Celebrating Jimmy Messina!

Updated: Dec 6

Showcasing the soundtrack of my youth...

Today we celebrate one of the voices to the soundtrack of many lives, Jimmy Messina of Loggins and Messina. Remember great tunes such as, House at Pooh Corner, Watching the River Run, Dannys Song, Your Mama Dont Dance, etc....Loggins and Messina had a boatload of hits in the 70's. And amazingly the two were only together from 1971 - 1976, without counting a few brief reunions over the years. They definitely made a dent in the sound of the 70's music, and in my own personal music memory and life's soundtrack! Today is Jim Messina's 78th birthday and The Music Soup celebrates him today. The article below was from the show he played in Oakland last year. 'Twas the most recent of The Music Soup articles showcasing Jimmys' latest performance in the Bay Area.

Re-posted from 2024:

Jim Messina, the singer songwriter that was half of the band, Loggins and Messina from my teens. Messina was also in bands such as Poco, and before that, Buffalo Springfield. Jimmy is responsible for many of songs of a generation. Tunes like 'House at Pooh Corner', 'Dannys Song', 'Your Mama Don't Dance', 'Peace of Mind', 'Vahevala', etc etc etc. He is responsible for portions of the soundtrack of my youth and maybe yours too.

His other bands, Poco and Buffalo Springfield were a little before my time but Loggins and Messina was just right. I recall every summer they played at the Universal Amphitheater and I joyfully attended annually. They never disappointed. Wind forward many decades and Jimmy is still a hard working musician. And for me, as a music photographer get to shoot the gig at the same time I get to go back in the mind in my youth. A wonderful combination.

Jimmy has a great band and they performed many of the hits from all his bands. Yoshis was packed and the audience seemed to really be enjoying themselves singing along with Messina for many songs. At our table sat a couple that were old fans too. The wife was a big Poco fan and her husband was into Buffalo Springfield. After the show they were both happily satisfied as he had played some of their faves. For me it was the Loggins and Messina years and the music that came from them.

After the show, Jim came out of his van to chat with me. A couple years ago I interviewed him via phone, after he played Yoshis. The article link for April 2022 blog in TMS: https://www.themusicsoup.com/post/jimmy-messina-live-at-yoshi-s?fbclid=IwAR3fij2sOb13FdrkU95GsgcBlp4joqqs6-O4AaL8F3g0NIDzdEdLXPhQEyc_aem_AV5tygmmt49mSVemgDP604VHlS7oW5Qp2NgzODADSCG7yn6BALPJsw96ootZ6lP0iU68-4WGOdjH0Lu_mB7Fc0Rg

He reminded me of some things we discussed a couple years ago. I find Jim to be genuine and grounded. He seems to tour fairly often. If you ever get a chance to see his show, I highly suggest doing so. If you're a child from the 60s 70s or 80s it'll take you back in time, for sure. He does not disappoint. He plays something for everyone. His music catalogue spans several decades and he also continues to write and he even played a couple of his newer solo tunes woven amongst the old favorites.

Last but not least..."Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, be kind to each other, apologize easily, have the hard conversations because it makes life better, and never regret anything that made you smile".... Last, but definitley not least... SEE LIVE MUSIC - it keeps our brain firing and it keeps us young!

With peace, love, art and music,

Cheryl ☮ ❤️🎵

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