Thursday, March 28, 2024

Kenny Loggins Admits “Footloose” Was Based on “Devil with the Blue Dress,” Says “Don’t Sue Me:

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smokeyWhat a historic night for music at the annual Little Kids Rock gala at Capitale. The group honored songwriter-performer Kenny Loggins and Motown legend Smokey Robinson. Legendary Soul Man Sam Moore– mentioned in Bruce Springsteen’s new book four times as an “inspiration”– sang with Kenny, performed a Jackie Wilson song in honor of fellow Detroiter Smokey. Audience members included Marc “Walking in Memphis” Cohn. A Paul Simon-signed Fender guitar was auctioned off for thousands of bucks. Tracy Morgan made a tearful appearance also on behalf of Smokey.

By the way, the house band was led by former Letterman/SNL guitarist Will Lee. And among the featured players was New York Yankee legend Bernie Williams! Bernieeeee!!

Loggins– looking younger than springtime–performed “Danny’s Song,” which Anne Murray covered back in the 70s and revived his career with Jim Messina as a top 40 duo. When it came time to perform “Footloose,” the title track from the 1984 hit movie, he told a little story. He was looking for inspiration himself, and based the song on the Mitch Ryder classic “Devil in the Blue Dress.” He laughed and said, “Don’t sue me” as he launched into the original song, then segued into his own. The songs are similar but I don’t think he has to worry about it.

What Loggins obviously did not know is that “Devil” was co-written by Smokey’s longtime Motown collaborator William “Mickey” Stevenson. Small world since Smokey was sitting right there.

Loggins later joined Sam Moore for the Sam & Dave classic “I Thank You” after Sam brought down the house with “Soul Man” sam will leeand Jackie Wilson’s “To Be Loved.” The audience went wild, as Sam turns 81 next week and sounds better than ever.

Smokey lentertained the crowd with “I Second That Emotion,” a gorgeous version of the Gershwins’ “Our Love is Here to Stay” and his own “Being with You.” He finished with one of his great self-penned Motown hits– “Get Ready”– backed up all the kids from the charity. Quite a night. Smokey pleaded during his acceptance speech for more music education in schools, which was met with applause throughout the cavernous Capitale.

 

All photos c2016 Showbiz411

 

Roger Friedman
Roger Friedmanhttps://www.showbiz411.com
Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News, where he created the Fox411 column. His movie reviews are carried by Rotten Tomatoes, and he is a member of both the movie and TV branches of the Critics Choice Awards. His articles have appeared in dozens of publications over the years including New York Magazine, where he wrote the Intelligencer column in the mid 90s and covered the OJ Simpson trial, and Fox News (when it wasn't so crazy) where he covered Michael Jackson. He is also the writer and co-producer of "Only the Strong Survive," a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals, directed by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.
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