I recently interviewed Jim Messina on All Access Radio and what a terrific conversation we had! Jim’s legacy spans five decades, three acclaimed rock groups, a vibrant solo career and an array of producing and engineering credits. He’s one of those guys who can do it all. We spent the time reflecting on his dynamic career, collaborations and his current tour.
What struck me during the interview was our shared passion for helping others succeed. Like me, Jim has been and continues to be what I like to call a trusted advisor and mentor to countless musician-songwriters. We talked at length about his relationship with Kenny Loggins and how Jim basically took Kenny under his wing as a producer and launched his career. I’d say he went above and beyond the normal role of producer and really rolled up his sleeves – Kenny didn’t even own a guitar when they first met each other and Jim loaned him one along with other equipment – he recognized a real talent in Kenny and worked hard at his success. To help Kenny’s first record succeed, Jim also contributed songs and helped introduce Kenny to his country/rock audience. Loggins and Messina was born with that first album and an instant success – the rest is history.
Today among his many endeavors, Jim continues to advise artists, facilitating the Songwriters Performance Workshop, where artists get a much better idea of what it takes to right a song with one-on-one coaching in a group peer setting that combines constructive critique with real-time feedback and evolution – priceless mentoring.
I think what makes Jim a great mentor is that he truly enjoys being a performing artist – instrument in hand – performing material – old and new. Over the years he has honed himself as an individual and professional, and is incredibly generous with his knowledge and experience. Be sure to listen to the entire interview – Jim shared some great memories with Buffalo Springfield and Poco to name a few collaborations.Find out more about his latest tour with Rusty Young and what brought them back together, and whether or not being a DJ is next in his career
Enjoy!
~Kelli
