Michael McDonald: I Went from “Couch Surfing” to Playing Arenas… in Just a Few Days!
The Great Creators with Guy RazShow Notes
Michael McDonald brought his legendary singing voice and songwriting talent to not one but two legendary bands: Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers, the latter of which earned him a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Michael sits down with Guy to talk about writing classic songs on envelopes and forgetting about them for years; feeling self-conscious on stage as a frontman; his solo career; what he thinks of the term “yacht rock”; and how getting sober saved his life. Michael’s memoir is called “What a Fool Believes”. You can buy it here. Links from the show: I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near) music video Warren G: Regulate music video What a Fool Believes music video Sweet Freedom (1986) Michael talking about singing on Steely Dan’s “Peg” Rick Moranis SCTV sketch about Michael Three Michael McDonalds Sing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” (w/ Jimmy Fallon & Justin Timberlake): Tonight Show Family Guy having fun with Michael’s famous backing vocals Michael’s Instagram Michael’s Facebook page Michael’s memoir, “What a Fool Believes” See all our episodes – including conversations with Tom Hanks, Jason Sudeikis, Bjork, and many more – at TheGreatCreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Ron Howard, the Oscar-winning director behind films like 'Apollo 13' and 'A Beautiful Mind,' sits down with Guy to discuss his remarkable journey from child actor to Hollywood heavyweight. Ron’s latest documentary – “Jim Henson: Idea Man” – about the creator of the Muppets, is available now on Disney Plus. Links from the Show: Ron playing Opie on The Andy Griffith Show Grand Theft Auto, the first film Ron directed Ron’s recent documentary “Jim Henson: Idea Man” Apollo 13 Cocoon Happy Days A Beautiful Mind Frost Nixon Splash on Disney+ For more conversations like this – with guests ranging from David Duchovny to Diplo – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Actor, filmmaker, and playwright Tyler Perry is one of the most prolific and prosperous entertainers of his generation. Despite growing up in New Orleans with little money, no connections, and few entertainment role models, Tyler went on to build a billion-dollar business – totally bypassing Hollywood gatekeepers in the process. How did he do it? And what’s the key to his success? This episode answers that question. Tyler’s new film The Six Triple Eight, about a battalion of black women who served in WWII, is out December 20th on Netflix. Links from the Show: The Six Triple Eight on Netflix Tyler Perry’s House of Payne Tyler Perry Studios For more conversations like this, go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Kelly Clarkson won the first season of American Idol in 2002, released her chart-topping single “A Moment Like This” the same year, and almost instantly became a music megastar. Kelly talks to Guy about the hardships of her early life, and how they helped motivate her towards success, the personal story of heartbreak while making her album “Chemistry”, hosting her award-winning TV talk show, and how her busy production schedule keeps her creativity flowing. This episode was first published in 2023. Links from the Show: Kelly sings “A Moment Like This” on American Idol Season 1 Finale in 2022 Kelly's acceptance speech at the 48th GRAMMY Awards in 2006 Anne Hathaway’s LIVE Remix with Kelly on The Kelly Clarkson Show Kelly sings with Pink on The Kelly Clarkson Show in February 2023 For more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Josh Brolin (Dune, Avengers, Sicario) knows what it’s like to fall, rise, and live to tell the story. From his chaotic childhood on a horse ranch in California to teen stardom in 'The Goonies' to two decade without a big acting role, Josh pulls back the curtain on family, creativity, and a life driven by "insatiable curiosity". Plus: how he found other ways to support himself while waiting for the right role; a career-defining audition where directors praised the lighting but ignored him; and why he calls his 50's his "F It" decade. You can buy Josh's memoir 'From Under the Truck' here. Links from the Show: The Goonies (1985) No Country for Old Men (2007) Sicario (2015) Dune (2021) American Gangster (2007) W. (2008) Milk (2008) For more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.