TODD MACDONALD
A Father’s Day Exclusive Interview: Singer/songwriter Todd MacDonald’ Dad Talks about His Son, Death and Being a Dad
In January of 2009, singer/songwriter Todd MacDonald was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Peritoneal Mesothelioma. After months of wrestling with the malignancy, MacDonald went home to be with Jesus on May 12, 2012. MacDonald’s posthumous album “World Full of Word” was recently released. It received a rave review here at Breathecast (see our reviews section). So, as Father’s Day is approaching, we have decided to talk to Todd’s dad John MacDonald about his son, his music, and some lessons he has learned about being a dad.
BREATHEcast: We are deeply sorry to learn about Todd MacDonald’s passing. Could you tell our readers who Todd was and what kind of music he left behind?
Being raised in a Christian family and strongly influenced by his older brother Scott’s calling, Todd also achieved a Masters of Divinity. Unlike Scott and a conventional church ministry, Todd chose a music ministry and moved to Nashville in 2004. Having previously recorded two Christian albums, two more were completed in Nashville. All 46 songs are originals written by Todd.
BREATHEcast: We have recently reviewed Todd MacDonald’s “World Full of Wonder” here at Breathecast. Tell us what was Todd’s vision behind this record? When did he record this album?
Firstly, I want to thank you for your review of “World Full of Wonder”. As with “Changes”, “Walking”, “Pilgrims Here”, and “World Full of Wonder”, all progressively show the growth of a servant in the walk with his Savior. In “World Full of Wonder”, Todd’s vision was simply to comfort all of us with his impending death and show us his joy in anticipation of eternity with Jesus. This album was acoustically recorded in 2011 – 2012 and posthumously completed by his Nashville friends early this year.
BREATHEcast: When Todd was alive, did he talk about any of the songs on this record? Was there any story behind any of these songs you would like to share?
In January of 2011, Todd’s stepmom and I moved down to Nashville to help care for him. As designated driver, I often drove him to production and session player studios. Our driving conversations were often of his feelings and of course, the songs. “Woo Hoo Hoo” was a fun favorite of his, but “Lord of The Valley” and “Don’t Cry For Me” were his deepest personal prayers. “The River Flows” was written as my bow paddler on a 7 day – 97 mile Allagash River trip in Maine, holding his guitar more than a paddle!
BREATHEcast: As Todd’s father listening to this album now, what goes through your mind listening to these songs again?
To be totally honest, I still have difficulty listening to this album completely. In listening, I can still vividly see Todd on his couch, guitar in hand, and singing these songs. I know I am blessed to be one of a very few to have heard some of them performed live, but I still have a lot of healing to do with this loss.
BREATHEcast: If you were, to sum up, Todd’s life and ministry, what would it be?
I really thought I knew my son, that is until being with him day in and day out for his last 18 months. Todd’s total adult existence was Christ-centered and his faith was not swayed by the recent crisis of cancer, it only drew him closer. His ministry was and still is music; his legacy continues. The greatest witness and testimony is by one’s example and Todd truly lived that.
BREATHEcast: What have you learned about God, suffering, cancer, and faith during such a painful ordeal as a dad?
A father is supposed to develop and nurture a son, not the other way around. The Dad that left for Nashville is not the same person that returned. One of my favorite songs of Todd’s is Walking The Line on the “Pilgrims Here” album; at times I thought I had that down to a science, but know better now. I’ve always felt a private personal relationship with God, but Todd has taught me the need for growth and by God’s Grace that is happening.
BREATHEcast: For our readers out there who may be grieving this Father’s Day (either because they have lost a kid or have never been able to be a father) what encouragement can you give them?
It’s been better than a year since Todd’s passing and on this Father’s Day, I’m still grieving. I now know that this grief will never really end, but that faith in God and my love for others help to fill the daily void. The theme of the title song in Todd’s album “Pilgrims Here” is that we are just pilgrims here on a journey to home. There is comfort in knowing that life is a very short stop in the journey to our eternal home and being reunited with our lost loved ones. Todd asked us to Don’t Cry For Me in his album “World Full of Wonder”, saying that “I swear I find – The sweetest release -In the arms of my Jesus”.
BREATHEcast: Where can our readers go to buy Todd’s new album “World Full of Wonder” and to find out more about his life and ministry?
On Todd’s website, www.toddmacdonaldmusic.com, you’ll find Todd’s autobiography and personal writings/reflections on his earthly trials with cancer. There is a link to CDbaby and Itunes for purchase of “World Full of Wonder” and “Pilgrims Here”. There is also a link to BREATHEcast on the “World Full of Wonder” review. All profits from sales will be held in a charitable trust and donated to yet-to-be-announced Christian efforts. If this becomes self-sustaining, we will do reprints on “Changes” and “Walking”.