Kenny Rankin: Haven't We Met

[darnrabbits1]

He was thee Michael Buble of the 70s and should have been a household name. He died broke but he knew it wasn't because he wasn't talented. He was admired by everybody that has ever heard him, and especially live was a treat. A very talented singer, musician and incredibly kind human being is gone.

[whelunleash]

The legendary jazz icon kenny rankin

[kevin104z]

a fan since the early 70's.got to meet him at a free show in sugerloaf,ny and at the chance in poughkeepsie.so sad to think he is not w/ us now...but he does live on!!!!to the per son who met him and he sang have yourself a merry.....u r so lucky to have that memory....

[Loejyrrab]

So saddened to hear that this great but underated musical genius has passed. Damn! Love this song bigtime. RIP Kenny.

[noonav]

Kenny Rankin was an AMAZING vocalist & an incredibly prolific musician, the likes of whom only walk the earth once in a blue moon. I always thought of him as "a musician's musician" & it puzzled me that he wasn't more famous, but then he never went for mass appeal. His scatting was *totally* unique. Saw him only twice & his talent & stage presence gave me goose bumps the entire show.



RIP Kenny... there will never be another you. Your body of work will live on forever in the hearts of many...

[doingthisthingofours]

met Mr. Rankin one sunny day in Florida I think it was about 1972 -3,a la Gainesville I think...You know his work meets the one timeless criterion of great, all great singers:namely the voice must be not only great through and through(which MAny have)-the voice must be unforgettable.KR IS that. Soon as I youtube'd/started this song I knew in an instant - it would be great,masterful,perfect,and in the first 3 seconds - unforgettable and just as signature as anything he does. Thank you for this!

[thomjmoore]

You know we love you!

[ghitano11]

One of the best and complete musicians I've ever heard. I am glad I found him in you tube; however, extremely sad to learn he is no longer with us physically but always in our hearts and thoughts.

[maxie290]

Didn't know he died, a crushing loss to jazz and beauty in the world. Saw him many, many times,spoke to him, too. At My Father's Place on Long Island, he told me he wanted to do a Christmas album, and sang a few bars of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas in that rich.warm, soft voice, just to me, only he and I were talking by the entrance while a comedian performed. A favorite moment in my life, a treasured memory. I am so saddened to learn of his death. We were so lucky to have him in our

[Loejyrrab]

@maxie290 Nice tribute maxie. I saw him in Chicago a few times. I liked his piano stylings too.He was musician"s musician.

[Loejyrrab]

@maxie290 Too bad you ran out of words in your tribute to the great man. I enjoyed the little story you related. Only saw him once live. Wish it could have been more.

[netw52]

I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Rankin ... what a nice guy. I love this song.

[FjarilGoddess]

His gift has brought me so much happiness and solace over the years, and it continues still. I hope he's up there charming the angels. RIP

[AAAGTR]

ひでーイイ。

[remoman]

this is music.

[Lightzout]

i'll miss you kenny rankin, hope you'd continue playing jazz up in heaven.

[gorgeouspinkyjojo]

i love this song

[jjburgoss]

i prefer the original version, of this song

[louismonline4265]

no one can touch this man, simply the best

[doubletake24]

I remember chatting with him every time he came to Orlando/Winter Park to perform at Cheek to Cheek. What a nice guy and amazing talent! He will be greatly missed....

Wish somebody would post his version of "House of Gold".

[rowdyrodypiper]

very nice! can anyone please post his version of "to a wild rose"? many thanks!

[banchasu]

Thank you! It's so lovely.

[amirahzuhri]

i remember seeing kenny rankin at MY FATHER'S PLACE on long island. truly amazing performance.

[rbbblues]

...THE GREATEST SINGER EVER.......that's what sinatra and tony bennett said about him

[sbrownie]

@rbbblues

wow...now THAT says something...i felt that way too...was just telling friends last night...one of them doesn't know who he is!!!!!!!!....trust me...now he knows!...i sent a perfect track from youtube here...While My Guitar Gently Weeps

[communicatepaddy]

I will always love Kenny Rankin.

[allanref]

standing O!

[charrmmee]

straight from heaven......miss his blessed talent

[TeleTubeee]

Unmatchable. One of a kind. Musical genius.

Doug

San Francisco, California USA

[00Mafa]

his voice sounds like bubbles gettin higher on the air

[mankeymankey]

whoever clicked the thumbs down button is totally stupid :|

[frankmacalino20]

coolness and greatness rolled into one....when i was very young ,i got confused with kenny rankin and michael franks,,but .both were my favorites...........thanks kenny

[crossleydd42]

Good musicians who complemented him wonderfully. Who was the pianist?

[tahiti116]

ranny rankin is one of my favorite jazz artist. long live kenny rankin!

[JulitaSong]

I am very flattered for the video and music really wonderful, worth many votes and shares. Good day and I hope that my video like you too. Many greetings from Julita 5*****

[sfmarklh]

Great performance! Just found out Kenny died. What a loss. I've loved his work since I was introduced in the early 70s. Beautiful voice! Thanks Kenny- you brought beauty into my life.

[harveydents]

I miss the guitar solo that is on the original album right before his scat solo

[xjazzerx]

I listened to Kenny back in the early 70's. He left us too early.. Very good piano player too.

[hartleycwhite]

I remember going to one  of his concerts at the Bottom Line in 1990 with my then girlfriend, and requesting this song, and he actually played it. Many are my musical influences, but few that I can say, I've met, joked with,and was able to tell of his influence on me in person. A gentle, kind,(he always said he hadn't had a hit in years but was glad to see me) down to earth man, excellent singer, great songwriter . Hartley C.

[pineconeish]

This is astonishingly amazing!

[zzzzxxxx341]

one of my favorite..... as if i'm in a cruise

[jacksonsjtjmmr]

I didn't know he passed away...

I have his album.

RIP Kenny

[HowlingCommando]

Was so sorry to hear of Kenny's passing. I grew up with him since a young tike as my mom and dad went to their first concert to see him. We didn't even hear of his passing until about a week ago as I was searching for concerts because I hadn't heard anything in a while. So sad.

RIP buddy.

[steview1952]

Truly in a class by himself.

An overused cliche, perhaps, but in Kenny's case, so true. Yes, his voice was an instrument, gliding in and out of falsetto so smoothly and effortlessly.

This is my favorite tune of his too, and this is a gorgeous rendition.

RIP Kenny.

[GLDE8R44]

One of Kenny's best...a nice little waltz and oh so good....and I did meet Kenny years ago when he played at our college....I'll always remember that show.

[jmodmon]

I became a Kenny Rankin fan, somewhere in 75-76; when FM stations dared to play deep cuts.... Thanks for the memories Kenny; I hope you know, where-ever you are, that your music and soul will never die.... thanks for the great contribution,

[undapar1]

Who wrote this song, the lyrics are tremendous, especialy the Romeo and Juliet reference near the end

[lookylu59]

Kenny Rankin wrote it.

[JIKUereno]

Ahhh, I really love this song. I never get tired listening to this song ... :)

[bary2bass]

I stumbled onto Kenny Rankin back in 1975 with Silver Morning and this song, written by Mel Torme, was on the album. I fell in love with Kenny while riding from River Falls to Madison, WI in the spring of 75. I have heard him live umpteem times and he is tres el fabo. He's a very versatile singer and he's still goin' strong! His voice is so full of bouyancy and giggled in wine!

[Yunero]

damn i like your description

[chevronsbass]

I recall growing up in Washington Heights

NY as teenagers, Larry would sing his 1920's songs, you and I and Frankie would sing in diferent Doo Wop groups.

How we loved the music, Little did we know then that our future lives would be filled with the music we loved so much ! Larry became Tiny Tim,

Frankie became the lead singer for the Teenagers, I became the bass for the Chevrons, and you became one of our most talented and gifted singer-song writers, and guitarist !

Kenny RIP

Al

[missnatre]

he is one of the few artist who perform because of his love for music and not because of anything else...i just discover his music months ago and i feel really bad that he was taken so soon.we love you.....and may the future generations experience the greatness you have shared...thank you.

[edgarparker16]

WONDERFUL STORY: A friend and I went to see Manhattan Transfer, Kenny was the openeing act. We said "Who the hell is Kenny Rankin? (soudned like a red-neck country name to us) He played 'While my Guitar Gently Weeps'. We both wound up in tears over his sweet voice and wonderful interpretation. What a wonderful way to be proven wrong about someone.

[frankstelt]

Kenny Rankin was great. I was hired to photograph a party at Carson's Ribs in Chicago in 1999. Many local and some national celebrities present. I heard some music. sounded like Kenny Rankin. Checked it out. Turns out it was Kenny himself. He was the coolest guy. Photographed him with Jimmy Webb. Great thrill. Just flattens me that he is gone.

[idivinelover]

SWEET!!!!!!

[gaylecool]

The finest tenor of all time. Thanks for posting this, it's magic. The world won't be the same without this beautiful voice.

[paulbur42]

I am sad to hear that he passed. I was lucky enough to see him about 7 years ago and it was one of the best nights of my life

[meeziemom]

I first saw him in the early 70's at the Berkeley Community Theater when he played before George Carlin's performance. Beautiful voice - his music will be missed.

[rockme1492]

Cómo agraderte la paz y calidad de vida que nos transmitiste simplemente !GRACIAS¡

[jeffreydebra1]

Simply brilliant. We will miss you Kenny :)

[12TheNobleSavage]

Wonderful-talented Kenny..my husband & I fell in love and stayed that way thru all his albums 30 yrs ago. We caught him at McCabe's Guitar Store in the 80's(after the Roses)Unique and special-he gave us beautiful music-now serenading the angels...Thank u Kenny-Joy & Allen

[yamalefou]

r.i.p.

today i learned he had passed away early june when i visited a tower record in tokyo and found a special tribute section for him. how many times i have listened "after the roses" and "the kenny rankin alubum." i miss you.

[larosity]

Thanks Orlando for this and, I agree whole heartedly...one of the most talented entertainers of all time and severely underrated, he will be missed!

[ectorlove]

How amazing can it get!..Perfection!

[doreenleb]

Kenny Rankin - on the soundtrack of my life - so glad I saw him two years ago - third row center - superb!

Thank you Kenny - you are an angel!

[stringman43]

I chose this username years ago because Kenny Rankin's "Stringman" was one of my favorite tunes. Thanks for all the great music. Rest In Peace

[stegab17]

Thanks for the info... May he Rest In Peace.

[bradcdm]

I saw him several times in the 70"s opening for someone else. What a great talent

[Grantalonus]

I'd say he influenced Christopher Cross too.

[dslyoungNHI]

Kenny Rakin was definitely a unique talent. I have a few of his albums, and I will miss him greatly.

[TheJudyChop]

Fell in love with Kenny the first time I heard this on the radio in 1974. My obsession has lasted all these years and am devastated at his passing. Saw him at the Cinigrill. After, he was chatting with friends. My emotions overtook me and I literally jumped into his arms giving him a big kiss on the cheek. He was so gracious and a little in shock as well. My fantasy was fulfilled. Truly a unique and magical performer. Condolences to his family and loved ones.

[dgingram]

I will miss that gloriously dreamy voice.

So much of my past in him.

Happy trails Kenny Rankin, you will live on...

[soundslikefrank]

Kenny will live on through his classic renditions of the wonderful songs he recorded - Rest In Peace, Troubadour

[kbarnett06]

rest in peace sweet friend. i will never forget you. xo

[dayglow72]

What an immense talent, always loved his music, which will live on for all of us. My condolences to his family, I'm so sorry for your loss.

[abrams0000]

love ya kenny - the heavens will welcome your beautiful music. He had to have influenced Michael Franks.

[AbsurdBrane]

RIP Kenny. We are still listening.......

[mind808spring]

Kenny will be missed. An awesome talent left us waaay too soon. Safe journey, Kenny. Aloha.

[traciejay]

Amen. He will be missed.  Fair winds and following seas.

[SelahMartin]

Kenny was one of my favorites from "back then." What a trip down memory lane watching all of his videos upon learning of his passing. What a shame that he is gone. He will be deeply missed, but his talent and voice and genius will live on forever and ever thanks to his albums and youtube. God bless you Kenny. May your family find peace in knowing how loved you were by so many millions.

[CofCGuy]

What an absolutely beautiful song. JG :)

[JRS2260]

Sad to hear about Kenny's passing. I feel fortunate to have been able to see him perform. A voice so pure and smooth. A great gift to the world....R.I.P.

[kermsroomy]

One of my all time favorites.

[beecon1]

R.I.P.... kenny died at 69 of lung cancer aftter being ill for just a few weeks. huge loss..

[rscottbrown]

So very sad. jb7mil, it is like his voice and guitar became extensions of the other. Perfect compliment in phrasing and intonation.

[thomast0729]

rip my friend, your songs live on.

[MBDrama]

What a loss - he will live on in his music....

[jb7mil]

His singing and guitar playing are such a perfect match! Divine Inspiration and talent. Thank goodness for video recordings! We can have him always.

[apogui9606]

Rest in peace Mr. Kenny Rankin..

Thank you for those wonderful songs and your angelic voice.

[perk414]

How I will truly miss one of the greatest instruments ever. God bless.

[mark919]

He certainly had a sweet voice..

[JGC255]

I'm curious as to where this performance took place. I recognize David Finck on bass and Joe Beck on guitar, so it must be in the NY area. Could it be the old Rainbow Room?

[tollietunes]

This was in DC at the BET studios, and it is a clip from the DVD, which I own, and recommend. Enjoy our guy.

[TheJudyChop]

How do I get a copy of this DVD from DC?

Fabulous! He was, is & always will be my favorite singer. An emotional, magical experience every time I hear him. Thank God for Youtube. Saw him 6 times - memories I will treasure for a lifetime.

[tenorbear60]

Rest, beautiful singer.

[NYToots]

oh, how he will be missed.

[MannChild1]

Now he's gone;

Wandered on.

We won't have tomorrow.

Who will hide sorrow,

From a wild rose.

Silence in this case is not golden. Rest you easy, gentle man...

[asiaball]

Rest In Peace Kenny. Your music has created an indellible memory stamp of the mid 70s in my mind. Thank you.

[apphouse50]

I'm so bummed out about this loss. That voice never failed to bring a smile to my face and life my spirits. I was just thinking how I need to see him in concert again, it had been too long, and now this.

Anyway, Kenny, RIP friend, and thanks, your music lives on. Damn. Now I'm crying.

[delaro1967]

I had the good fortune to see Kenny Rankin twice in the early 1990s at the Bottom Line in New York City. Each show was wonderful, and I got to speak to him after the second show.

I'll never forget his version of "She Moves, Eyes Follow" from the "Hiding Inside Myself" album. Just stunning!

R.I.P.

[blueinfinite]

defaro - i once met Joh Lucien on the street - he invited me to the same place, the Bottom Line, where I went and had the pleasure of seeing him. These two guys can write some beautiful tunes in heaven!!

[pimplewood]

Thanks for the sunny skies Kenny. RIP. The most amazing male voice on the American scene silent too soon.

[mandalaworld]

Thanks for the music, Kenny. You've brought us so much joy!

[humanbeing524]

A tragic loss. Fortunately, his music will live on. Condolences to all of his loved ones.

[justformirka]

What a LOSS!!!!

[annig1213]

STOOPID cigarettes!

[annig1213]

gone too soon!

what a fab singer and this song

JUST ROCKS!

[bridgoldy]

So sad...

I'll always have my memories of sitting with my dad in our living room, listening to Kenny for hours. Or, sitting with my future wife, in a rented car, outside a castle in Ireland, listening to A Song For You.

The man is a legend and will be sorely missed - his voice, an instrument upon itself...

[Christeliz]

An amazing talent, singing, guitar, composing, everything. I met him a number of times, and he was unfailingly sweet.

[ferdzrines954]

man..

isnt Kenny Rankin the coolest of the cool?!!

[govindasantos]

very sad to hear kennys passing...the 70's artist are leaving us one by one...Tnk God theres youtube ..their memories will stay with us through this great medium........rip kenny tnx for your music....

[HunterMann]

His music echoes onward. Rest in peace dear Kenny...

[UNDERGROUND2000]

...had a couple of his albums and watched him on the carson show...very distinctive voice..

[GLDE8R44]

He performed at my college when I was 18 yo...I still think of that performance from time to time and brings back wonderful memories.....I'll miss you! RIP

[mraldcity905]

My heart is breaking.

[Bill93940]

What a loss. The smoothest of voices along with dancing fingers.

Thanks for all the sweet memories, Kenny. RIP.

[boblpage]

So brilliant -- one of my all-time favorites even though when I met him a couple times over the many years he wasn't particularly friendly. Hope all the cigarettes were worth it.

[ddean1987]

i just read about this guy dying. i had actually never heard of him before. excellent voice though. great jazz singer.

RIP

[misanthrope8]

damn damn damn damn damn. This is one of my all-time favorite songs. Incomparable. And only a bit ago I donated all my old LPs.....now I am singing "Marie" and some of the others. But this one is heads above all. GREAT stuff.

[bodhijazz]

Such a beautiful voice and such wonderful songs. An incredible artist who can never be replaced.

[preppal]

RIP.

You will be missed

[kiboyten]

You'll be playing on God's lap now. May rest in peace.

[ilovegoodsax]

Beautiful song! I remember it from, I don't know, maybe 30 years ago? Never paid attention to who the singer was. Just read about Kenny's death and knew I'd heard his music in the past. Hearing his voice and this song, now it all comes rushing back from way back when. His voice is so sweet, and with the news of his passing it brings tears to my eyes. It's always sad when a legend leaves us. My sincerest condolences to his family. Thank you Kenny, and may you rest in peace . . .

[starkravingbiker]

One of the best mistakes I ever made was back in about 1970 when I went intending to buy Elton John's album but picked up Kenny Rankin's instead. A beautiful voice and fabulous guitar work. I still have the vinyl. I'm going to have to pull it out now. So sad.

[Cielodrive]

rest in peace, Kenny. You'll be missed, always!!!!!

[DaddyBog]

yes R.I.P. Kenny (thanks for the songs).

[hawk1075]

Kenny Rankin was a very underrated talent in jazz circles but I've seen him in person and spoken to him off stage. A Class act all the way!!!!! You will be missed......RIP Kenny......RIP....

[stegab17]

OMG! What's the cause of his death? He's one of my favorite singer, song writer. May he rest in peace.

[polymind]

He died of cancer last night June 7th. Very sad. He opened for my dad, George Carlin, for a few years. He was part of our family. This sucks!!

[polymind]

RIP my dear friend.

[fred0706]

Quality that, unfortunately, you would never hear on the radio.

[rueibiza]

めちゃめちゃかっこいい！！！！

I really LOVE this song!!

[Cinderfellow]

I've been a fan since the 60's and his talent is still evolving.His phrasing is impeccable and his sound is totally his own.He is getting better with age.

[timm9]

he is dead.

[moniquejugo]

love the guy.. he is the coolest..

[timm9]

he is dead.

[Wacokid48]

can't play no better...can't sing no better..its' just a confluence of soul, whimsy. talent and music...this guy just reeks...(good stuff)!!!

[SmushyWushy]

I've always thought his voice is like James Taylor's. Both great singers, who use their voices quite differently, but to equally gorgeous effect.

[ZEBRA2828]

I was really in to him in the 70's and saw in a couple of times in Cincy. He is extremely talented

[smilesawaityou]

I love Sting, but he can get in line behind Kenny Rankin.

[crazybogs]

wow watha voice at his age...very smooth

[saltyandgreen]

orlandomodelagent, thanks for posting this video!

[jakoditi]

o kenny,

één van mijn grote toppers in de begin jaren 80 (was de enigste in belgie, denk ik)...

knap en dankje (catfish)

didier

[KATLINRIMER08]

smooth..awesome video

[strfruit]

coooool kenny ! love him!

[ijpod]

Now that's Music!

[Mtkitanglad]

correct! really one of the most talented talents on earth!

[njteech]

sweeeet

[iguitar344]

thanks for posting this, what a great talent

[ikom35]

sooooooooooooo soothing!!! mmmhhhhh

[ssanmar]

Me parece un buen musico, cargado de sensibilidad, con buen feeling "jazziz" en la orbita de musicos como MIchael Franks.

Agradable

[MusicaBasket]

Just wonderful. Does anyone know who the pianist is on this?

[harveydents]

Dude this song is a bitch on the guitar to play AND sing..... I am a metal head but i love music like this.....Sinatra said if he died he wanted to come back and sound like Kenny rankin what a compliment!

[katnolla]

I first heard Kenny Rankin in 1978 when I was a freshman at Edinboro State College. I never understood why he didn't become well-known. I think his voice is incredible. I love his music!

[cheguevarra]

because most ppl wants crappy music tits and ass with no talent just like most ppl like drnking bud lite

[carleton80]

i heard him live at st. olaf college around that time also. drunk(?) off his ass but he could still play like this video.

[smilesawaityou]

Yeah--I got turned on to Kenny Rankin in 1974, and I was listening to his album called "Silver Morning" over and over and over...Every song on both sides of that album was a gem. This song was the first cut, I think. He was on Johnny Carson a lot, though I never saw him on that show. I think that's how Rankin became known at all. I'm surprised, too, that he didn't hit bigger than he did, but I have four cd's, so I've done my part! His pure, clear voice is amazing and uplifting.

[mindseye52]

Yeah...My favorite, The Kenny Rankin Album (I still have the vinyl version!) Sweet!

[smilesawaityou]

Wow! Now *that's* a relic!! I have some vinyl, too, so we're dating ourselves. No...we're dating each other. No. We're dated. Oh, well. I wouldn't trade those days!

[mindseye52]

No sweat. Being *dated* is a good thing! The beauty of the ole skool Kenny is that I could drop the needle anywhere and get a sweet sound...Someone will red this comment and ask" what the heck is a needle?" (-:

[viewdemonde]

Yes...it's a beautiful album, especially "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Available on CD now.

[ratihchrist]

I fell in love with his cool voice the first time I heard 12 years ago. Thx for the video. It's too bad I lost the CD.

[costsmart]

It's cool! Thanks!

[ikom35]

my stress is always relieved everytime i listen to kenny's songs... soooo soooothing

[misanthrope8]

one of the great songs, period.

[zhadraq]

my God he is great! love his songs

[JoeyPencils]

awesome voice...his voice is as good as anyones...

[lazydaisydays]

Beautiful, smooth voice. I've enjoyed his work since I can remember, beginning with hid MindDusters LP. Thanks so much for sharing:-)

[norvmac]

unbelievable!!! his voice hasn't change a bit..

[dolleedagger]

Thank you so much for this - Kennys' voice still satin, phrasing exquisite- what an exceptional treat!!!

[gr8rail]

It amazes me how great Kenny is yet relatively unknown. Please give us more.

[kyow99]

I love him all!

[earnibanag]

wow...reminds me of my heydey..bilis ng panahon...more pls...

[angelicahatesmen]

his voice never changed!!! still the same smooth voice over the years!!!