This is It - Kenny Loggins (1979) 7/30/21

When Kenny Loggins was putting together his "Keep the Fire" album in 1979, he asked Michael McDonald of the Eagles to help him write a love song for it.

They had already written the melody, but Kenny was having trouble with the lyrics. He was a bit distracted because his father had been going through a series of surgeries for vascular problems caused by strokes.

Mr. Loggins was depressed at the prospect of even MORE surgeries, and after Kenny paid him a visit, his lyrical perspective changed.

He told Michael, "It's not a LOVE song; It's a LIFE Song."

Before long, "This is It" was finished, recorded for "Keep the Fire," and released as a single.

Loggins & McDonald (who sang background vocals on the song) had a hit on their hands. In the US, the song reached #11 on the Hot 100, #17 on the Adult Contemporary Chart and #19 on the Soul Chart! In Canada, it did even better: #9 on the Top 40 and #16 on the AC Chart.

Best of all, "This is it" won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Performance.

So, for a "Great Song of the '70s with strong, positive lyrics, "This is It!"

Loggins & McDonald: