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.

Album cover from Loggins & Messina Farewell Concert in 1976

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, he found himself as the group’s bass player.

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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 he 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, he 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.

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The duo recorded nine albums before Messina ventured into a solo career in 1977. Over the next four decades, he 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.