The jazz and pop world recently lost a talented artist when singer, songwriter, and guitarist Kenny Rankin passed away from lung cancer on June 7, 2009. At 69, Rankin still possessed a delicate yet powerful voice that could reinterpret standards as well as modern classics such as The Beatles's “Blackbird.” In fact, he was preparing to record an album under producer Phil Ramone, but canceled sessions after his illness deteriorated. According to obituaries, Johnny Carson and Paul McCartney counted themselves among his biggest fans, and legends such as Peggy Lee and Mel Tormé recorded his songs.
In the mid-80s, Rankin opened for the Manhattan Transfer on several dates. My parents and I had no prior knowledge of the opening act, so when he strode onstage at the Rialto Square Theater in Joliet, Illinois, we prepared to wait politely until he finished his set. Wielding just a guitar and his beautiful voice, Rankin proceeded to enchant the audience that night. At one point he sang a solemn tune while gently strumming his guitar; halfway through the song, I realized that he was covering “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” the classic George Harrison-penned Beatles track. By stripping the song down to just voice and one instrument, Rankin effectively conveyed the sadness and quiet reflection of the lyrics. Soon after that night, I purchased my first Rankin album, which remains one of my favorites: The Kenny Rankin Album.
In 1976, Rankin recorded a mixture of standards and contemporary classics, backed by a Don Costa-conducted 60 piece orchestra. According to Rankin's website, the songs were recorded live in the studio in three days, with no overdubs.
This tactic produced an intimate sound, as if the listener were sitting in the front row of a Rankin concert. Despite the size of the orchestra, their strings never overpowered Rankin's soaring voice. According to AllMusic, The Kenny Rankin Album became the forerunner for other projects involving rock and soul artists covering jazz standards. In other words, Rankin paved the way for Natalie Cole, Linda Ronstadt, Rod Stewart, and other artists who have dabbled in the jazz world.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
super job Kit, thanks!
2 - Jeannie Danna
Eric, I am asking you to go look at my comment thread and tell me if this behavior by your editor and other writers is free speech! HR676
3 - Kit O'Toole
Thanks for the comment, Eric! I'm glad you liked this.
4 - kevin barbano
A giant in the industry has passed. I am 58 and kenny's music had a great effect on my younger days as well as now. Being a musician in the 70's & 80's I had a deep appreciation for his unique talents. I enjoyed going to hear him sing at the "Turning Point" many times in recent years. I feel priviledged that I was able to have a small conversation with him outside before a concert one evening. I will truly miss him.
5 - Marlene
OHHH, I am so sad to hear Kenny has passed. He was so beautiful. I would sing with his albums over and over. I finally got to hear him, and meet him one night at the Iron Horse. I brought my album and he signed it. I was honored to be in his presence.We actually sang one song together.He will always be missed. God Bless the family.My sincere thoughts are with you all.
6 - mm of Eastern US
Kenny Rankin was my favorite singer and I was sad when I read in a local paper in June that he had passed. I am so disappointed that I never had the chance to see him perform live.
I love Haven't We Met, his remakes of Beatles songs, Silver Morning, Creepin', Sunday Kind of Love, ... if I go on I will list every song he ever released! I will cherish that I was alive to enjoy his talent and I am replacing all of my KR releases before they are discontinued!
Note: Silver Morning, Like A Seed and the Kenny Rankin album will be re-released in early Dec. 2009.
I extend my heartfelt sympathies and send my best to Kenny's family and friends.