Doobie Brother Michael McDonald, Amy Holland and Lisa Patton Go Behind the Scenes on Their Collaboration (Exclusive)

Lisa Patton, an accomplished author with a background in the music industry, has recently released her latest novel, “Kissing the Sky.” This engaging work transports readers back to the summer of 1969, capturing the vibrant spirit of Woodstock while intertwining the tale of a Southern girl embarking on her journey of self-discovery. Published on 1 March by Lake Union Publishing, the book has generated considerable excitement among both literary enthusiasts and music aficionados.

In an intriguing collaboration, Patton has teamed up with renowned musician Michael McDonald, formerly of The Doobie Brothers, and his wife, singer Amy Holland McDonald, to create an original song titled “If Not For You.” This musical piece serves as an accompaniment to the audiobook version of the novel, reflecting Patton’s dedication to integrating the essence of music within her narrative. The trio recently engaged in a candid discussion regarding their creative process and personal connections that led to this unique undertaking.

Patton recalled the initial meeting with the McDonalds during a dinner in Nashville back in 2021, where she proposed her idea for a song to complement her soon-to-be-published novel. “I remember asking them to help me create an original song. To be honest, I felt somewhat out of my depth, as I’m primarily a novelist rather than a songwriter,” she admitted.

McDonald, however, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that both he and Amy had been admirers of Patton’s storytelling long before the book’s release. “We were happy to be involved,” he said. “I believe this is your best book yet. It has significant cinematic qualities that could be adapted into a movie or television series.”

The songwriting process unfolded swiftly, with the trio crafting “If Not For You” in just a couple of hours. Reflecting on their collaboration, Amy Holland McDonald remarked, “The book was so inspiring. It was a joy to create a piece of music that resonated with the era.” McDonald added that having a clear title and storyline prevented the common pitfall of overworking a song, allowing the creative flow to channel effortlessly.

Patton’s extensive experience in the music industry has undoubtedly influenced her writing. Prior to her career as a novelist, she held various positions, including theatre manager and director of radio promotions. She credits these experiences with helping shape the narrative of “Kissing the Sky.” The inspiration for the novel emerged while watching the 50th anniversary of Woodstock in 2019. Realising that no fictional depiction of the event existed, she felt compelled to fill that void.

To ensure authenticity, Patton undertook considerable research, interviewing key figures associated with Woodstock, such as co-creator Michael Lang and original announcer Chip Monck. She admitted that even well-documented events often included discrepancies. “The first line of the book references the saying, ‘If you remember Woodstock, you weren’t really there,’ which captures the essence of that era,” she explained.

During their conversation, the McDonalds reminisced about their connections to Woodstock. Amy Holland McDonald shared that, although she lived nearby, her parents prohibited her from attending, so reading “Kissing the Sky” allowed her to engage with those experiences vicariously. Michael McDonald, on the other hand, recounted his participation in smaller music festivals inspired by Woodstock, which provided a distinctly different experience than the famed event.

As their collaboration continued, they encountered the typical challenges associated with creative partnerships, including tight deadlines for recording and mixing the song. McDonald noted the involvement of Doobie Brothers members like John McFee and Ed Toth in the instrumentation, indicating a robust collective effort behind the music. Despite the pressure of a deadline, he expressed pride in their accomplishment, believing they successfully captured the sound of the 1960s.

The Vietnam War’s impact serves as a backdrop within “Kissing the Sky,” prompting discussions around the protest songs that emerged from that tumultuous time. McDonald shared his draft number during the Vietnam War era and reflected on how it influenced his music. “While my song, ‘Takin’ It to the Streets,’ was not directly about the war, it addressed economic disparities and the societal issues we were grappling with.”

Patton acknowledged the support she received from the McDonalds throughout her writing journey, particularly during the early days of her career. Their encouragement played a significant role in her developing confidence as a novelist, cementing their enduring friendship.

With the release of “Kissing the Sky,” readers can now experience a blend of literature and nostalgia reminiscent of the significant events of the 1960s. The novel, paired with the original song, presents a unique artistic collaboration that highlights Patton’s prowess as an author and her ties to the music world. “Kissing the Sky” is available for purchase, inviting fans of both literature and music to engage with this memorable tale.