Doobie Brothers Release 1st New Song To Feature Michael McDonald On Vocals In 45 Years

The Doobie Brothers rolled out “Learn To Let Go,” their first new song to feature Michael McDonald since 1980. The track single is the fourth advance preview of the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers’ forthcoming album, Walk This Road, which is due on June 6 via Rhino.

Michael McDonald joined The Doobie Brothers in 1975 and sang several of the band’s most beloved hits, including “Takin’ It To The Streets,” “What A Fool Believes” and “Minute By Minute.” McDonald focused on his solo career after the group initially broke up in 1982. While he contributed to the 2010 Doobies album, World Gone Crazy, and the countrified greatest hits re-do Southbound in 2014, McDonald officially reunited with the band in 2019.

Co-written by McDonald and producer John Shanks, Michael is backed vocally on “Learn To Let Go” by Doobies co-founders Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons. “[It’s] a song about more or less one of the hardest lessons we learn in this life, especially where love is concerned and probably the last decision we make on this earthly plane,” McDonald explained in a post on social media.

The new song is vintage Michael McDonald and is a throwback to the glory days of yacht rock. Listen to The Doobie Brothers’ “Learn To Let Go” below:

The Doobie Brothers featuring Michael McDonald will embark on a North American tour with Coral Reefer Band this summer. Find the full list of dates and ticketing links by scrolling below.