This article is an excerpt from the Shortform guide to "Fly on the Wall". Shortform has the world's best summaries and analyses of books, podcasts, and more.
Like this article? Sign up for a free trial here.
Who is Kenny Loggins? How did Loggins become big in the music industry?
Kenny Loggins joins Dana Carvey and David Spade on the Fly on the Wall podcast for an episode. Both Carvey and Spade praised Loggins for his long-standing success as a musician.
Continue reading for insight into Loggins’s early career that made him a household name.
Early Days and Chart-Topping Soundtracks
Who is Kenny Loggins? Kenneth Clark Loggins, known as Kenny Loggins, is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter who has made significant contributions to the music industry. With a career spanning several decades, Loggins has established himself as a prominent figure in rock and pop music. He gained early recognition through his collaboration with Jim Messina as the duo Loggins and Messina in the 1970s. Their folk-rock and pop-infused sound resonated with audiences and resulted in seven successful albums. However, it was Loggins’s solo career that propelled him to even greater heights of fame.
Kenny Loggins initially approached Jim Messina, who was initially lukewarm to the idea as he perceived Loggins as a folk singer. However, a recommendation from music executive Clive Davis convinced Messina to take a chance on Loggins, leading to their successful partnership.
The hit “Footloose” was mentioned as a significant track, which Loggins began as help for his friend Dean Pitchford to showcase songwriting talent to Paramount. While conceptualized on an acoustic guitar, the final tune was envisioned as electric, but not every move in the film’s music video was truly performed by Kevin Bacon, revealing an interesting detail behind the scenes.
Live Performances and Life as a Rock Star
They discussed the transition from smaller venues to larger concerts, including memorable moments like a standout concert with an impressive lineup featuring Peter Frampton, the early version of Fleetwood Mac, Loggins’ band, and Rod Stewart as the headliner. Anecdotes from live performances highlighted an amusing incident involving an on-stage balloon release during Rod Stewart’s set, illustrating the energy and unpredictability of live events.
Additionally, the podcast delves into amusing anecdotes about cannabis, including Carvey’s story about using an edible with his wife and Spade’s bewildering experience at a dispensary, as well as peculiar experiences at corporate events such as performing comedy on a diving board by a swimming pool, bringing to life the humor and unique challenges of rock star life.
From College Campuses to Stardom: Collaborations and Stages Shared
During the podcast, discussions unfold around the nature of artistic integrity, with both Carvey and Spade highlighting the significance of staying true to oneself, exemplified by Bono from U2 in his performances. Adding to this narrative, Loggins shares an entertaining exchange with Steven Tyler concerning Tyler’s performance of the national anthem, coupled with Loggins’s witty response to any detractors.
The trio also shares insights into the dynamics of musical collaborations, revealing how the origins of creative ideas may blur over time as a collective process evolves.
Kenny Loggins in Film Soundtracks
One of Kenny Loggins’s notable achievements is his reputation as the “King of the Movie Soundtrack.” He has contributed numerous songs to film soundtracks throughout his career, including hits like “Footloose” from the 1984 film of the same name. This song earned him an Academy Award nomination and became one of his signature tracks.
Kenny Loggins shared some behind-the-scenes thoughts about his work on film soundtracks, particularly for Caddyshack. He was initially skeptical of the gopher puppet concept proposed for the film but was pleasantly surprised by its success.
Moreover, Loggins revealed that the creative spark behind the hit track “I’m Alright” sprouted from a temporary track by Bob Dylan. This inspiration drove Loggins to conjure themes of rebellion and individuality that resonated strongly with the movie’s overarching narrative.
Discussions also touched on the spontaneous contributions of Harold Ramis and a memorable line from Rodney Dangerfield that concluded the film.
Navigating Legal Tangles in the Music Industry
The conversation touched upon the legal challenges Loggins faced, such as being omitted from the royalties of “Danger Zone” (featured in Top Gun) and the subsequent legal process to claim his rightful share. Loggins was not credited as a writer on “Danger Zone”, choosing instead to take a share in the song’s publishing rights. This compromise was due to concerns that acknowledging his contributions could impact the song’s Academy Award eligibility.
His legal battle began after discovering that his name had been removed from the publishing credits for a decade, causing him to lose a significant amount of royalties.
———End of Preview———
Like what you just read? Read the rest of the world's best guides to Fly on the Wall" at Shortform.
Here's what you'll find in our full Fly on the Wall episode summaries:
- Insights into the professional lives of celebrities and public figures
- The reality of working in the entertainment industry
- The hosts’ views on current affairs
