A Tony nominee for his work in the Kander and Ebb musical Steel Pier, McDonald was also known for his Broadway appearances in High Society, Mamma Mia! and the national tour of Contact.
The handsomely rugged stage and screen actor lost his battle with cancer in 2007 at the age of 46. When first diagnosed, McDonald and his wife, Italian actress and filmmaker Mujah Maraini-Melehi, set out to create a legacy for their young children, Fosco and Ondina, who were six and three years of age, respectively, at the time of their father's death.
"True Love" was McDonald's final recording project. The album, a candid collection of personal and family favorites, features selections from McDonald's theatre career, including tunes from Steel Pier and High Society. Steel Pier composer John Kander, a dear friend of McDonald and his family, accompanies the late actor on his rendition of "First You Dream" from the 1997 musical.
In addition to McDonald's vocals, "True Love" captures a year in the life of the late actor and his family. Both of his children – Fosco and Ondina – and his wife Mujah are present on the recording that captures an intimate family portrait in song.
The track list for "True Love" follows: Minuet in G Major I
Minuet in G Major II
Wonderful World
You've Got That Thing
Fly Me to the Moon
Second Chance
Top Hat, White Tie, and Tails
Blue Moon
True Love
Smile
First You Dream
Hit the Road to Dreamland
Fosco and Ondina… All Together
They Can't Take That Away From Me
Bach Doll
To celebrate the release of the album, Joe's Pub will host a benefit for the cancer initiative Team Continuum June 16 at 9:30 PM. In addition to McDonald's family and colleagues, further artists will be announced shortly to partake in the celebration of McDonald's legacy. For tickets visit wwww.joespub.com.
Released on the Ghostlight Records label, a portion of the proceeds from "True Love" will go to Team Continuum as well as the Actors Fund and BC/EFA.
For further information visit www.danielmcdonaldtribute.com.