"House at Pooh Corner" is a song written by Kenny Loggins, based on the children's book of the same name. It was first performed by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on their 1970 album Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy.
Background It is told from the perspective of both Winnie-the-Pooh and Christopher Robin, and serves as an allegory for loss of innocence and nostalgia for childhood. Loggins was a 17-year-old senior in high school when he wrote the song.
Originally Disney would not allow Loggins to record the song, claiming copyright infringement. Through industry connections, Loggins arranged a meeting with Cardon Walker who was the then-executive VP of the Walt Disney Corporation; Loggins later sang the song at Walker's home in Glendale, prompting Disney to release the copyright."Still Alright" A Memoir by Kenny Loggins with Jason Turbow page 52-53 Hachette Books June 2022
Reception Chart (1971)PeakpositionCanadian RPM Top Singles30New Zealand (Listener)https://www.flavourofnz.co.nz/index.php?qpageID=search%20listener&qsongid=3930#n_view_location search Listener retrieved 13-11-202513U.S. Billboard Hot 100Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-1990 - 53US Cash Box Top 100Cash Box Top 100 Singles, June 26, 197138
Loggins & Messina version
The song was later recorded by Loggins and Messina themselves on their debut album Sittin' In, released in November 1971, 6 months after the single release of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band version.
Personnel Kenny Loggins - lead vocals, classical acoustic guitar Jim Messina - harmony vocals, acoustic guitar Jon Clarke - oboe Al Garth - recorder Larry Sims - bass, backing vocals Merel Bregante - drums, backing vocals Michael Omartian - Moog synthesizer, Hammond organ, piano Milt Holland - shakers, temple blocks, congas, cabasa, gong
Other notable versions In 1994, Loggins re-recorded the song (with an additional verse) under the title "Return to Pooh Corner", a duet with Amy Grant, featuring backing vocals from Grant's then-husband, Gary Chapman. It appears on Loggins’ album of the same title.
Samples The Loggins and Messina version was sampled in Daft Punk's 2003 hit "Face to Face".
References