“Whenever I Call You ‘Friend'” is a duet between Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks. Written by Loggins and singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester, the song appears on Loggins’ second album Nightwatch.
About the Song
Released as a single in July 1978, “Whenever I Call You ‘Friend'” reached No. 5 on the Billboard singles chart, becoming Loggins’ first major U.S. hit. Despite being one of the most popular female recording artists at the time, Stevie was not credited on the single release, also though she is credited for guest vocals on the Nightwatch album.
In 1983, Kenny revealed his motivations for recording the duet with Stevie. “That decision was based on two things, one of which comes to mind first: Stevie Nicks was the biggest female vocalist in the country at that time; I, on the other hand, had had no hit record as Kenny Loggins. So I knew that it definitely wouldn’t hurt me to sing a song with her. But the decision was also an artistic one, based on the fact that I felt the song was right Stevie and I didn’t feel comfortable about the idea of doing it with Melissa” (Baird, 1983).
Although the final track sounded effortlessly flawless, recording “Whenever I Call You Friend” required considerable focus and discipline from both artists. “Stevie Nicks could sing damn near anything, though if I’m being completely honest I don’t think ‘Whenever I Can You Friend’ was exactly right for her. When she made her offer to work with me, I didn’t fully understand how bluesy she was. It would have been smarter to write something for her, or better yet with her, but I knew ‘Whenever I Call You Friend’ was terrific, so we made it work, recording in New York City during a break in Stevie’s tour schedule. I was afraid it might be my only shot with her, so I pushed pretty hard. We were up half the night getting every nuance just so. To this day, Stevie jokes that I was a slave driver, though to her credit she was a total pro who also didn’t want to give up until it was perfect. The process was difficult and exhilarating; we probably laughed as much as we sang that night.
“I always say that I have Stevie and that song to thank for breaking me through as a solo artist. So many musicians emerge from duos and bands and immediately fall off the map; Stevie’s generosity spared me from that. She even performed it live with me a couple of times, the most memorable show being my hometown gig at the Santa Barbara Bowl, in front of family and friends” (Loggins & Turbow, 2022).
Lyrics
Whenever I call you friend
I begin to think I understand
Anything we are
You and I have always been ever and ever
I see myself within your eyes
And that’s all I need to show me why
Everything I do
Always takes me home to you ever and ever
Now I know my life has given me more than memories
Day by day we can see
In every moment there’s a reason to carry on
Sweet love showin’ us a heavenly light
I’ve never seen such a beautiful sight
Sweet love flowin’ on us every night
I know forever we’ll be doin’ it
Sweet love showin’ us a heavenly light
I’ve never seen such a beautiful sight
Sweet love flowin’ on us every night
I know forever we’ll be doin’ it right
Whenever I call you friend
I believe I’ve come to understand
Everywhere we are
You and I were meant to be forever and ever
I think about the times to come
Knowin’ I will be the lucky one
Ever our love will last
I always want to call you friend
Sweet love showin’ us a heavenly light
I’ve never seen such a beautiful sight
Sweet love flowin’ on us every night
I know forever we’ll be doin’ it
Now I know my life has given me more than memories
Day by day we can see
In every moment there’s a reason to carry on
Sweet love showin’ us a heavenly light
I’ve never seen such a beautiful sight
Sweet love flowin’ on us every night
I know forever we’ll be doin’ it doin’ it
Sweet love showin’ us a heavenly light
I’ve never seen such a beautiful sight
Sweet love flowin’ on us every night
I know forever we’ll be doin’ it doin’ it doin’ it
Sweet love…
Sweet love…yeah
You’re the glowin’ light in my life
Sweet love…
Source of pride in my life
Sweet love…yeah
Oh, everything I do takes me back to you
Whenever I call you friend
Sweet love…
Tell me always tell me more
Sweet love…yeah
(Kenny Clark Loggins/Melissa Manchester) ©1978 Gnossos Music/Milk Money Music, BMG Rights Management
Charts
 |
Billboard Hot 100 | 5 |
| Billboard Adult Contemporary | 9 | |
| Cash Box Top 100 | 5 |
References
Baird, J. (1983, May 1). Kenny Loggins: control and collaboration. Musician
Loggins, K. & Turbow, J. (2022). Kenny Loggins still alright: a memoir. Hachette Books.