The Dukes of September: Masters of Blue-Eyed Soul and Rock

The Dukes of September are an American supergroup formed by veteran rock and soul legends Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, and Boz Scaggs. This powerhouse trio, active in the 2010s, united to celebrate the rich songbooks of classic R&B, soul, and rock, delivering critically acclaimed live performances and a celebrated live album.

Early career

The concept for The Dukes of September originated in 2010, building on the foundation of an earlier touring revue called the Dukes of Swing. That project, initiated by Donald Fagen and the late Walter Becker of Steely Dan in the early 1990s, similarly focused on rhythm and blues covers. For the new iteration, Fagen recruited two iconic voices: Michael McDonald, famed for his work with The Doobie Brothers, and Boz Scaggs, known for his smooth 1970s hits.

Breakthrough

The group's breakthrough came with their highly successful concert tours, which began in 2010 and continued through 2012 and a subsequent 2014 run. Their dynamic stage show, featuring each artist's hits and deep-cut soul covers, was captured on the 2012 live album and DVD The Dukes of September: Live at Lincoln Center. Released by the independent label 429 Records, the release solidified their reputation as a premier live act, charting on the Billboard 200 and reaching the Top 10 on Billboard's Top Music Video chart.

Key tracks

Kid Charlemagne — This Steely Dan classic, performed live by Fagen, showcases the group's intricate jazz-rock fusion and sophisticated musicianship.

What a Fool Believes — Michael McDonald's signature song, performed with the group, highlights their mastery of smooth, blue-eyed soul and impeccable vocal harmonies.

Lowdown — Boz Scaggs' 1976 smash hit remains a centerpiece, blending slick studio soul with a gritty, authentic live energy.

Takin' It to the Streets — This Doobie Brothers anthem, led by McDonald, exemplifies the communal, celebratory spirit of their concerts.

Miss Sun — A cover of this 1980 Boz Scaggs track perfectly represents the group's dedication to reviving underappreciated gems from the soul and R&B canon.

The Dukes of September toured extensively, performing a setlist that mixed their individual career highlights with covers of artists like The Band, Chuck Berry, and The Grateful Dead. Their backing band featured elite session musicians, ensuring a level of musical precision that matched the star power of the three frontmen. While no further studio recordings were released, their live album and tours remain a testament to their collaborative chemistry and deep respect for American musical roots.

Fans of The Dukes of September often appreciate the work of Steely Dan for its shared jazz-influenced rock complexity and lyrical wit. The smooth vocals and soulful approach also connect to The Doobie Brothers, particularly during Michael McDonald's tenure with the band. Listeners drawn to the polished, genre-blending sound might enjoy Hall and Oates, another duo renowned for blue-eyed soul and pop craftsmanship. The soulful rock guitar work and vocal style also find parallels in Little Feat, a band celebrated for its eclectic, funky Southern rock.

The music of The Dukes of September receives regular airplay on a variety of classic rock FM stations, adult album alternative (AAA) radio formats, and dedicated online rock radio streams that celebrate supergroups and legacy artists. Their blend of soul, rock, and jazz fits perfectly into the playlists of stations focusing on sophisticated, timeless songcraft.

Listeners can explore the rich catalog of The Dukes of September and hear their iconic performances on the curated classic rock and soul radio stations available on onairium.com, where their music remains a staple for fans of expertly performed American roots music.