If radio stations had played more Kenny Rankin and less disco the 70's would be remembered now as a great musical decade not the decade we are trying to forget.
One of only a handfull of voices you hear in a lifetime and know full well who it is within first two notes. Yesterday's Michael Buble. He should have been a household name way far back.
Big fan of Kenny. Met him at a function in Chicago in 1999. I was assigned to photograph celebs at a Carsons steakhouse. A singer got started, singing all Kenny Rankin standards. Went to look who this was, and it was Kenny himself. Told him how much I admired his work. He asked my name. Then went to a back room to photograph Kenny with Jimmy Webb, another guest at this party. They talked of music rights while I photographed them. Big thrill for me.
This man was extremely talented. I collected his works along with Joni Mitchell. The way he sang 'Blackbird' on my 70's album brought tears to my eyes. He has/had such a rich and melodic voice and expressed himself so simply and authentically. God I love him, his music and I grieve his passing but this music he left us is immortal.
Kenny Rankin - A victim of second hand smoking !!! Died of lung cancer tho he'd never smoked, but performed in countless number of clubs before the ban of smoking in the public spaces...
I knew Kenny during the l970's when he became a client at the firm I was working for, and was so happy to work on his account. A true original. A true gentleman. A true delight to be around. He left us to early, and it saddened me when I found out. We will always have his sweet music to listen to and remember him by.
I was saddened to hear of this man's passing, sometime last year! I never knew him personally, but actually worked up the nerve to talk to him and get a picure of the 2 of us, when he played at Bushnell Park in Hartford Ct, backed up by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Been listening to hom for over 30yrs and saw him every chance I got!! True gentleman, with a voice so crisp & clear and I just adore his music!! R.I.P Kenny Rankin...you're with the angels now!!!!
I was saddened to hear of this man's passing, sometime last year! I never knew him personally, but actually worked up the nerve to talk to him and get a picture of the 2 of us, when he played at Bushnell Park in Hartford Ct, backed up by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Been listening to hom for over 30yrs and saw him every chance I got!! True gentleman, with a voice so crisp & clear and I just adore his music!! R.I.P Kenny Rankin...you're with the angels now!!!!
I fell in love with Kenny Rankin when I was young. I followed him however I could. I lived in Houston and heard he was playing a club called The La Bastile downtown. I was 13 years old and my parents were out when I called a taxi to pick me up and drive me to see him perform. I sat there and watched him and will never forget it. RIP Kenny, you changed my life. Thanks.
I am young so i don't feel Kenny Rankin's passing as strong as other's who grew up with him, but from my perspective what a blessing for him to come here and leave us with these masterpieces. I love his voice and especially this song :).
i can imagine his surrounding while writing this song. its amazing how he described being peaceful by means of words and melody, and of course his guitar accompaniment. he is a gift to us by
I just read that you were gone, but your spirit will never be gone. Thanks for the music, I will have a glass of wine in the sunshine tomorrow. I hope you have found that peaceful place...
Few vocalists could compare with this guy and he remains one of the only singer/songwriter folk styled jazz performers from the 1970s making him one the most progressive and original. I cherish his contributions to music and the masses really weren't with it then or now, guess they are not classy or tasteful enough for Kenny's music. At least Johnny Carson understood, as do I and i'm only 23 years old. Remember Kenny Rankin!!
Sadly, a REAL ARTIST has left us ... one of the rare few who is so true to his craft. I've always loved KENNY ever since "Silver Morning." Even more tragically, he's been underrated. A great, great, great loss ... R.I.P. Kenny. You will always be remembered by all who have heard your voice and guitar.
A friend got to have dinner with him after a performance in the 60s .. he told her about writing this song. He'd been at a party and had been up all night .. just at dawn he climbed a tree and sat there, watching the sun up and writing Peaceful . . .
@Scout4Me1 Yes, a bright bright star was felled by the big C. He's now truly a heavenly star in the firmament ... just think of him singing this song up there. The angels must be truly enthralled!!
I remember hearing a demo of his first album called Peaceful, but the version was different to this one, other great songs as well..The Dolphin...ahhhh! Greta talent sadly missed
@TennisUK11 Not to be picky, but the version you're talking about (from his debut album MIND-DUSTERS) was not a demo. It was first version he released, but scarcely a demo. It was very well done, and somewhat preferable to this one (actually too much vocal improv on this take, I think). It almost seems you have to have heard the first version to "get" the variations on this 2nd one.
@gbcallahan Hi, Yes I remember Mind Dusters, but that was the released album. What i heard was a demo of it before it was mastered. A guy called Chris Thompson worked for Apple and they were very interested in recording Kenny. Chris was tariling the album around trying to get a deal for him and it was that version i heard. What a talent he was.
Thank you for posting this LP cover - I saw him perform live, he was my very favorite and my heart broke when he died. What an amazing talent. Just no real words to describe to come up with. I just feel bad that he didn't get the recognition he dearly deserved.
Yes, I totally agree he did not get the recognition he deserved. It seemed like when CDs were born, many quality albums were left behind the competition. Take care and have a nice Christmas!
If radio stations had played more Kenny Rankin and less disco the 70's would be remembered now as a great musical decade not the decade we are trying to forget.
MusicMadMaurice 3 weeks ago
One of only a handfull of voices you hear in a lifetime and know full well who it is within first two notes. Yesterday's Michael Buble. He should have been a household name way far back.
darnrabbits1 1 month ago
He's legacy of music still alive in our hearts :) thanks Sir Kenny Rankins
MrDavenport44 1 month ago
A personal friend and wonderful guy!
whocares1694 1 month ago
Beautiful Voice. I have been a fan since the 70's and was sad to hear that he is gone. What a Loss. Goes to show You Never Can Tell.
nancieforeman 3 months ago
Big fan of Kenny. Met him at a function in Chicago in 1999. I was assigned to photograph celebs at a Carsons steakhouse. A singer got started, singing all Kenny Rankin standards. Went to look who this was, and it was Kenny himself. Told him how much I admired his work. He asked my name. Then went to a back room to photograph Kenny with Jimmy Webb, another guest at this party. They talked of music rights while I photographed them. Big thrill for me.
frankstelt 4 months ago
I miss you so much- RIP
gladdad101 4 months ago
Kenny and the Golden Bear, where he performed many times. are as fresh as his music to my minds eye.
ABOSS302 7 months ago
This man was extremely talented. I collected his works along with Joni Mitchell. The way he sang 'Blackbird' on my 70's album brought tears to my eyes. He has/had such a rich and melodic voice and expressed himself so simply and authentically. God I love him, his music and I grieve his passing but this music he left us is immortal.
Indexanimisermo 7 months ago
Kenny Rankin - A victim of second hand smoking !!! Died of lung cancer tho he'd never smoked, but performed in countless number of clubs before the ban of smoking in the public spaces...
MicrocebusRufus1 7 months ago
I love his vocal agility!!!!!
mochaman15 9 months ago
I knew Kenny during the l970's when he became a client at the firm I was working for, and was so happy to work on his account. A true original. A true gentleman. A true delight to be around. He left us to early, and it saddened me when I found out. We will always have his sweet music to listen to and remember him by.
phyllisba1 11 months ago
I was saddened to hear of this man's passing, sometime last year! I never knew him personally, but actually worked up the nerve to talk to him and get a picure of the 2 of us, when he played at Bushnell Park in Hartford Ct, backed up by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Been listening to hom for over 30yrs and saw him every chance I got!! True gentleman, with a voice so crisp & clear and I just adore his music!! R.I.P Kenny Rankin...you're with the angels now!!!!
MsRobindan 10 months ago
I was saddened to hear of this man's passing, sometime last year! I never knew him personally, but actually worked up the nerve to talk to him and get a picture of the 2 of us, when he played at Bushnell Park in Hartford Ct, backed up by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Been listening to hom for over 30yrs and saw him every chance I got!! True gentleman, with a voice so crisp & clear and I just adore his music!! R.I.P Kenny Rankin...you're with the angels now!!!!
MsRobindan 10 months ago
OMG when did Kenny die???
I can't believe this... I was just looking for his music and saw "in memory of".
I've loved KR since the 70s when i lived in Iran. I saw him twice in concert in California, and he was AMAZING...
RIP Kenny... I'm so sorry you were taken from us so soon... But your incomparable talent and your incredible voice and music will live on.
noonav 1 year ago
I fell in love with Kenny Rankin when I was young. I followed him however I could. I lived in Houston and heard he was playing a club called The La Bastile downtown. I was 13 years old and my parents were out when I called a taxi to pick me up and drive me to see him perform. I sat there and watched him and will never forget it. RIP Kenny, you changed my life. Thanks.
tallmanboy 1 year ago
I am young so i don't feel Kenny Rankin's passing as strong as other's who grew up with him, but from my perspective what a blessing for him to come here and leave us with these masterpieces. I love his voice and especially this song :).
NHockerJazz 1 year ago
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An innermost feeling of peace and calmness... that's what i feel each time i listen to this very beautiful song... i feel closer to my Great Maker...
harmony12364 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
an innermost feeling of peace and calmness... that's what i feel each time i listen to this very beautiful song... i feel closer to my Great Maker...
harmony12364 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
an innermost feeling of peace and calmness... that's what i feel each time i listen to this very beautiful song... i feel closer to my Great Maker...
harmony12364 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
an innermost feeling of peace and calmness... that's what i feel each time i listen to this very beautiful song... i feel closer to my Great Maker...
harmony12364 1 year ago
an innermost feeling of peace and calmness... that's what i feel each time i listen to this very beautiful song... i feel closer to my Great Maker...
harmony12364 1 year ago
Oh, yes, our Kenny's now in a truly PEACEFUL place ... singing this song. No other place is more aptly fitted for this song. What a great big loss!
psvsia5555 1 year ago
i can imagine his surrounding while writing this song. its amazing how he described being peaceful by means of words and melody, and of course his guitar accompaniment. he is a gift to us by
god. the author of peace
chicandoful 1 year ago
Gracias amigo por tantos años de la mejor musica cuando yo este en mis ultimos dias sera mi deseo escuchar tu musica, hasta siempre
nanofeibarra 1 year ago
Lovely song. Wow. Thanks, Kenny.
boomerlady 1 year ago
znybody has "regrets"? that's also a good song by kenny rankin. thank you!
54whitelily 1 year ago
does anybody have "regrets: by kenny rankin from "after the roes album"? that's a great song. thank you!
54whitelily 1 year ago
and i still have his "Best of Kenny Rankin" cassette tape with me....
sure gonna miss such talent.....Rest in peace dear Kenny.....it is more Peaceful now wherever you are.
2244668841 1 year ago
@2244668841 me too
berrygoodstuff 1 year ago
I just read that you were gone, but your spirit will never be gone. Thanks for the music, I will have a glass of wine in the sunshine tomorrow. I hope you have found that peaceful place...
xanchevae 1 year ago
Few vocalists could compare with this guy and he remains one of the only singer/songwriter folk styled jazz performers from the 1970s making him one the most progressive and original. I cherish his contributions to music and the masses really weren't with it then or now, guess they are not classy or tasteful enough for Kenny's music. At least Johnny Carson understood, as do I and i'm only 23 years old. Remember Kenny Rankin!!
B360Lightning 1 year ago
Sadly, a REAL ARTIST has left us ... one of the rare few who is so true to his craft. I've always loved KENNY ever since "Silver Morning." Even more tragically, he's been underrated. A great, great, great loss ... R.I.P. Kenny. You will always be remembered by all who have heard your voice and guitar.
psvsia5555 1 year ago
A friend got to have dinner with him after a performance in the 60s .. he told her about writing this song. He'd been at a party and had been up all night .. just at dawn he climbed a tree and sat there, watching the sun up and writing Peaceful . . .
hewittCAROLhewitt 2 years ago 8
Thank you for the interesting tidbit. His death is one less talent gone. Take care.
Scout4Me1 2 years ago 2
@Scout4Me1 Yes, a bright bright star was felled by the big C. He's now truly a heavenly star in the firmament ... just think of him singing this song up there. The angels must be truly enthralled!!
psvsia5555 1 year ago
@psvsia5555 - He had the voice of an angel... the music of angels...His live performances were always magical & will be greatly missed...
noonav 1 year ago
@hewittCAROLhewitt - Love that story...
noonav 1 year ago
I remember hearing a demo of his first album called Peaceful, but the version was different to this one, other great songs as well..The Dolphin...ahhhh! Greta talent sadly missed
TennisUK11 2 years ago
@TennisUK11 Not to be picky, but the version you're talking about (from his debut album MIND-DUSTERS) was not a demo. It was first version he released, but scarcely a demo. It was very well done, and somewhat preferable to this one (actually too much vocal improv on this take, I think). It almost seems you have to have heard the first version to "get" the variations on this 2nd one.
gbcallahan 1 year ago
@gbcallahan Hi, Yes I remember Mind Dusters, but that was the released album. What i heard was a demo of it before it was mastered. A guy called Chris Thompson worked for Apple and they were very interested in recording Kenny. Chris was tariling the album around trying to get a deal for him and it was that version i heard. What a talent he was.
TennisUK11 1 year ago
@gbcallahan Yes you are quite right..........it was so long ago. Thanks for that. Wonderful music. Thanks
TennisUK11 1 year ago
He is good looking!
LastPrince17 2 years ago
May his soul rest in peace.
Tanawan85 2 years ago
Thank you for posting this LP cover - I saw him perform live, he was my very favorite and my heart broke when he died. What an amazing talent. Just no real words to describe to come up with. I just feel bad that he didn't get the recognition he dearly deserved.
berrygoodstuff 2 years ago 5
Yes, I totally agree he did not get the recognition he deserved. It seemed like when CDs were born, many quality albums were left behind the competition. Take care and have a nice Christmas!
Scout4Me1 2 years ago
Gone too soon ...
klassworksmusic 2 years ago
Geez...I didn't know he died.How sad..
WALNUTS52 2 years ago
yeah, I go way back with him, but kind of fell out of touch when CDs were happening. Yeah, we lost a great talent. Take care.
Scout4Me1 2 years ago
@Scout4Me1 , we really lost one great talent in music history, his music still alive and wont fade & written on my heart.
Boiesquivel19 1 year ago
On and On was a hit in Jamaica..This album pictured is my all time favourite by KR...RIP Kenny
abyssalsoul621 2 years ago
thank you...........
savannahsmyles 2 years ago
Take care!
Scout4Me1 2 years ago
thank you for posting. just one of his many fantastic songs he wrote. i love his arrangements of so many songs. my favortie vocalist.
miramarsurfer 2 years ago
Thank you for your comments. Take care.
Scout4Me1 2 years ago