Theatre Within, the non-profit organization renowned for organizing the Annual John Lennon Tribute charity concert since 1981, will honor Kenny Loggins with the 2024 John Lennon Real Love Award. The accolade will be presented during the 44th Annual John Lennon Tribute, scheduled for Saturday, December 7, at Symphony Space in New York City.
Loggins, a celebrated artist with over 25 million albums sold globally, is set to perform a selection of his favorite John Lennon and Beatles classics at the event. Known for his chart-topping hits such as “This Is It,” “I’m Alright,” “Footloose,” and “Danger Zone,” Loggins has made a significant impact on the musical landscape over the past four decades.
Beyond his successful solo career and his work with the duo Loggins & Messina, Loggins has distinguished himself as a pioneering rock star committed to creating music for children and families. His album Return to Pooh Corner remains the best-selling children’s album of the past 20 years.
As an ardent Beatles fan, Loggins is eager to celebrate John Lennon’s enduring music and support the mission of Theatre Within. The New York-based charity runs the John Lennon Real Love Project, which offers songwriting programs to children and adults affected by cancer and to public elementary schools.
Reflecting on the Beatles’ influence, Loggins remarked, “So many artists I have met and worked with saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show and were influenced by it. At that point, as Jimi Hendrix said, you put down the folk music and you move on. It was the electricity of it—the magic of the Beatles.”
Sean Lennon praised Theatre Within’s ongoing efforts, stating, “It’s inspiring that Theatre Within’s Annual John Lennon Tribute continues to flourish after so many years. And it’s especially meaningful to me and my mom that proceeds from the concert help bring my father’s music to the cancer community and public school students with the John Lennon Real Love Project.”
Joe Raiola, Theatre Within’s Artistic Director and longtime Tribute producer/host, added, “Kenny Loggins is one of those rare artists who fearlessly crosses musical genres and whose songs have touched the hearts of generations of fans. His charitable contributions, especially in support of children’s causes, have been both significant and selfless.”
Established in 2014 with the support of Yoko Ono, the John Lennon Real Love Award honors artists for their creative achievements and social impact. Previous recipients include Graham Nash, Patti Smith, Natalie Merchant, and Donovan.
Proceeds from the 44th Annual John Lennon Tribute will benefit Theatre Within’s free programs in creative expression and mindfulness, including the John Lennon Real Love Project, which serves the cancer community and public elementary and middle schools.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in winter 2020, Theatre Within has offered nearly 1,000 free workshops in songwriting, visual arts, and meditation to cancer patients, survivors, and their families. These workshops are available through the Red Door Community (formerly Gilda’s Club NYC) and various regional cancer support organizations across the country.
The John Lennon Real Love Project, launched in spring 2021, has since been implemented in over 20 schools. The program allows students to write new lyrics to Lennon’s song “Real Love” and record their own version accompanied by Lennon’s original vocal and piano track.
