Adopted St. Louis man discovers Grammy winner Michael McDonald is his biological father

Michael Goessling always knew he was adopted, but a DNA test taken by a previously unknown half-brother eventually led him to his famous biological father.

A St. Louis man who spent decades wondering about his biological roots recently discovered that his biological father is five-time Grammy Award winner and Doobie Brothers singer Michael McDonald.

According to KCTV5, Michael Goessling was placed for adoption as an infant after his biological parents, McDonald and Goessling’s birth mother, conceived him when they were both 14 years old.

Goessling was raised in St. Louis by his adoptive parents, Paul and Kay Goessling. He said he always knew he was adopted and described his childhood positively.

“Had a wonderful childhood. I could not pick two finer folks to raise me,” Goessling said.

Still, he remained curious about his biological family. That search began unexpectedly when a half-brother he did not know existed took a 23andMe DNA test.

“Within 36 hours, he got an email notifying him: Michael Goessling, half-brother, St. Louis,” Goessling recalled. “And that’s how this all began.”

On his 58th birthday, Goessling met his biological mother in person. He later spoke with his biological father by phone and asked about his profession. The man said he was a musician who was preparing to tour through St. Louis.

Goessling then asked the question that would confirm the surprising connection: “Are you Michael McDonald?”

“And he said, ‘Yeah, I’m afraid so,’” Goessling recalled.

McDonald, whose career includes hits such as “What a Fool Believes” and “I Keep Forgettin’,” said he and Goessling’s biological mother had continued to remain close over the years. He also said they had often wondered what became of their son.

“We always talked about him. And it always came down to our greatest fear was, how did life treat him?” McDonald said.

McDonald said he carried guilt about not knowing what happened to Goessling, but finding out that he had grown up well was meaningful.

“The real rock stars in this story are his adoptive parents,” McDonald said.

The father and son eventually met in person, embracing and telling each other they loved one another.

The reunion also brought another surprise for McDonald: He became a grandfather.

“Yeah, I’m still wrapping my head around that,” McDonald said.

For Goessling, the decades-long question of where he came from ultimately led not only to his birth parents, but to an unexpected connection with a legendary musician.