fulfilled a (semi) lifelong dream of seeing Michael Mcdonald and the Doobie Brothers live this year, I wanted this to be the year I read Michael Mcdonald’s autobiography also. I read Guardian’s review saying that the writing wasn’t the best and it was a bit cliche, but honestly, I loved it, and I am really glad I picked it up. I think you will always enjoy reading about one of your favourite artists, but this book was objectively enjoyable. I loved how much detail we got to find out about Michael’s family and early career - as a young person, it’s always fascinated me that people existed in the 50s and 60s, so reading about Michael’s life during this time was interesting.
Of course, my favourite part of this book was about Michael’s career during the 1970s/80s, as this was the time period he released his most memorable music. It was lovely to read about the creation of some of my favourite songs/albums of all time, and I got especially excited when the chapters about “Minute by Minute” and “If That’s What It Takes” came along. I have always loved music - not just the songs themselves but the context in which songs were created, the time periods they reflected and how people were feeling in themselves while they create their music. Autobiographies provide a small window into all of that, and I am grateful when great artists decide to delve into the past to let us know exactly how things were, especially when that time period was so long ago, and you were minus 20 years old at the time. I love transporting back to the 70s through someone else’s storytelling, it’s one of the best forms of escapism.
After the late 1970s, the timeline became more vague and it jumped more often, but I suppose Michael and Paul focussed on the part of Michael’s career that most people are interested in. Still though, I didn’t really enjoy how a decade would pass in the latter part of the book like “we’re in 2010 now”, when we were in the early 90s a couple of chapters ago. Also, it seemed strange that he didn’t explore his mother’s death more than one sentence, but he gave his dad many a chapter, when his mum was much more present in his life (this is my very subjective observation, I am not saying this detracts from the book in any way, because I’m not about to say someone is wrong in how they’re exploring and putting on paper their life and losses. Also, it’s very clear how much his dad impacted his life and his opinion on himself).
One other thing I cherished about this book is reading about someone with seemingly crippling imposter syndrome and self-doubt, and who procrastinates into oblivion. Michael, we are one and the same. It was often times upsetting to read about someone who I think is so talented think of themselves as not deserving of so much they DID deserve, because you are reading about all that self-doubt while doing nothing to lessen your own. It made me what to live life a lot more, and count the "random positive happenings" as things I do deserve.
I loved all the photos at the end too, especially the group photo where he is with Bonnie Raitt - I am so grateful to have seen them both live this year <3
All in all, a great autobiography that I am glad to have read. I may revisit this when I want something easy but interesting to read. Thank you for all the music, Michael.
As I fulfilled a (semi) lifelong dream of seeing Michael Mcdonald and the Doobie Brothers live this year, I wanted this to be the year I read Michael Mcdonald’s autobiography also. I read Guardian’s review saying that the writing wasn’t the best and it was a bit cliche, but honestly, I loved it, and I am really glad I picked it up. I think you will always enjoy reading about one of your favourite artists, but this book was objectively enjoyable. I loved how much detail we got to find out about Michael’s family and early career - as a young person, it’s always fascinated me that people existed in the 50s and 60s, so reading about Michael’s life during this time was interesting.
Of course, my favourite part of this book was about Michael’s career during the 1970s/80s, as this was the time period he released his most memorable music. It was lovely to read about the creation of some of my favourite songs/albums of all time, and I got especially excited when the chapters about “Minute by Minute” and “If That’s What It Takes” came along. I have always loved music - not just the songs themselves but the context in which songs were created, the time periods they reflected and how people were feeling in themselves while they create their music. Autobiographies provide a small window into all of that, and I am grateful when great artists decide to delve into the past to let us know exactly how things were, especially when that time period was so long ago, and you were minus 20 years old at the time. I love transporting back to the 70s through someone else’s storytelling, it’s one of the best forms of escapism.
After the late 1970s, the timeline became more vague and it jumped more often, but I suppose Michael and Paul focussed on the part of Michael’s career that most people are interested in. Still though, I didn’t really enjoy how a decade would pass in the latter part of the book like “we’re in 2010 now”, when we were in the early 90s a couple of chapters ago. Also, it seemed strange that he didn’t explore his mother’s death more than one sentence, but he gave his dad many a chapter, when his mum was much more present in his life (this is my very subjective observation, I am not saying this detracts from the book in any way, because I’m not about to say someone is wrong in how they’re exploring and putting on paper their life and losses. Also, it’s very clear how much his dad impacted his life and his opinion on himself).
One other thing I cherished about this book is reading about someone with seemingly crippling imposter syndrome and self-doubt, and who procrastinates into oblivion. Michael, we are one and the same. It was often times upsetting to read about someone who I think is so talented think of themselves as not deserving of so much they DID deserve, because you are reading about all that self-doubt while doing nothing to lessen your own. It made me what to live life a lot more, and count the "random positive happenings" as things I do deserve.
I loved all the photos at the end too, especially the group photo where he is with Bonnie Raitt - I am so grateful to have seen them both live this year <3
All in all, a great autobiography that I am glad to have read. I may revisit this when I want something easy but interesting to read. Thank you for all the music, Michael.
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