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Kenny Loggins

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Kenny Loggins is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist, born in 1948 in Everett, Washington. He grew up in Alhambra, California, and sang there in the band The Second Helping. In 1970 he was introduced to Jim Messina, who had previously played in Poco and Buffalo Springfield. Messina wanted to help him as a producer, but ended up contributing so much to the first album that a duo came about: Loggins and Messina. The album Sittin' In found its audience in 1972, especially on university campuses. Until 1977 they made seven albums. On them Loggins played rhythm guitar and harmonica and Messina lead guitar, mandolin and dobro.

Music and breakthrough

His first solo album, Celebrate Me Home, appeared in 1977. Nightwatch (1978) contained Whenever I Call You Friend, a duet with Stevie Nicks. With Michael McDonald he wrote What a Fool Believes. The Doobie Brothers' version reached number one and earned both of them the Grammy for Song of the Year in 1980.

Influence

In the 1980s Loggins became known as the king of the film soundtrack. He sang I'm Alright for Caddyshack, Footloose and I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man) for Footloose, and Danger Zone for Top Gun. Footloose, his only solo number one, earned him an Oscar nomination. Later he made Leap of Faith (1991) and the children's album Return to Pooh Corner (1994), among others. He shows how a songwriter from the soft rock of the 1970s could build a second career in film.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Footloose by Kenny Loggins. Notice the sturdy, danceable drum beat and how the vocals directly follow the movement in the lyrics.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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See also

Categories: Artists