Is Michael McDonald Black? Joy Reid's tweet on ‘On My Own’ video sparks huge debate
American television host Joy Reid has left the Internet amused with her latest tweet concerning the race of popular singer-songwriter Michael McDonald, formerly of The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan. The political commentator took to her official Twitter account and stated, “How many other Gen X people didn't realize Michael McDonald was White until the "On My Own" music video? #verzuz #GladysKnight”
How many other Gen X people didn't realize Michael McDonald was white until the "On My Own" music video? #verzuz #GladysKnight
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) September 14, 2020
The topic crossed her mind when she was watching the latest Instagram Live ‘Verzuz’ battle of Soul queens Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle and the latter performed her song ‘On My Own’ which is a 1986 duet with McDonald. Posting another tweet Joy said, “None of that told me ANYTHING. I heard those songs and just made assumptions based on that VOICE!” To this one social media user replied: "I feel like we need to locate for you The Doobie Brothers episode of What’s Happening when Raj, Rerun, Dwayne & Dee interview them before their show at their high school." Adding another tweet on the same, she shared, “Haha!! My" mom didn't have any of his albums so I saw the video and was like, who dat???”
None of that told me ANYTHING. I heard those songs and just made assumptions based on that VOICE!
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) September 14, 2020
I feel like we need to locate for you The Doobie Brothers episode of What’s Happening when Raj, Rerun, Dwayne & Dee interview them before their show at their high school.
— The Incredible, Edible Greg (@GManwhatever) September 14, 2020
Haha!! My mom didn't have any of his albums so I saw the video and was like, who dat???
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) September 14, 2020
The moment she tweeted, the social media users also dropped in to inform her. One said, “We knew him from the Doobie Brothers, as well as the smooth classics “I Keep Forgettin’,” “Yah Mo Be There” (with James Ingram), and “Sweet Freedom.” We are well versed in the white chocolate legend that is Michael McDonald.” One said, “Please, you didn't watch the episode of What's Happening where the Doobie Brothers played the high school gym and Rerun got caught trying to bootleg the show?”
We knew him from the Doobie Brothers, as well as the smooth classics “I Keep Forgettin’,” “Yah Mo Be There” (with James Ingram), and “Sweet Freedom.”
— Ja〽️es J. Dilla (@shawntem) September 14, 2020
We are well versed in the white chocolate legend that is Michael McDonald.
Please, you didn't watch the episode of What's Happening where the Doobie Brothers played the high school gym and Rerun got caught trying to bootleg the show?
— Jeff (@JeffnRoundRock) September 14, 2020
One social media user stated, “Ok, I knew because when the Doobie Bros. were on What's Happening on the episode when Rerun tried to tape the show with a cassette recorder under his coat... long story, but that's how I remember.” Another added, “Miss Patti LaBelle was one of my very first concerts. Her, Michael McDonald, and Peabo Bryson all did a Christmas show together and it was magical. The way I am missing live music right now....” Another said, 'My mom texted me a few weeks ago that she was confused as to how I lived in her house and didnt know Michael McDonald was in the Doobie Brothers prior to steely dan and his solo career so I guess I was just hoping for some time before she reminds me of this egregious mistake.”
Ok, I knew because when the Doobie Bros. were on What's Happening on the episode when Rerun tried to tape the show with a cassette recorder under his coat... long story, but that's how I remember. pic.twitter.com/qlSXyyTXL6
— This is a Black Cat Stan Acct (@msclarkemason) September 14, 2020
Miss Patti LaBelle was one of my very first concerts. Her, Michael McDonald, and Peabo Bryson all did a Christmas show together and it was magical. The way I am missing live music right now.... pic.twitter.com/cFo3AIl1cm
— Sasha (@S4SH4S) September 14, 2020
my mom texted me a few weeks ago that she was confused as to how I lived in her house and didnt know Michael McDonald was in the Doobie Brothers prior to steely dan and his solo career so I guess I was just hoping for some time before she reminds me of this egregious mistake😂 https://t.co/Gn7uP88DhH
— meg (@hissy_elliott) September 14, 2020
Looking at the tweets, we really hope, the matter is closed. Apart from this, the MSNBC host also made headlines most recently for her remarks on homophobia.