Kenny Rankin
Born(1940-02-10)February 10, 1940
Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
DiedJune 7, 2009(2009-06-07) (aged 69)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
GenresJazz, pop, rock,[1] folk[2]
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar, piano
Years active1967–2009
LabelsMercury, Little David, Atlantic, Cypress, Private Music, Chesky, Verve

Kenneth Joseph Rankin (February 10, 1940 – June 7, 2009) was an American singer and songwriter in the folk rock and singer-songwriter genres; he was influenced by jazz. Rankin would often sing notes in a high range to express emotion.

Biography

Rankin was from the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City. He was raised and introduced to music by his mother, who sang at home and for friends. Early in his career he worked as a singer-songwriter.

Three of Rankin's albums entered the Billboard magazine Album Chart. Most of his career was in pop music.

He was a guitarist on the album Bringing It All Back Home by Bob Dylan.[3] He appeared on The Tonight Show more than twenty times.[3] Late night TV host Johnny Carson wrote the liner notes to Rankin's 1967 debut album, Mind Dusters, which included the single "Peaceful." Georgie Fame had had a UK hit with the song in 1969. This was Rankin's only songwriting credit to make the British charts, reaching No. 16 and spending nine weeks on the chart. Rankin re-recorded the song for his album Like a Seed (1972). Helen Reddy covered "Peaceful" in 1973; it reached No. 2 on the US Adult Contemporary chart and No. 12 on the pop charts in both the US and Canada.

When Rankin worked with Alan Broadbent, Mike Wofford, and Bill Watrous, his music got closer to jazz. His songs were performed by Peggy Lee, Mel Tormé and Carmen McRae; Stan Getz said his voice was like "a horn with a heartbeat".[2] Reflecting his interest in Brazilian music Rankin recorded the album Here in My Heart in Rio de Janeiro with jazz musicians Michael Brecker and Ernie Watts. He returned to more contemporary songs after signing with Verve Records, including "A Song for You" by Leon Russell and "I've Just Seen a Face" by the Beatles.[2] After recording the Beatles' song "Blackbird" for his album Silver Morning, he was asked by Paul McCartney to perform it when McCartney and John Lennon were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.[2]

Rankin befriended comedian George Carlin; both were signed to Little David Records. Starting in 1972 Rankin was often the opening act or musical guest for Carlin's live performances. The two flew in Carlin's private jet. Although Rankin had overcome his drug habit at Phoenix House, he returned to using cocaine while on tour with Carlin.[4] Rankin and Carlin toured together intermittently for nearly ten years. Rankin sang at Carlin's memorial service in June 2008.

Personal life and death

He was married to Yvonne Rodriguez-Calderone and is survived by son Chris Rankin, daughters Chanda Rankin and Jena Rankin-Ray and a granddaughter.[citation needed]

Rankin died of lung cancer on June 7, 2009, three weeks after he was diagnosed with the illness.[2]

Selected discography

Albums

As guest

With Benny Carter

Art Garfunkel album Lefty, duet on "I Wonder Why" 1988

Michael Franks album Passion Fruit, background vocals on "Sunday Morning Here With You" 1983

References

  1. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Kenny Rankin". AllMusic. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d e Sweeting, Adam (September 10, 2009). "Kenny Rankin – American singer/songwriter – Obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved July 17, 2018.
  3. ^ a b Yanow, Scott (2008). The Jazz Singers: The Ultimate Guide. Backbeat. p. 179. ISBN 978-0-87930-825-4.
  4. ^ Carlin, George; Tony Hendra (2009). Last Words. Free Press. p. 151. ISBN 978-1-4391-7295-7.

External links

Authority control databases
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