Spotlight on Kenny Loggins

One of the most talented singer-songwriters in rock music has to be Kenny Loggins. 

From his days as part of Loggins & Messina in the 1970s to his solo years to his collaborations with others, Loggins has accomplished quite a bit in music.

His first song to gain notice was "House on Pooh Corner," recorded by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in the early '70s.

Then came his years with Jim Messina, the former member of Buffalo Springfield and Poco, when they formed one of the top duos with songs such as "Your Mama Don't Dance," "Thinking of You," and  "My Music." During their four-year run, they sold 16 million albums. 

After they parted ways in 1976 (but with reunion tours in 2005 and 2009), Loggins found success as a solo artist with such hits as "Whenever I Call You Friend" (a duet with Stevie Nicks) and "This Is It." 

He co-wrote "This Is It" and "What A Fool Believes" with Michael McDonald and "Whenever I Call You Friend" with Melissa Manchester. "What A Fool Believes" earned a Grammy for "Song of the Year" in 1980 and Loggins won a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance the following year for "This Is It." 

And then came the memorable movie songs that Loggins penned in the 1980s including "I'm Alright" (Caddyshack), "Footloose" (Footloose), "Meet Me Halfway" (Over the Top), and "Danger Zone" (Top Gun).

Blue Sky Riders

Loggins, who is 66, still tours as a solo performer and with the Blue Sky Riders. He also is writing a children's book.

Although he has recorded 12 platinum albums and has songwriting credits for nearly all popular genres, Loggins has never been nominated to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame despite being eligible since 2001. Shame on you, voters!!!

Here are some of Loggins's great songs:

Until the next time...