“Danny’s Song” is a song written by singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins, as a gift for his brother Danny Loggins for the birth of his son, Colin. It first appeared on the only album by Gator Creek.
Gator Creek was a California-spawned band that existed primarily as a studio unit, consisting almost entirely of session musicians. Kenny Loggins, in his early 20s, was in the band with Mike Deasy (Friar Tuck), a rock and jazz guitarist, and singer-songwriter, keyboardist, and influential music producer Michael Omartian.
Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina’s collaboration began when they met in 1970. Loggins had been performing as a songwriter and musician but had not yet achieved significant success. Messina, on the other hand, was a seasoned musician and producer, known for his work with Buffalo Springfield and Poco. Messina had heard some of Loggins’ songwriting demos and was impressed by his talent.
Sittin’ In Personnel
- Kenny Loggins – vocals, rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, harmonica
- Jim Messina – vocals, lead guitar, acoustic guitar
- Jon Clarke – oboe, steel drum, flute, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone
- Lester “Al” Garth – violin, recorder, tenor saxophone, viola, alto saxophone, steel drum, backing vocals
- Larry Sims – bass guitar, backing vocals
- Merel Bregante – drums, backing vocals
- Michael Omartian – concertina, keyboards, steel drum
- Milt Holland – percussion
- Jim Messina – producer
- John Fiore – engineer
- Alex Kazanegras – mastering and mixing
- David Linderman – cover artwork
- Irvin Goodnoff and David Linderman – photography
They decided to join forces and started working together. Their musical chemistry was evident, and they decided to form a duo. They released their debut album, “Sittin’ In,” in 1971, marking the official beginning of Loggins and Messina’s partnership. “Danny’s Song” quickly became one of the standout tracks on the album and received positive reviews for its emotional depth and sincerity.
The song’s message of love and connection resonated with audiences, and it became a hit. “Danny’s Song” was included as the B-side of one of their early single releases, “Nobody But You” (U.S. No. 86, 1972).
Anne Murray is a highly acclaimed Canadian singer and songwriter known for her remarkable career in country and pop music. Born on June 20, 1945, in Nova Scotia, Canada, she rose to international fame in the 1970s and 1980s with her smooth, versatile voice and a string of hit songs that include “Snowbird,” “You Needed Me,” and “Could I Have This Dance.”
She has received numerous awards throughout her career, making her one of Canada’s most celebrated musical talents. Her rendition of “Danny’s Song” is a touching interpretation of the classic track originally written by Kenny Loggins. Released in 1972 on single and 1973 on her Danny’s Song album, Murray’s version beautifully captures the song’s heartfelt lyrics and gentle melody, emphasizing her vocal prowess and emotional depth.
Anne Murray’s version of the song omits two of the lyric verses and is in a different key than the original version by Loggins & Messina. It peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1973, marking her first top-ten hit on this chart. On the Adult Contemporary chart it reached No. 1.
Danny's Song
People smile and tell me I'm the lucky one
And we've just begun
Think I'm gonna have a son
He will be like she and me, as free as a dove
Conceived in love
Sun is gonna shine above
And even though we ain't got money
I'm so in love with you honey
And everything will bring a chain of love
And in the mornin' when I rise
Bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be alright
Seems as though a month ago I was Beta Chi
Never got high
Oh, was a sorry guy
And now I smile and face the girl that shares my name, yeah
Now I'm through with the game
This boy'll never be the same
And even though we ain't got money
I'm so in love with you honey
And everything will bring a chain of love
And in the mornin' when I rise
Bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be all right
Pisces Virgo rising is a very good sign
Strong and kind
And the little boy is mine
Now I see a family where there once was none
Now we've just begun
Yeah we're gonna fly to the sun
And even though we ain't got money
I'm so in love with you honey
And everything will bring a chain of love
And in the mornin' when I rise
You bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be all right
Love the girl who holds the world in a paper cup
Drink it up
Love her and she'll bring you luck
And if you find she helps your mind
Buddy, take her home
Yeah, don't you live alone
Try to earn what lovers own
And even though we ain't got money
I'm so in love with you honey
And everything will bring a chain of love
And in the mornin' when I rise
You bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be alright
Further Reading
Sources
- “Gator Creek” https://www.allmusic.com/artist/gator-creek-mn0001467922/discography
- “Danny’s Song” https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/3530822107858489262/
- “Kenny Loggins” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_Loggins
- “Sittin’ In (Loggins and Messina album)” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sittin%27_In_(Loggins_and_Messina_album)
