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Singer-Songwriter Kenny Rankin Passes Away at 69

Singer-songwriter Kenny Rankin passed away Sunday (June 7) at Los Angeles' Cedars Sinai hospital from complications of lung cancer. Rankin, who was 69, boasted a more than 50-year career in music, beginning back in the '50s while he was on Decca Records.

Rankin's first bit of prominence came when he signed to Columbia Records in the '60s, and was invited to play guitar on Bob Dylan's 1965 album, 'Bringing It All Back Home.'

The liner notes to his 1967 debut album, 'Mind Dusters,' were penned by 'Tonight Show' host and TV icon Johnny Carson, who became such a fan of the Washington Heights-native he invited Rankin to perform on the late-night talk fest more than 20 times.



Twenty years later, Rankin would again be honored by greatness when Paul McCartney, who was so impressed by Rankin's version of the Beatles' 'Blackbird,' he personally asked Rankin to perform the song when McCartney and John Lennon were inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.

Rankin was recently scheduled to go back in the studio with Phil Ramone before news of his illness forced cancellation of the sessions.

He is surived by his son, two daughters and a granddaughter.



Dearly Departed Musicians

    Jay Bennett, May 24: The multi-instrumentalist and former member of Wilco passed away in his sleep in May 2009 of unknown causes. He was 45 years old.

    Patrick Ford, Redferns / Getty Images

    Dolla, May 18: The Atlanta-based rapper, whose real name is Roderick Anthony Burton II, was gunned down outside a Los Angeles mall. Burton's publicist told reporters he was waiting at a valet stand after a shopping trip when a gunman shot him. The The 'Make a Toast' star was 21.

    Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

    Stephen Bruton, May 9: The guitarist and songwriter, who worked with the likes of Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt and Willie Nelson, died from complications of throat cancer in May 2009. He was 60.

    Ebet Roberts/Redferns , Getty Images

    Ean Evans, May 6: The Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist died in May 2009 after what the band called "a valiant battle with an aggressive form of cancer."

    Rusty Russell , Getty Images

    Vern Gosdin, April 29: The country hit-maker, best known for songs like 'I Can Tell By the Way You Dance (You're Gonna Love Me Tonight)' and 'I'm Still Crazy,' died in Nashville from complications due to a stroke.

    Chuck Krall / Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

    Rev. Timothy Wright, April 23:The two-time Grammy-nominated gospel singer died following a July car crash that took the lives of his wife and his grandson.

    Mark Q. Murray, AP

    David "Pop" Winans, April 9: The gospel music patriarch -- BeBe and CeCe are his kids -- was twice nominated for Grammys, in 1989 for his album with wife Delores, pictured, and again in 1999 for a solo album. He died at a Nashville hospice, seven months after suffering a heart attack and stroke.

    Arnold Turner, WireImage / Getty Images

    Bud Shank, April 2: The alto saxophonist and flutist died at age 82. He was most famous for his work with acts like the Mamas and the Papas and his flute work can be heard on their song 'California Dreamin'.'

    GAB Archive / Redferns / Getty Images

    Hal Durham, March 29: He was a fixture on the Grand Ole Opry stage, working at the famed country music institution for 32 years. He was 77.

    Donnie Beauchamp, Gaylord Entertainment / AP

    Dan Seals, March 25: The singer, who scored a number of pop and country hits, died at 61 of leukemia. Seals was half of the pop duo, England Dan and John Ford Coley, best known for the ballad, 'I'd Really Love to See You Tonight.'

    Beth Gwinn, Retna

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38 Comments

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Lisa Marie

He passed away on his "Sunday Kinda Love"...I kinda loved him, too!

June 13 2009 at 1:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
daveblues

We keep losiing the great ones. I was lucky enough to hear Rankin on several occasions. He was a superb performer and one of the most talented musicians I've experienced.

Kenny, you will be missed!

June 13 2009 at 1:17 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lisa

It was great getting to know you so long ago. You were a sweet,caring gentleman with the voice of an angel. Thank You- Love Lisa

June 13 2009 at 12:14 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
T

Never heard your music, but RIP. Nice age to leave this world.

June 12 2009 at 9:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Stuart

My cousin introduced me to Kenny Rankin via his first album, Mind Dusters, when I was in college in 1969 or 70. I played the LP constantly and loved it more each time. I actually got to see him in concert in a very small venue when I lived in LA about 15 years ago. It was one of the most moving music experiences ever. He even came by our table and talked for a few minutes. Fine man, fine soul, and more than fine musician.
Still have the LP and listening to it in his honor now.

June 12 2009 at 9:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ps151016

"The Kenny Rankin Album," arranged by Don Costa, is a lush and beautiful classic and has been a mainstay in my house for over 30 years. It should stil be available on CD as an import, but expect to pay up, as it's out of print. Still, there are many collections and compilations of his work worth your while that aren't as costly.

June 12 2009 at 9:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
nick

wife and i played the kenny rankin album back in the 70's continually. one of our fondest memories of an earlier time. was looking forward to a concert being held this september in connectcut when we heard of his death. shocker. going to be missed,

June 12 2009 at 8:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
storez4hrt

My favorite songs were 'Lost Up In Loving You' and 'Creepin'. Thank you Kenny and Yvonne who was his wife at the time for allowing me to sing your songs and for suppling me the musical charts in which to do so. I sang, 'Lost Up' for years and years in my shows and now I will add it in again in tribute to you. I loved your wonderful voice and music...Funny thing, just the other day I was thinking about you and wondering how you were. Wow! I didn't expect to read this today.... Thank you for your music, you were always so kind and sweet to me. May God rest your soul... With loving memories, Gwen M. PS--Yvonne or Chandra, if you should read this pls contact me. Thanks!

June 10 2009 at 5:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
storez4hrt

My favorite songs were 'Lost Up In Loving You' and 'Creepin'. Thank you Kenny and Yvonne who was his wife at the time for allowing me to sing your songs and for suppling me the musical charts in which to do so. I sang lost up for years and years in my shows and now I will add it in again in tribute to you. I loved your wonderful voice and music...Funny thing, just the other day I was thinking about you and wondering how you were. Wow! I didn't expect to read this today.... Thank you for your music, you were always so kind and sweet to me. May God rest your soul... With loving memories, Gwen M. PS--Yvonne or Chandra, if you should read this pls contact me. Thanks!

June 10 2009 at 4:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
J.I.Kaiser

Saw/heard KR twice in concert. Magnifico! You will be greatly missed, kind sir.
JIK

June 09 2009 at 8:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply