If an iconic film spawned a hit song in the 1980s, chances are Kenny Loggins was the man behind the music.
He’s the voice behind “Danger Zone” from “Top Gun,” “Footloose” from the film of the same name and “I’m Alright” from “Caddyshack,” among others. Those are some of the tracks on “At the Movies,” a compilation of Loggins’ movie hits that the singer/songwriter released in June. His tour supporting the new collection stops at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage on Saturday, Nov. 6.
“I’ve integrated a lot of songs that I wrote in the ’80s,” Loggins said in a telephone interview last week. “Songs like ‘Nobody’s Fool,’ ‘Meet Me Halfway,’ and a couple of others that I’ve rarely performed. Expect a lot of hits.”
Before Loggins’ voice became an inextricable part of the box office in the ’80s, he saw success first as part of Loggins and Messina with hits such as “Vahevala,” “A Love Song” and “Your Mama Don’t Dance.”
Loggins went onto a successful solo career with hits including “This is it,” “Whenever I Call You Friend,” a duet with Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac, and “Don’t Fight It,” a rock duet with Journey frontman Steve Perry.
Loggins’ most recent project was helping create “The Great Adventure,” a song for a television show on the San Diego Kids Channel, which is primarily found in medical facilities with pediatric patients.
“It’s a really positive piece of music that I think can help start the day for someone in a hospital,” Loggins said.
Loggins talked with the Southern California News Group about his upcoming show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage and how he feels about his music’s impact. Some answers were edited for space and clarity.
Q: How are you feeling about your upcoming performance at Agua Caliente? What is it like being a performer during a pandemic?
A: It’s different from place to place. Most shows have been outdoors. It’s been interesting to see the differences between states. I did a show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where no one wore masks and it was indoors. I was taken aback by that, given that I’m a California guy.
Q: How have streaming services changed the way people view the films you music was in? How do you feel about it?
A: I don’t know much about how it’s affecting the industry because I’m not as involved with film right now. I know that Tom Cruise has been waiting a long time to release “Top Gun: Maverick” because he believes, and I think accurately, that it’s an in-theater experience. He wants the big sound, the big screen, and all the excitement that comes from that.
Q: What do you think makes movie soundtracks today different from movies in previous years?
A: Very few movies are willing to hire a musician or well-known act to write a song that’s particularly custom-made for their movie when they can get a recorded song from a lesser-known act. …I was lucky to be in the heyday of that when it was a new idea to write for the movie and the scene. I think it brings a level of energy that wouldn’t be there in any other way and brings the power to the song.
Q: What song would you say comes up the most in association with your work?
A: It sort of comes in waves. I would say the one that comes up and goes back and forth is “Footloose.” There was a period of time where “Footloose” was not cool and people wouldn’t get up and dance to it. When It found its resurgence in maybe the early 2000s people have danced to it ever since. Also “Danger Zone” right now because of the new “Top Gun” that’s coming out. It’s sort of the zeitgeist of popular culture right now and it’s very popular live.
Q: You’ve had your music in iconic films like “Footloose” and “Top Gun.” You’ve also produced children’s albums and had a funny guest appearance on “Archer.” What does it feel like to be recognized across cultures?
A: I feel extremely lucky and blessed because having such a long career is rare. It’s difficult to get to this level of acceptance. The resurgence of ’80s music has really been bringing a lot of my music forward again.
If you go
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6
Where: The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Tickets: $60-$125
Information: aguacalintecasinos.com
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