American singer, guitarist, songwriter, recording engineer, and record producer, born December 5, 1947 in Maywood, California.

Jim Messina was initially a recording engineer on Buffalo Springfield's second album. During the course of the production of their third album, he was asked to produce the band. Shortly thereafter, he became their bass player and toured and recorded with the band up until completion and release of the record.

After they split up, he and fellow Buffalo Springfield member, Richie Furay, formed Poco in 1968. He left two years later and entered into a partnership with a young singer/songwriter called Kenny Loggins. Initially planning to work together on one album only, they recorded and performed together for seven years. Since then, he has largely recorded and performed as a solo artist, though he is touring with Kenny Loggins again.