Ordinary DNA test gives American a very famous father

A 59-year-old St. Louis resident, Michael Hessling, adopted as an infant, found his biological father through a genetic platform — The Doobie Brothers frontman and five-time Grammy winner Michael McDonald. Contacting him by phone, Hessling received confirmation. Both parents were teenagers (14 years old) at the time of conception. Nearly 60 years later, a personal meeting between father and son took place.

59-year-old Michael Hessling of St. Louis, adopted as an infant, received an unexpected message from a half-brother through a genetic platform. This led him to his biological mother, who helped track down his father. Calling and directly asking if the person on the line was the musician, Hessling heard confirmation from Michael McDonald — frontman of The Doobie Brothers and five-time Grammy winner. Irony of fate: Hessling had been a lifelong fan of the band and sang their hits, unaware he was listening to his biological father's songs. Both biological parents were teenagers (14 years old) at the time of conception. McDonald long felt guilt but took comfort that his son ended up in a loving family. Nearly 60 years later, a personal meeting took place, and the musician met his grandchildren.