Kenny LogginsReseñas

Still Alright by Kenny Loggins is a 2022 Hachette Books publication.

People often describe the music they listened to in their youth, as the ‘soundtrack of their lives’. With Kenny Loggins that could be taken even more literally, if one is of a certain age. Loggins once dubbed the ‘King of Movie Soundtracks’ had a string of hits- all of which were featured prominently in movies like Top Gun and Footloose.
But Loggins had a long and storied career well before then…

As usual, when I pick musical memoirs, it is usually because I have very little knowledge about the subject other than liking their music- and that is the case here, too.

Loggins’ music has been in the background of my life since I was quite small. I remember loving ‘Danny’s song’ when I was a very young because the Anne Murray version got lots of airplay on both pop and country radio. It was such a sweet and catchy song. Naturally, I love the Loggins & Messina song- ‘Your Mama Don’t Dance’, too. Such a fun song.

My point is, this guy has been here my whole life practically, but somehow, I kind of took him for granted, I think. Reading through this book I realized how many hits he’s had, how many great songs he has written, and incredible collaborations with other superstar artists. A very impressive career, for sure.

While I enjoyed hearing about the musical process and recognized some of the people he spoke of, some studio musicians, who are not exactly household names, got shout outs here. That was fine if that was Kenny's way of giving them some long overdue credit- but it did slow down the flow of the book in some places.

It wasn’t all a bed of roses. Loggins explains the relationships he’s had with other artists, the various mistakes made, hurt feelings, and breakups- in other words a behind the scenes look at some of the dramas that took place on the road to success.


But what about Kenny’s private life? Well, he’s had an interesting life outside of music, but he’s also fallen into many of the same traps as other star musicians, namely with the abuse of substances.

That said, his life wasn’t as colorful as some musical stars, and while he did some things I rolled my eyes at, and was, and maybe still is, into other things I think are farcical, it seems that he’s settled down finally, placing value on the truly important things in life and allowing his true self to emerge after years of dormancy.

Overall, I found this memoir enjoyable, enlightening, and entertaining. Kenny is often funny, witty, keeping the mood as light as possible, even when he’s addressing delicate subjects or talking through some of his life’s hardest challenges. The tone is mellow,and the execution and presentation are well-done and professionally executed.

Kenny tells his story in a sincere way, sometimes self-deprecating, but without attempting a false modesty, mostly just honest.

I think Kenny is an excellent storyteller, and I thought he did a fabulous job of telling his.

4 stars

Note: I've gotten this e-ARC from Edelweiss in return for my honest review.

Lyrics have been changed for the younger audience befitting the zoo theme but I can still sing along to the original tune lol! Loved the illustrations too, so cute with catch colours and drawings!

You can read my review here:
http://www.sholee.net/2016/07/mpov-footloose-e-arc.html

Using his hit 80s song Footloose as a starting point, singer Kenny Loggins rewrites his popular tune for children in this picture-book, setting his tale in a zoo at night, as the animal residents boogie down. His text is accompanied by colorful artwork from illustrator Tim Bowers, depicting the various animals in their zany nighttime gyrations, while a CD with Loggins performing the new version of the song is also included.

I had a fairly lukewarm reaction to Footloose, but I upped my initial rating (two stars) in acknowledgement of the fact that I'm probably just not the right audience for it. I've never seen the movie Footloose (hard to believe, in a child of the 1980s!), nor am I a particular fan of the original song, although I am familiar with it. That said, I would imagine that some children will enjoy this story/song in its own right, and will appreciate the madcap animal antics. I didn't have a chance to listen to the accompanying CD, so that may have affected my reaction as well. Recommended to parents who are Kenny Loggins fans, and are looking to introduce their children to his work.

Growing up in the 80's, I was a huge fan of Footloose. I have watched it countless times, made my kids watch it and can quote most of the movie. When I heard Kenny Loggins was putting out a children's book based on the song, I knew I had to get it.

The zoo is getting ready to close up for the day. There is a full moon which means the animals are planning some fun at the zoo after it closes. The animals watch to make sure everyone is gone and then they begin to let loose. Your child may notice two children peeking between the bushes who didn't leave like they should have. They are treated to quite the show during the animals dance party.

Kenny Loggins uses his and Dean Pitchford's well-known lyrics and changes them up a bit to fit the animals at the zoo. Kids will love the silly antics of the animals and parents won't be able to resist singing the words to the tune of "Footloose". Also on each page, you can help your child find the boy and girl hiding and watching all the fun. Eventually, the two children won't be able to resist and will join the dance party as well.

You can't help but be happy while reading this book. Between the lyrics and the awesome illustrations, this book is sure to put anyone reading it into a great mood. You may not want to read this one at bedtime though as it will make you want to get up and dance. I love all the creative ways Loggins used to make his lyrics rhyme with the different animals. He wrote this to celebrate the love of his song with his new granddaughter. I'm sure it has been a joy for him to share this fun book with her! There is also a CD that comes with the book featuring this version of the "Footloose" song and "Monkeytown Medley".

INFORMATION-This album contains the following tracks:
1 Footloose (Kenny Loggins / Dean Pitchford), featuring Kenny Loggins, 3:47
2 Let's Hear It for the Boy (Dean Pitchford / Tom Snow), featuring Deniece Williams, 4:22
3 Almost Paradise (Eric Carmen / Dean Pitchford), featuring Mike Reno / Ann Wilson, 3:49
4 Holding Out for a Hero (Dean Pitchford / Jim Steinman), featuring Bonnie Tyler, 5:50
5 Dancing in the Sheets (Dean Pitchford / Bill Wolfer), featuring Shalamar, 4:05
6 I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man) (Kenny Loggins / Dean Pitchford), featuring Kenny Loggins, 3:46
7 Somebody's Eyes (Dean Pitchford / Tom Snow), featuring Karla Bonoff, 3:29
8 The Girl Gets Around (Sammy Hagar / Dean Pitchford), featuring Sammy Hagar, 3:23
9 Never (Michael Gore / Dean Pitchford), featuring Moving Pictures, 3:47