Here’s wishing a very Happy Birthday to Kenny Loggins, who turned 77 on January 7. Loggins is known for his prolific and successful career as a singer and songwriter, first as a member of the folk-rock duo Loggins & Messina and then as a hit-making solo artist.
Videos by American Songwriter
A major aspect of Kenny’s solo career has been the many memorable songs he’s contributed to movie soundtracks, particularly during the 1980s. They include “I’m Alright” from Caddyshack (1980), “Footloose” from the 1983 film of the same name, “Danger Zone” from Top Gun (1986), and “Nobody’s Fool” from Caddyshack II (1988).
Loggins’ smooth, soulful voice and musical sensibilities have helped establish him as one of the premier artists in the yacht rock genre.
Meanwhile, Loggins also has teamed up with various other famous singers to record some noteworthy duets. In celebration of Loggins’ birthday, here are four great duets featuring Kenny singing with other music stars.
“Whenever I Call You Friend” – with Stevie Nicks (1978)
“Whenever I Call You Friend” is an inspired duet with legendary Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks that helped launch Loggins’ solo career. The song appeared on Kenny’s second album, Nightwatch, which was released in July 1978.
The soaring ballad was the product of a one-off collaboration between Loggins and singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester. The song celebrates a long-lasting friendship. Issued as the lead single from Nightwatch, “Whenever I Call You Friend” peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“This Is It” – featuring Michael McDonald (1979)
Loggins was good friends with Michael McDonald, and the two co-wrote the chart-topping and Grammy-winning 1978 Doobie Brothers classic “What a Fool Believes.”
Loggins and McDonald also joined forces to write “This Is It,” which was released as the lead single of Kenny’s 1979 follow-up to Nightwatch, Keep the Fire.
The smooth, soulful tune features Loggins singing lead and McDonald joining in in the pre-choruses and choruses.
Loggins’ was inspired to write the song when he witnessed his father struggling with heart issues. The tune encourages a person to fight to keep living.
“This Is It” reached No. 11 on the Hot 100. In 1981, it won a Grammy in the Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male category.
“Don’t Fight It” – with Steve Perry (1982)
“Don’t Fight It” is an upbeat rock tune that Loggins recorded as a duet with Journey frontman Steve Perry. The song leads off Loggins’ fourth studio album, High Adventure, which was released in 1982.
Loggins and Perry co-wrote “Don’t Fight It” with songwriter, screenwriter, actor, and director Dean Pitchford. Pitchford later wrote the screenplay for Footloose, and co-wrote the film’s theme song with Loggins.
“Don’t Fight It” peaked at No. 17 on the Hot 100. It also received a Grammy nomination in the Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal category.
“Show You the Way” – Thundercat (Featuring Loggins and Michael McDonald) (2017)
In 2017, Loggins and McDonald both contributed vocals to “Show You the Way,” a tune by the eclectic singer/songwriter/producer/bassist Steve Bruner, a.k.a. Thundercat. The groovy, spacy track, which was co-written by Thundercat, Loggins, and McDonald, is a jazzy, soulful homage to yacht rock.
“Show You the Way” appeared on Thundercat’s acclaimed third album, Drunk. Loggins and McDonald both sing verses, with Kenny getting to display his falsetto talents.
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.