Singer-Songwriter Kenny Rankin Passes Away at 69
- Posted on Jun 9th 2009 8:02AM by Steve Baltin
- Comments (38)
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
Reader Comments(1 of 2)
Marianat 6-09-2009
There was no one better. Rest in Peace, Kenny.
ptrgambat 6-09-2009
Years ago, when I was driving, I heard his performance of "Silver Morning" come on the car radio. I had to pull over and stop; it was that overpowering.
randyclay720at 6-09-2009
Another "star" dies....I mean its everyday here. Silly.
Jenee_29at 6-09-2009
Guess what, "stars" are human, too.
mkandmkat 6-09-2009
One listen to His voice and you were hooked for life,Rest in peace and thank you for the hours you filled our house with song ,it just didn't get any better than a Kenny Rankin Album..God Speed
mebmdt94at 6-09-2009
An incredible talent... always loved his voice... Rest in Peace....
Markat 6-09-2009
His "Silver Morning" album (on which "Blackbird" appeared) is one of the most beautiful ever recorded and has remained a favorite after 35 years. Rest in peace Kenny.
Pastor Johnat 6-09-2009
Great performer. I loved the Gambler, Lady and coward of the county. His duets with Dolly Parton were amazing.
Kelliat 6-09-2009
I think you're thinking of Kenny Rogers, not Kenny Rankin. Whole different animal . . .
caranallenat 6-13-2009
Let me ask a question mr pastor man, if there was truely a GOD and heaven, why is there suffering, oh wait that is cause we sin.. ok, next question, Have you ever held a sermon for like murderer or child molester? you know if there was a heaven, I believe there is a hell we r there, anyway, I wouldnt want to go to heaven every child molester and murderer is there, has anyone ever been to funeral where pastor has said this person has went to hell?? just curious I kno this has nothing to do with the story but I just had to say something to Mr. Pastor.. For real, you think about it, every child abuser, rapist, murderer they are in heaven, hmmm not people I want to spend eternity with, do you?? So I think this heaven is just an image to make people feel better bout dying, just sit and think b4 and if you reply.. Heaven and a god is a figment.. evolution is where we come from.. proven fact bible isnt..
equueenat 6-09-2009
Loved him! Great voice, great style. Good looking too and a really good person.
Love you, Kenny...
Ms B
Dave Marshallat 6-09-2009
what were some of his songs? did he write country?
citizen dave
antsyadderat 6-09-2009
A huge loss to the entertainment world. What a wonderful writer and singer he was.. Once you heard him sing.. you were a fan. My thoughts are with his family. Rest in peace Kenny!
susan1136at 6-09-2009
what a wonderful talent, who will be sorely missed... God speed and sing with the angels
dajaviewcommat 6-09-2009
Sinatra said if he had the chance to come back, he would come back as Kenny Rankin. Nuff said. Truly one great and inspirational voice.
hbeckbariat 6-09-2009
Kenny was one of my all-time favorite singers - so mellow, so passionate, so versatile. I used to go see him all the time at the Turning Point in NY state - such a wonderful venue for his intimate performances. I'm so sad today! I feel like I've lost a family member!
Vicvodat 6-09-2009
RIP Kenny! You will be missed.
ldypassatat 6-09-2009
I saw Kenny Rankin in concert with Paul Brown and Marc Antione at the Birchemere in Alex, VA in Nov. 2007. He was a fantastic gutarist with an unforgettable voice. I wished that I could have purchased a few of his CD's, however found out that his career was more dedicated to songwriting and playing with others. That is what I call a life well lived... I am sure you, Sinatra and many others are singing peacefully now!!! When my time comes - hope to catch up with you on the other side... Love, peace & light
Bobmonroe3at 6-09-2009
A fine gentleman and a great entertainer. Of course he's in a much better place. Rest in Peace Kenny.
Billat 6-09-2009
Kenny Rankin was a brilliant artist whose gift touched the hearts of all who heard him. Mike Douglas once said that Kenny Rankin sounds like everybody THINKS they sound when they sing in the shower. His recordings of "Blackbird," "Like A Seed," and "Through The Eye Of The Eagle" are three of my favorites. So many of his songs seemed to be about yearning to be free or going home. The gentle balladeer has now gone home. Godspeed, sweet music man.