Part 10/16:
Transition into Songwriting and Producing
Beyond singing and performing, McDonald ventured into songwriting, inspired by his New York City experiences and collaborations with artists like Jackie DeShannon. His song Real Love, recorded during his Doobie Brothers days, exemplifies his steady craftsmanship. Recorded with top-tier session players, it reflects his inclination to blend soulful melodies with rich harmonies.
He shares fascinating stories about co-writing tracks, such as the album’s title Taking It to the Streets, which originated during a club gig. Inspired by gospel influences, the song’s arrangement was meant to evoke a spiritual, communal feeling but was adapted to a more rock-oriented sound.