"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.[1] Originally Disney wouldn't allow Loggins to record the song, claiming copyright infringement. At the time Loggins was dating the daughter of Donn Tatum CEO of the Walt Disney Company. She arranged a meeting between Loggins and her father, who gave the okay for the song to be recorded[2].
Reception
| Chart (1971) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canadian RPM Top Singles[3] | 30 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100[4] | 53 |
| US Cash Box Top 100[5] | 38 |
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 his album of the same title.
Samples
- This Loggins and Messina version was sampled in Daft Punk's 2003 hit "Face to Face".[6]
References
- ^ "Story Behind the Song: 'House at Pooh Corner'". The Tennessean.
- ^ "Disney Blocked His First Hit". Youtube. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Singles - June 26, 1971" (PDF).
- ^ Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-1990 - ISBN 0-89820-089-X
- ^ Cash Box Top 100 Singles, June 26, 1971
- ^ "www.whosampled.com". whosampled.com. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
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