Jazz Cruises Conversations

Jazz Cruises Conversations invites you to escape to the high seas for the most intimate and candid conversations in music. Go beyond the stage for full-length interviews with the biggest names in jazz and smooth jazz, recorded live on the world's premier floating music festivals.

Guided by veteran host Lee Mergner (and other musicians, comedians, and on-board talent), hear legends open up about their careers, creative process, and lives on the road, all recorded exclusively on sailings of The Jazz Cruise, Blue Note at Sea, Botti at Sea, and The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Mergner and his crew’s knowledgeable perspectives ensure these aren't just chats—they are engaging, entertaining, and truly informative deep dives into the music.

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Signature Cruise Experiences is the Gold Standard for Charter Theme Cruises since 2001. In that time, we have produced over 100 full ship theme charters, most of which featured a significant music theme and top performers.

Our goal has been to present the very best musicians possible and do so with authenticity and professionalism. Our music venues are the best at sea and our sound production is Performing Art Center quality. Nothing but the best for our talent which translates to the very best for our guests.

Guest

Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald is an American singer, keyboardist, and songwriter renowned for his distinctive, soulful baritone voice. Starting in the 1970s, he was a prominent backing vocalist for Steely Dan before becoming the lead vocalist and a defining songwriter for The Doobie Brothers (1975–1982, 2019–present).

With The Doobie Brothers, he penned hits like "Takin' It to the Streets" and the chart-topping "What a Fool Believes," which helped the album Minute by Minute find massive success. His solo career took off with If That's What It Takes (1982), featuring "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)."

McDonald is a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and a five-time GRAMMY® Award winner, including awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year for "What a Fool Believes," cementing his status as a legendary authority in blue-eyed soul and rock.

Guest appearance on:

#75: Michael McDonald with Marcus Miller