I Know You Were Waiting (For Me)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin the soulful vibes of I Know You Were Waiting (For Me) by Michael McDonald from his 2008 album Soul Speak. This track, originally a hit duet by Aretha Franklin and George Michael, gets a fresh, electrifying spin in McDonald’s hands. According to a review by JD Ryznar on Yacht Rock, McDonald’s rendition is a “barfingly intense interpretation” that showcases his unbridled passion, as if he’s “blowing this shit up with that signature McDynamite.” Ryznar notes McDonald’s vocal performance feels like a fanboy going wild, pouring every ounce of soul into paying homage to the original’s power without merely mimicking it. It’s a testament to McDonald’s love for soul music, evident in how he tackles this cover with the enthusiasm of a “six-year-old opening presents on Christmas morning.”

In a 2008 interview with Blues & Soul, McDonald shared insights into the making of Soul Speak, explaining that the album was a departure from his earlier Motown-focused covers projects. He and producer Simon Climie decided to broaden their scope, including songs like I Know You Were Waiting (For Me) that weren’t tied to the Motown catalog but shared a redemptive quality. McDonald described the challenge of naming the album due to its eclectic mix, but he felt the songs were unified by themes of redemption, a thread that resonates in his heartfelt delivery of this track. The album debuted impressively at number 12 on the U.S. Pop chart and number 10 on the R&B chart, proving McDonald’s enduring appeal.

Michael McDonald’s journey to soul stardom began in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was born on February 12, 1952. Growing up in Ferguson, he was surrounded by a mix of Broadway show tunes, R&B, and British Invasion sounds. As a teenager, he formed his first band, Mike and the Majestics, and honed his skills in local nightclubs. A pivotal moment came when he heard Edwin Starr’s Stop Her on Sight (S.O.S.), which he later told the Austin American-Statesman “changed his life.” By 1970, McDonald was discovered while playing with the band Blue and moved to Los Angeles, kicking off his professional career. His big break came as a session vocalist and keyboardist for Steely Dan, contributing to albums like Katy Lied and Aja. This led to his transformative role with The Doobie Brothers in 1975, where his soulful vocals and songwriting on hits like What a Fool Believes redefined the band’s sound.

McDonald’s solo career took off in the 1980s with hits like I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near) and duets such as Yah Mo B There with James Ingram. His distinctive husky baritone, often described as “blue-eyed soul,” made him a sought-after collaborator with artists like Patti LaBelle, Toto, and Joni Mitchell. His work on Soul Speak reflects his lifelong passion for soul music, a genre he embraced after moving to Nashville in the late 1990s to tap into its emerging soul-gospel-folk scene, as noted by SoulTracks. McDonald’s ability to bridge rock, pop, and soul has kept him relevant across decades, with recent collaborations including Thundercat and Grizzly Bear.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Michael McDonald through his official Facebook page, Instagram account, and X profile, where he shares updates on tours, new music, and charitable endeavors like his work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Fans can dive deeper into his world at fan sites like Michael McDonald Official or join discussions in Facebook groups such as Michael McDonald Fans, where enthusiasts share concert memories and rare recordings. For the latest on McDonald’s projects, including his 2023 duet with Dolly Parton on her Rockstar album, check out his official website.