First Performance In Front Of An Air Show Crowd For 'Danger Zone' Artist

Kenny Loggins has been on the international music scene for more than four decades, breaking through in the 1970s with partner Jim Messina, then breaking out on his own in the 1980s and producing six certified platinum and eight gold records in the process. In all those years Loggins never performed in front of an air show crowd, but that will change in a big way later this month when he appears on opening day of general aviation’s crown jewel, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014. The July 28 opening day concert is presented by Ford Motor Company.

Fans eager to hear Loggins’ lengthy roster of hits won’t be disappointed, he said in a telephone interview with EAA this week while preparing to open his summer tour in California. “From ‘Danny’s Song’ to ‘Footloose,’” he hinted.

His spectacular run of movie soundtrack hits in the 1980s earned Loggins the moniker, “King of the Movie Soundtrack.”

“I don’t mind that, that’s a good one” he said. “I got lucky.”

First came “I’m Alright” from Caddyshack (1980), followed by the Footloose title song (1984), then in 1986 – probably the most popular with EAA’s crowd –“Danger Zone,” from the blockbuster Top Gun. Loggins’ video of the song, which featured exciting air-to-air footage from the film, was so popular the U.S. Navy called it “the most effective recruiting poster ever produced.”

Loggins’ personal aviation background is limited to that of a passenger, but he has extensive experience in that regard. “I’ve logged more miles than most flight attendants,” he joked.

Loggins credits his longevity to writing relevant songs that listeners can relate to in their own lives. “Throughout my career I’ve strived to write songs that matter to people,” he said. “People sort of adopted my songs to their rites of passage. I’ve had many people approach me saying that my music was the soundtrack to their lives. That’s why I’m still around.”

At a recent performance of “Night of the Proms,” a mega production involving 100 artists including Michael McDonald and the Pointer Sisters, Loggins experienced another reminder of his music’s enduring appeal.

“When we went into ‘Footloose,’ all the young kids rushed the stage,” he said. And “Danger Zone” has also crossed back into the pop culture.

Loggins will open his AirVenture performance with his latest musical collaboration, the Blue Sky Riders, featuring Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Gary Burr and his wife, Nashville singer-songwriter Georgia Middleman. Loggins and his band will start the evening in what’s likely to be an unforgettable wall-to-wall hit parade.

The opening day concert will start after the daily air show, approximately 6 p.m.

(Image provided by EAA)

FMI: www.eaa.org