Story Songs -- Some Friendly Tunes

Some of the most uplifting tunes are those about friendship. Aside from food and water, having friends helps sustain us through life's journey.

Friends are special. They brighten our days with their presence,  lift us up when we're down, and enhance our memories when we reflect on our lives. 

There are quite a few friendship songs that I've enjoyed through the years, so many that I can't include them all in this post. More will come later. 

Here are some of my favorites:

The Beach Boys -- "Friends"
No. 47 in 1968
Written by Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson and Al Jardine

"We been friends now for so many years

We've been together through the good times and the tears

Turned each other on to the good things that life has to give"

Queen -- "You're My Best Friend"
No. 16 in 1976
Written by John Deacon

"Oh, you're the best friend I ever had

I've been with you such a long time

You're my sunshine and I want you to know

That my feelings are true

I really love you

Oh you're my best friend"

James Taylor -- "You've Got a Friend"
No. 1 in 1971
Written by Carole King

"You just call out my name

And you know wherever I am

I'll come running, to see you again

Winter, spring, summer or fall

All you have to do is call

And I'll be there

You've got a friend"

Simon & Garfunkel -- "Old Friends"
Released in 1968 on "Bookends" album
Written by Paul Simon

"Old friends

Memory brushes the same years

Silently sharing the same fear"

Andrew Gold -- "Thank You for Being a Friend"
No. 25 in 1978
Written by Andrew Gold

"And when we both get older

With walking canes and hair of gray

Have no fear, even though it's hard to hear

I will stand real close and say,

Thank you for being a friend"

Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks -- "Whenever I Call You Friend"
No. 5 in 1978
Written by Kenny Loggins and Melissa Manchester

"Whenever I call you friend

I believe I've come to understand

Everywhere we are

You and I were meant to be

Forever and ever"

The Zombies -- "Friends of Mine"
Released in 1968 on "Odyssey and Oracle" album
Written by Chris White

"It feels so good to know two people

So in love...

So in love..."

More to come later, my friends.

Until the next time...

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...