Kenny Rankin
Kenneth Joseph Rankin (February 10, 1940 – June 7, 2009) was an American singer and songwriter from the 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 in his songs. 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 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. He appeared on "The Tonight Show" more than twenty times. Host Johnny Carson wrote the liner notes to Rankin's 1967 debut album "Mind Dusters", which included the single "Peaceful." Rankin recorded the song again for his album "Like a Seed" (1972), and Helen Reddy sang a cover version of it that reached No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart and No. 12 on the Pop chart. Georgie Fame had a hit with his version of  the song in 1969. It was Rankin's only songwriting credit to make the British charts, reaching No. 16 and spending nine weeks on the chart. 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. 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. 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. Rankin and Carlin toured together intermittently for nearly ten years. Rankin sang at Carlin's memorial service in June 2008. Personal life and death. He was married to Yvonne Rodriguez-Calderone and survived by son Chris Rankin, daughters Chanda Rankin and Jena Rankin-Ray and a granddaughter. Rankin died of lung cancer on June 7, 2009, three weeks after he was diagnosed with the illness. Selected discography. As guest. With Benny Carter