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A Versatile and Influential Musician
Kenny Rankin was an American singer and songwriter who spanned the genres of folk, rock, jazz, and world music. He was born in 1940 in New York City, where he was exposed to diverse musical influences from an early age. He showed a talent for music and started his career as a singer-songwriter in the 1960s. He worked with Bob Dylan as a guitarist on his album Bringing It All Back Home, and appeared on The Tonight Show more than 20 times. He wrote and recorded the pop standard “Peaceful”, which was covered by many artists, including Helen Reddy, who had a hit with it in 1973. He also wrote songs for Peggy Lee, Mel Tormé, and Carmen McRae, among others. He was admired by his peers for his supple tenor voice and his expressive interpretation of songs. He was asked by Paul McCartney to perform “Blackbird” at the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony for McCartney and John Lennon
A Struggle with Lung Cancer
Kenny Rankin died on June 7, 2009, at the age of 69, in Los Angeles. His record company announced that his cause of death was complications related to lung cancer. He had been diagnosed with the disease a few weeks before his death, and had to cancel his recording sessions with producer Phil Ramone. He was preparing to release a new album of original material, which would have been his first in 10 years. His last album was A Song for You, released in 2002, which featured covers of songs by Leon Russell, the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, and others
According to some sources, Rankin had a history of drug abuse, which may have contributed to his lung cancer. He was a friend and touring partner of comedian George Carlin, who also struggled with addiction. Rankin had overcome his drug habit at Phoenix House, a rehabilitation center, but relapsed while on tour with Carlin. He later moved to a sober living facility in Los Angeles, where he met his second wife, Yolanda. He had three children from his first marriage, which ended in divorce in the mid-1970s
A Legacy of Music and Inspiration
Kenny Rankin left behind a legacy of music and inspiration for many fans and musicians. His songs have been recorded by artists such as Al Jarreau, Diana Krall, Michael Bublé, and Amy Winehouse. His albums have been praised for their musicality, creativity, and emotion. He was known for his eclectic and adventurous musical choices, incorporating elements of jazz, pop, rock, and world music into his own style. He was also a skilled guitarist and pianist, who could play in various genres and modes. He was influenced by Brazilian music, and recorded an album in Rio de Janeiro with jazz musicians Michael Brecker and Ernie Watts. He was also a photographer and an art collector, who owned a gallery in Los Angeles
Kenny Rankin was more than just a singer and songwriter, he was a musical explorer and innovator, who followed his passions and dreams. He touched and influenced millions of people with his voice and his songs. He was a human being with a story worth telling.
