- Kenny Loggins will be inducted into the People's Music Hall of Fame on Feb. 7.
- Loggins, known for hits like "Footloose," appreciates the Utah-based organization's recognition.
- Proceeds from the event will fund scholarships through the Sound Support Foundation nonprofit.
SALT LAKE CITY — Kenny Loggins is the soon-to-be second inductee in the People's Music Hall of Fame.
The "Footloose" singer said he appreciated the recognition from the Utah-based organization, which launched the award in 2025 to honor timeless artists whose music has shaped culture and touched everyday lives.
Loggins will be inducted into the hall of fame in Salt Lake City by its co-creators, Adam Reader, known as the "Professor of Rock," and Caleb Chapman, the CEO and founder of the Soundhouse.
"I appreciate that Adam (Reader) and his people thought of me for this award," Loggins said ahead of the ceremony. "I think he's trying to bring balance to that aspect of music business with a sort of balanced award. It will be interesting to see how this award is viewed publicly."
He added, "I love Salt Lake City and the people there, and it's always fun to be there."
On Saturday night, as part of the induction ceremony, over 150 of young, local musicians and 50 dancers will come together to perform dozens of Loggins' hits.
Loggins said he looks forward to seeing how his music is interpreted and carried forward by a new generation of artists at the ceremony.
"To watch young people embrace the music in this way, it gives you the sense that the music is going to be around a while," he said. "I think all musicians who create their own music hope that what they are doing lasts for a while. It gives a sense of permanence when nothing is actually permanent."
Over a six-decade career, Loggins has won two Grammy Awards — including song of the year and best male vocal performance — alongside two Daytime Emmys, and has also earned nominations for 10 additional Grammys, a Golden Globe, a Tony and an Academy Award. In January, Loggins was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
But receiving awards and accolades are not among the moments from his career that Loggins said he feels most proud of.
The songs he wrote as a senior in high school, including "House at Pooh Corner" and "Danny's Song," which continue to resonate with listeners, are among the accomplishments he said matter most to him.
Loggins said he is also proud of his songs "Conviction of the Heart" and "Celebrate Me Home," which continue to endure as "a part of the fabric of the social zeitgeist."
Much of Loggins' work still endures largely due to its presence in major blockbusters, where it continues to connect with new and returning audiences decades later — including "Danger Zone" for "Top Gun," "Footloose" for the film of the same name and "I'm Alright" for "Caddyshack."
To watch young people embrace the music in this way, it gives you the sense that the music is going to be around a while.
–Kenny Loggins
Writing music about things that matter to listeners on an emotional level is partly what has given his music and career longevity, Loggins said. He has also remained an active songwriter.
"I have been a fan of rock 'n' roll since I was a little kid," Loggins said. "And if you keep listening to it, you keep getting inspired by and you find something that speaks to you, and if you stay in the creative space of writing, then you can keep moving forward."
Loggins' history of performing in Utah
Loggins has performed in Utah several times throughout his career — including multiple stops at BYU's Marriott Center.
He returned to the Marriott Center in 1988 as part of his "Back To Avalon" tour, marking his fourth appearance at the venue. The singer's most infamous performance at the BYU arena came in 1983, when a planned dramatic entrance onto a darkened stage went awry, sending Loggins tumbling 7 feet and leaving him with three broken ribs.
Following a six-week recovery, Loggins returned and dedicated his show to the nurses who treated him at a nearby hospital, per BYU Magazine.
In more recent years, Loggins has returned to Utah for shows at Red Butte Garden, Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater and an exclusive, intimate performance hosted by Reader at Sand Hollow Resort.
What is the People's Music Hall of Fame?
The People's Music Hall of Fame is a celebration of artists founded by Reader and Chapman. Established in 2025, the Utah-based organization's first inductee was Huey Lewis.
"There are a significant number of artists who really impacted the lives of so many people that have been overlooked by historic awards in the music industry," Chapman previously told the Deseret News.
"This is an opportunity for us to recognize some of those artists that maybe haven't received all the accolades and recognition that they deserve for their incredible contributions to society and their impact."
Related:
Huey Lewis gets his flowers as inaugural inductee of new music hall of fame in Utah
Legendary rocker Huey Lewis became the first honoree of a new hall of fame being formed in Utah to celebrate memorable artists who may not have gotten the recognition they deserve.The organization aims to induct a new artist every year moving forward and build a facility in Salt Lake City to "house memorabilia of these fantastic acts, as well as provide an incredible concert venue for the community," Chapman said.
"Our hope is that within the next five to 10 years, we'll be celebrating a ribbon-cutting, and we're already planting the seeds for that," said Chapman. "Mainly we want to connect the artists that have had a major impact in the past with young musicians and the future of music today."
Tickets for the People's Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony
A limited number of tickets are still available for the People's Music Hall of Fame honoring Kenny Loggins on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Eccles Theater.
Proceeds from the event will go toward funding scholarships for students through the Sound Support Foundation, a nonprofit.
Tickets are available to purchase here, through Salt Lake Country ArtTix.
