Singer/songwriters Kenny Loggins, Gary Burr and Georgia Middleman recently formed the new band Blue Sky Riders, and were profiled by Huff/Post50 in February. They are finishing their first album and will be chronicling their experiences as a band in this blog.
These days I can't help but notice when I do something counter to what my history has taught me is the "wise thing" to do. Sometimes I can simply chalk it off to my short-sighted desire to getting my needs met, no matter the outcome, and sometimes I see that action as some naive urge in me that still wants to believe "it will somehow turn out differently this time. This time, it will all work out in the end."
And I suppose, if you back up far enough, it can all appear to have done just that -- worked out. Just don't count the bodies scattered along the side of the road, the collateral damage on the way to that ephemeral place we affectionately call "the end." There is, of course, no such place. Seems like where we're standing on the timeline of our lives is the place we keep referring to as "the end." But we're really just traversing across the Great Unknown on our way to somewhere else. You'd think time might have taught me to avoid wishful thinking a little, to not make impetuous "hopeful dreamer" partnerships, yet here I go again ... and loving it. Damn! Some people never learn.
At this point in my evolution, I guess I have to see the act of forming this new band as both, (a) simply getting my needs met, and (b) a testament to hope winning over experience. (What's the definition of insanity? "Doing the same action repeatedly yet expecting a different outcome?")
What I now need in my life is to keep making music, to stay creative and follow the muse. There are no "laurels to rest upon." Not really. To feel productive and creative is my life-blood, and it sustains a sense of well-being that surpasses even the best endorphin high. Even sex (sometimes). It's that simple: my music and my children are what keep me happy and moving forward in my life.
I keep wanting to believe that with a little bit of kindness, generosity and hard work we can, as Rodney King so eloquently stated years back, " ...all get along." Starting a new band smacks of the kind of naivete that I used to wallow in as a young man. I mean YEARS ago. Truthfully, I am now hoping that all these years of "executive decisions" within my solo career, all those life experiences, can add up to a kinder, gentler way of doing business, or at least something not as ego-centered as what I have known. But I suspect the whole truth is, we're all just people with the kinds of faults people have, and eventually those faults will rear their ugly little heads, and we'll have to deal with the fallout. I guess that's really what all this experience is for. To recognize my sh*t when it's happening, and bust it ASAP. So it goes. "God grant me the serenity..."
But don't get me wrong; right now, it's a honeymoon. We enjoy each other's company a lot, and are having a great time writing, creating a dream, building a vision. Each time we get together, something really cool comes from it, and I've been doing this gig long enough to know when I'm wasting my own time. Trust me, this ain't that. (As Rev. Johnson prayed in Blazing Saddles, "O Lord, do we have the strength to carry off this mighty task...? Or are we just jerking off?")
I suppose the biggest concern, in this moment on my life-curve is, "If it ain't Country and it ain't Pop, what the Hell IS it?" But truth be told, that actually can't matter right now. This is the moment you dream of as an artist; something like "the holy grail" -- the slight possibility that you might just be doing something unique.
Follow Kenny Loggins on Twitter: www.twitter.com/kennyloggins
... and, I can't think of another artist who is part of his own opening act! (Another First!) lol
You've always surrounded yourself with the best. And every new road you travel, you ALWAYS out-do yourself and I always wonder. where can you possibly go from there?!
And, you've done it again with the The Blue Sky Riders.
..and with this latest transformation you've made us feel like kids again.
All The Best to Georgia, Gary and You!
Thank you for your willingness to stand in the truth of who you are and where you are today. Thank you for your transparency. As a writer and a fellow musician I truly respect and honor you.
Peace, Dennis
To which I say "Who the hell CARES!?" Does it really matter? Not really. If it's good (and your music is, at least the stuff we get to hear) then it is going to fly and nothing will stop it.
If you DON'T try, then it WON'T change. It won't work out in the end. It won't be different. So I hope you 'never learn'. I hope you keep hoping, keep dreaming. For what else is life but hope and dreams? What would life be like without them? Dreary indeed I think.
So keep hoping, dreaming and taking chances. It's the chances you don't take you regret.
(So not trying to sound whatever, but I've let a lot of my dreams and hopes die)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kenny-loggins/the-hopeful-dreamers-_b_1390220.html?ref=celebrity&ir=Celebrity
I believe that should be the motivation for all of our lives. Anything outside of ourselves can shift and fade. People, even with the best of intentions, may dissapoint or offend. If you are true to yourself, true to your heart, THAT brings satisfaction to life. And it will be apparent in everything you do.
I thank God for the gifts and abilities instilled in you, Gary and Georgia that allow you to create music that touches others and helps us to give voice to our hearts.