Jim Messina Discusses Six Decades of Making Music

Music lovers who favor Pop, Rock, Country, or Americana have
undoubtedly heard songs produced, written, or performed by Jim
Messina. Over the past six decades, this multi-talented artist
has hundreds of songs to his credit. 


Messina was born in California and spent his formative music
years in Texas. He recorded his first album in the early 1960s.
His foray into the mainstream music scene came a few years later
when he was the recording engineer on Buffalo Springfield's "Last
Time Around" album. Before he knew it, Messina found himself as
the group's bass player.


After the band dissolved, Messina and Richie Furay formed Poco.
Moving from bass to lead guitar, he was an intricate part of
their "country-rock" sound. The group recorded three albums until
Messina was exhausted after hundreds of live performances. He
also wanted to move back behind the soundboard instead of living
the life of a touring musician. 


It was in December of 1970 when an aspiring singer/songwriter by
the name of Kenny Loggins showed up at Messina's door. Loggins
didn't bring a guitar, so Messina handed him one of his and asked
if he wanted to record a couple of songs. Recognizing the young
singer's talent, Messina asked record company executives if he
could help Loggins in his first studio sessions.


Among the songs recorded by the duo were the hit, "Danny's Song,"
"Listen to a Country Song," "Same Old Wine," and "The Trilogy."
It was suggested that the duo we named Messina and Loggins,
however, the experienced engineer and musician requested the
names be reversed, so that if and when Messina ever left the duo,
Loggins's name would more easily carry forward.


The duo recorded nine albums before Messina ventured into a solo
career in 1977. Over the next four decades, Messina has released
eight albums and still maintains an active touring
schedule. 


Besides his incredible musical abilities, Messina is a talented
furniture maker and craftsman. He also finds time to mentor young
and up-and-coming recording artists and musicians from his farm
in Middle Tennessee.