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Loggins and Messina

Loggins and Messina was an American rock duo formed in 1970 consisting of Kenny Loggins (vocals, guitar) and Jim Messina (vocals, guitar, producer). The duo was known for their blend of folk, rock, and country music styles, which helped to define the sound of the early 1970s.

The two musicians first met when Messina was producing an album for Loggins' previous band, Gator Creek. The two hit it off and began working together on Loggins' solo album, "Sittin' In", which was released in 1971 under the name "Kenny Loggins with Jim Messina Sittin' In." The album was a commercial and critical success, reaching #16 on the US album charts and earning a gold certification.

Loggins and Messina continued to release successful albums throughout the early 1970s, including "Loggins and Messina" (1972), "Full Sail" (1973), and "Mother Lode" (1974). They had several hit singles, including "Your Mama Don't Dance," "Thinking of You," and "My Music."

In addition to their music, Loggins and Messina were known for their live performances, which were characterized by their intricate harmonies and guitar work. The duo disbanded in 1976 after releasing their final album, "Native Sons." Both Loggins and Messina went on to have successful solo careers, with Loggins achieving great success in the 1980s with hits like "Footloose" and "Danger Zone."


Loggins and Messina I (1972 - 1974)
  • Kenny Loggins - guitar/harmonica/vocals - b. January 7, 1948, Everett, Washington - formerly with Gator Creek, The Electric Prunes, and Second Helping.
  • Jim Messina - guitar/vocals - b. December 5, 1947, Maywood, California - formerly with Buffalo Springfield and Poco.
  • Jon Clarke - sax/oboe/steel drum - d. 2005
  • Al Garth - sax/recorder/violin/steel drum/vocals - b. Lester A. Garth
  • Larry Sims - bass/vocals
  • Merel Bregante - drums
  • Michael Omartian - keyboards/steel drum/concertina
  • Milt Holland - percussion
Albums:
  1. "Sittin' In" (1972) - Single: "Danny's Song"
  2. "Loggins and Messina" (1972) - Singles: "Your Mama Don't Dance", "Thinking of You"
  3. "Full Sail" (1973) - Singles: "My Music", "A Love Song"
  4. "Sittin' In / Loggins and Messina / Full Sail" (3-CD box set) (1997)
  5. "On Stage" (live) (1974)
  6. "Mother Lode" (1974)
Al Garth later joins The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

Loggins and Messina II (1974 - November 1976)
  • Kenny Loggins - guitar/harmonica/vocals
  • Jim Messina - guitar/vocals
  • Jon Clarke - sax
  • Larry Sims - bass/vocals
  • Merel Bregante - drums
  • Don Roberts - sax/clarinet
  • Richard Greene - violin/cello/mandolin - formerly with Sea Train and Muleskinner.
  • Milt Holland - percussion
  • Vince Denham - sax/flute/clarinet
Albums:
  1. "So Fine" (1975)
  2. "Native Sons" (1976)
  3. "Finale" (live) (1977)
Group disbands.  Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina both pursue solo careers.  Merel Bregante later joins The Nitty Gritty Dirt BandRichard Greene later forms bluegrass band The Grass is Greener.

Loggins and Messina III (reformed) (2005)
  • Kenny Loggins - guitar/harmonica/vocals
  • Jim Messina - guitar/mandolin/vocals
  • Shem Von Schroeck - bass
  • Gabe Dixon - keyboards
  • Gabe Witcher - fiddle/mandolin/dobro
  • Jeff Nathanson - sax/ewi
  • Steve Nieves - sax/percussion
  • Steve Di Stanislao - drums
Album:
  1. "Live: Sittin' In Again At The Santa Barbara Bowl" (live) (2005)

Compilations:
  1. "The Best of Friends" (1976)
  2. "Best of Loggins and Messina" (1980)
  3. "The Best: Sittin' In Again" (2005)

DVDs and Videos:
  1. "Live: Sittin' In Again At The Santa Barbara Bowl" (live) (2005) - This concert DVD from their 2005 reunion tour has a wonderful selection of songs, great musicianship, and incredible vocals.  It's been 30 years, but these guys sound like they've been singing together always.  This unexpected gem is absolutely amazing and is now my favorite concert DVD.  As a bonus, there are also six songs taken from performances on "The Midnight Special" in 1973.  Attention Loggins and Messina fans: Make sure you pick up a copy of this while it's available.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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Last Revised:  January 3, 2006
© 2004, 2006 by Gary S. Hartman.  All rights reserved.
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