You may remember singer-songwriter and two-time Grammy Award-winner Kenny Loggins predominately for his soft-rock hits in the ’70s and ’80s. However, Loggins ventures down a new path by debuting his all new children’s book Footloose – also the title of his 1984 #1 single – at the BookExpo America in Chicago today (5/12). It will be officially published on October 18th by Moondance Press.
Loggins’ passion for children’s music and causes will be a main focus in his coming years, and Footloose follows two LPs: Return to Pooh Corner (1994) – the best-selling children’s album of the last 20 years, with 1.3 million albums sold to date – and its follow up, More Songs from Pooh Corner (2000). He has three new albums of children’s music planned, including an up-tempo record, a lullaby record, and a third as yet undefined album.
He will also head to New York City this week to attend the annual Chapin Awards and accept the ASCAP Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award next Monday (5/16). Loggins will be recognized for his new partnership with WhyHunger’s Summer Meals Rock for Kids campaign, which connects millions of children in need to free, nutritious meals all summer long.
“I’m honored to have been chosen by ASCAP and WhyHunger as my passion for children’s causes fits perfectly with WhyHunger’s philosophy. I believe this is the start of a fruitful partnership,” said Loggins. For tickets to the Chapin Awards, click here.
Kenny Loggins first made a name for himself in the early 1970s as one half of the country-rock duo Loggins and Messina. After they parted ways in 1976, he scored many hits as a solo artist, most significantly with soundtrack songs such as “I’m Alright” from CaddyShack, “Footloose” and “I’m Free” from Footloose and “Danger Zone” from Top Gun.
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Loggins will be staying busy this year with projects outside of the children’s realm as well, including multiple upcoming TV appearances, a coffee table lyric book, and a co-write for Grammy-nominated artist Thundercat. A sophomore album from Blue Sky Riders, Loggins’ country trio with Gary Burr and vocalist/singer-songwriter Georgia Middleman, is in the works as well.
