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{{short description|American songwriter}}
{{short description|American singer and songwriter}}


{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2020}}


{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Kenny Rankin
| name = Kenny Rankin
| background = solo_singer
| image = Kenny Rankin nonfree.jpg
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1940|2|10|mf=y}}
| background = solo_singer
| birth_place = [[Manhattan]], New York City, U.S.
| caption = Rankin performing at [[The Bottom Line (venue) |The Bottom Line]] club in [[Greenwich Village]] in New York City in 1976, photographer [[Richard E. Aaron]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|2009|6|7|1940|2|10|mf=y}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1940|2|10|mf=y}}
| death_place = [[Los Angeles]], California, U.S.
| birth_place = [[Manhattan, New York City]], U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|2009|6|7|1940|2|10|mf=y}}
| years_active = 1967–2009
| death_place = [[Los Angeles, California]], U.S.
⚫
| genre = Jazz, pop, rock,<ref name="Erlewine">{{cite web |last1=Erlewine |first1=Stephen Thomas |title=Kenny Rankin |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/kenny-rankin-mn0000767496/biography |website=AllMusic |access-date=October 7, 2018}}</ref> [[folk music|folk]]<ref name=sweeting/>
| occupation = Musician, songwriter
| years_active = 1967–2009
⚫
| genre = Jazz, pop, rock,<ref name="Erlewine">{{cite web |last1=Erlewine |first1=Stephen Thomas |title=Kenny Rankin |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/kenny-rankin-mn0000767496/biography |website=AllMusic |access-date=October 7, 2018}}</ref> [[folk music|folk]]<ref name=sweeting/>
⚫
| instrument = Vocals, guitar, piano
| occupation = Musician, songwriter
⚫
| label = [[Mercury Records|Mercury]], [[Little David Records|Little David]], [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]], [[Cypress Records|Cypress]], [[Private Music]], [[Chesky Records|Chesky]], [[Verve Records|Verve]]
⚫
| instrument = Vocals, guitar, piano
⚫
| label = [[Mercury Records|Mercury]], [[Little David Records|Little David]], [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]], [[Cypress Records|Cypress]], [[Private Music]], [[Chesky Records|Chesky]], [[Verve Records|Verve]]
}}
}}


'''Kenneth Joseph Rankin''' (February 10, 1940 – June 7, 2009) was an American singer and songwriter from the [[Washington Heights, Manhattan|Washington Heights]] neighborhood of New York City. He worked in the [[folk rock]] and singer-songwriter genres; he was influenced by [[jazz]]. His voice was distinct; Rankin would often sing notes in a high range to express emotion.
'''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 often sang notes which were in a high range to express emotion.


==Biography==
==Biography==
Rankin was raised in New York 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 his albums entered the ''Billboard'' magazine [[Billboard 200|Album Chart]]. Most of his career was in pop music.
Rankin was born in [[Manhattan|Manhattan, New York City]]. He was introduced to music by his mother, who sang at home and for friends. Early in his career he worked as a singer-songwriter.


He was a guitarist on the album ''[[Bringing It All Back Home]]'' by Bob Dylan.<ref name="Yanow">{{cite book |last1=Yanow |first1=Scott |title=The Jazz Singers: The Ultimate Guide |date=2008 |publisher=Backbeat |isbn=978-0-87930-825-4 |page=179}}</ref> He appeared on ''[[The Tonight Show]]'' more than twenty times.<ref name="Yanow" /> Host [[Johnny Carson]] wrote the liner notes to Rankin's 1967 debut album ''Mind Dusters'', which included the single "[[Peaceful (song)|Peaceful]]." [[Georgie Fame]] had had a UK hit with the song in 1969. This was Rankin's only songwriting credit to make the [[UK Singles Chart|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.
Three of Rankin's albums entered the ''Billboard'' magazine [[Billboard 200|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.<ref name="Yanow">{{cite book |last1=Yanow |first1=Scott |title=The Jazz Singers: The Ultimate Guide |date=2008 |publisher=Backbeat |isbn=978-0-87930-825-4 |page=179}}</ref> He appeared on ''[[The Tonight Show]]'' more than twenty times.<ref name="Yanow" /> Late night TV host [[Johnny Carson]] wrote the liner notes to Rankin's 1967 debut album, ''Mind Dusters'', which included the single "[[Peaceful (song)|Peaceful]]." [[Georgie Fame]] had had a UK hit with the song in 1969. This was Rankin's only songwriting credit which made the [[UK Singles Chart|British charts]]; it reached No. 16 and was on the chart for nine weeks. He 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 he 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". 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.<ref name=sweeting>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/sep/10/kenny-rankin-obituary|title=Kenny Rankin – American singer/songwriter – Obituary |first=Adam |last=Sweeting |date=September 10, 2009 |website=The Guardian |access-date=July 17, 2018}}</ref> After recording the Beatles' song "[[Blackbird (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]].<ref name=sweeting/>
When Rankin worked with [[Alan Broadbent]], [[Mike Wofford]], and [[Bill Watrous]], his music became more like 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".<ref name="sweeting" /> Reflecting his interest in [[Music of Brazil|Brazilian music]] Rankin recorded the album ''Here in My Heart'' in [[Rio de Janeiro]] with jazz musicians [[Michael Brecker]] and [[Ernie Watts]]. Rankin returned to performing and recording 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]].<ref name="sweeting">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/sep/10/kenny-rankin-obituary|title=Kenny Rankin – American singer/songwriter – Obituary |first=Adam |last=Sweeting |date=September 10, 2009 |website=The Guardian |access-date=July 17, 2018}}</ref> After recording the Beatles' song "[[Blackbird (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]].<ref name="sweeting" />


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.<ref name=Jet>{{Cite book |title=Last Words |last=Carlin |first=George |author2=Tony Hendra |author2-link=Tony Hendra |year=2009 |publisher=[[Free Press (publisher)|Free Press]] |isbn=978-1-4391-7295-7 |page=[https://archive.org/details/lastwords0000carl/page/151 151] |url=https://archive.org/details/lastwords0000carl |url-access=registration }}</ref> Rankin and Carlin toured together intermittently for nearly ten years. Rankin sang at Carlin's memorial service in June 2008.
Rankin befriended comedian [[George Carlin]]; both were signed to [[Little David Records]]. Beginning in 1972 Rankin was often the opening act or musical guest for Carlin's live performances. The two flew in Carlin's private jet and toured together intermittently for nearly ten years. Although Rankin had overcome his drug habit at [[Phoenix House]], he returned to using cocaine while on tour with Carlin.<ref name="Jet">{{Cite book |title=Last Words |last=Carlin |first=George |author2=Tony Hendra |author2-link=Tony Hendra |year=2009 |publisher=[[Free Press (publisher)|Free Press]] |isbn=978-1-4391-7295-7 |page=[https://archive.org/details/lastwords0000carl/page/151 151] |url=https://archive.org/details/lastwords0000carl |url-access=registration }}</ref> Rankin sang at Carlin's memorial service in June 2008.


== Personal life and death ==
== 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|date=March 2022}}
He was married to Yvonne Rodriguez-Calderone. He died of [[lung cancer]] on June 7, 2009, three weeks after he was diagnosed with the illness.<ref name="sweeting" />

Rankin died of [[lung cancer]] on June 7, 2009, three weeks after he was diagnosed with the illness.<ref name=sweeting/>


==Selected discography==
==Selected discography==
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* ''[[Benny Carter Songbook]]'' (MusicMasters, 1996)
* ''[[Benny Carter Songbook]]'' (MusicMasters, 1996)
* ''[[Benny Carter Songbook Volume II]]'' (MusicMasters, 1997)
* ''[[Benny Carter Songbook Volume II]]'' (MusicMasters, 1997)

[[Art Garfunkel]]'s album ''Lefty,'' duet on "I Wonder Why" 1988

[[Michael Franks (musician)|Michael Franks]]' album ''Passion Fruit,'' background vocals on "Sunday Morning Here With You" 1983


==References==
==References==
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*{{IBDB name|457201}}
*{{IBDB name|457201}}
*[http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-kenny-rankin9-2009jun09,0,5347669.story LA Times obituary]
*[http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-kenny-rankin9-2009jun09,0,5347669.story LA Times obituary]
*[https://assets.rbl.ms/11897020/980x.jpg Kenny Rankin on album cover with his daughters]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20181129013025/https://assets.rbl.ms/11897020/980x.jpg Kenny Rankin on album cover with his daughters](Wayback)
*[http://canacopegdl.com/keyword/kenny-rankin.html Early and past music covers]
*[http://canacopegdl.com/keyword/kenny-rankin.html Early and past music covers]


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[[Category:American male songwriters]]
[[Category:American male songwriters]]
[[Category:Chesky Records artists]]
[[Category:Chesky Records artists]]
[[Category:Deaths from cancer in California]]
[[Category:Deaths from lung cancer in California]]
⚫
[[Category:Deaths from lung cancer]]
[[Category:Jazz musicians from New York (state)]]
[[Category:Jazz musicians from New York (state)]]
[[Category:American male jazz musicians]]
[[Category:American male jazz musicians]]
⚫
[[Category:Musicians from Manhattan]]
[[Category:People from Washington Heights, Manhattan]]
[[Category:People from Washington Heights, Manhattan]]
[[Category:Private Music artists]]
[[Category:Private Music artists]]
[[Category:Singers from New York City]]
[[Category:Singers from New York City]]
[[Category:Songwriters from New York (state)]]
[[Category:Songwriters from New York (state)]]
[[Category:20th-century American songwriters]]

Latest revision as of 03:07, 17 December 2024

Kenny Rankin
Rankin performing at The Bottom Line club in Greenwich Village in New York City in 1976, photographer Richard E. Aaron
Rankin performing at The Bottom Line club in Greenwich Village in New York City in 1976, photographer Richard E. Aaron
Background information
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 often sang notes which were in a high range to express emotion.

Biography

[edit]

Rankin was born in Manhattan, New York City. He was 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 which made the British charts; it reached No. 16 and was on the chart for nine weeks. He 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 became more like 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. Rankin returned to performing and recording 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. Beginning in 1972 Rankin was often the opening act or musical guest for Carlin's live performances. The two flew in Carlin's private jet and toured together intermittently for nearly ten years. Although Rankin had overcome his drug habit at Phoenix House, he returned to using cocaine while on tour with Carlin.[4] Rankin sang at Carlin's memorial service in June 2008.

Personal life and death

[edit]

He was married to Yvonne Rodriguez-Calderone. He died of lung cancer on June 7, 2009, three weeks after he was diagnosed with the illness.[2]

Selected discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
  • Mind-Dusters (Mercury, 1967)
  • Family (Mercury, 1969)
  • Like a Seed (Little David, 1972)
  • Silver Morning (Little David, 1974)
  • Inside (Little David, 1975)
  • The Kenny Rankin Album (Little David, 1977)
  • After the Roses (Atlantic, 1980)
  • Hiding in Myself (Cypress, 1988)
  • Because of You (Chesky, 1991)
  • Professional Dreamer (Private Music, 1995)
  • Here in My Heart (Private Music, 1997)
  • The Bottom Line Encore Collection (The Bottom Line, 1999)
  • A Christmas Album (Rankin Music, 1999)
  • Haven't We Met? (Image Entertainment, 2001)
  • A Song for You (Verve, 2002)

As guest

[edit]

With Benny Carter

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

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

References

[edit]
  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.
[edit]
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