Blackbird - Kenny Rankin

[LoisBryanPhotography]

wasn't he awesome?????  thank you for the post of this magnificent music!!!!!!

[clips001ify]

Thank you so much for posting the great late Kenny Rankin. I can't tell you what an influence he had on me as a young singer. This version of a McCartney melody is superb - melodic, inventive, and sensitive to the original (Not to take away from Lennon, but this melody has McCartney's signature line on it) CL

[8466078]

So very sad to hear of Kenny's death, he was truly a wonderful talent. Listening to his music makes me happy, & is so uplifting.

[MichaelMBC]

Nice job!

great video and tribute to a true artist. this song brings back great memories when I first heard him sing.

thanks!

RIP.

[pepengut]

i miss you kenny but your songs remain in our hearts

[queenrosered]

RIP to Kenny and Peace and Love to all those who fought for racial equality, blacks and whites. <333 (Thank you to Paul McCartney for this beautiful piece of music/art!)

[althecatify]

SHEER PERFECTION! When I first heard his version of this song, I was a fan for life. 2 years gone almost to the day. Thank God for Youtube!

[Anekretia]

i was enjoying his till i saw obamas face. . .

[roybofmn]

When I heard this I felt a wave of warmth fill me. Got just a little choked up and it put a little smile on my face...... Sure miss him.

[bobmartin3]

I miss you Kenny, there's a real hole in the world because you left far to soon. Fortunately your music lives on. RIP

[nitrousanthony]

kenny has good heart that's why his music and covers were just wonderful

[Sn1p3rSh4wn]

The Beatles sucked, but this song was good. :P

[lofams]

@Sn1p3rSh4wn Leave, go dig yourself a deep hole and jump in it, then procede to sit in the corner of the whole and silently cry to yourself and think about what you did. Then I will come with a ladder and let you out.

[Sn1p3rSh4wn]

@lofams I can respect that you guys like the Beatles and all because they helped change music, but let's be realistic: They WERE a bunch of druggies who produced some very weird songs (Yellow Submarine, hello?!). For that reason I've never much cared for them, but this song was actually really good. Love the guitar for it.

[lofams]

@Sn1p3rSh4wn They weren't druggies. I'm just saying both versions are good

[bassistheshit]

@Sn1p3rSh4wn yellow submarine is a childrens song. it wasn't meant to be normal. and you're really going to judge the beatles music because they did drugs? you're a fuck. please die. <3

[ohiosteel1956]

@Sn1p3rSh4wn

I loveit when I hear someone say this.......... let me guess,,,,,are you like 28 maybe 29? Some day the light will go off,,,,,, it just takes time for some people is all,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[Sn1p3rSh4wn]

@ohiosteel1956

Not even close dude, I'm 16. And the beatles, still, suck.

[queenrosered]

@Sn1p3rSh4wn No they don't suck...what sucks is that you are 16 and you think MASTERS like Lennon and McCartney suck.Live & Learn, grasshopper. ;D

[Sn1p3rSh4wn]

@queenrosered

I've already said that I like this song. This is, so far, the only song that I like from the Beatles.

Now if you'd care to show me some songs that make sense, unlike 'Yellow Submarine' that have some good hooks, I may just change my mind for the Beatles overall. So far, I still don't really like them as a whole.

[ramirezamulek]

@Sn1p3rSh4wn FUCK YOU ASSHOLE, you don't mean that this song is good, if The Beatles sucked, then this song would be suck also

[Sn1p3rSh4wn]

@ramirezamulek

No, fuck you, good sir.

[fluteophone54]

I like this version too! No hate, it's kind of a compliment, but I wish there was a woman out there who could sing a cover of this song as well as him. Just because I would like to sing it in a higher range, and I can see how it would sound.

[imeyers1945]

I was a huge fan and was friends with his wife. I saw him one night at the Coach House in O.C. Dear God he was special.

[scobrasen54]

I am SERIOUSLY insulted by the way this beautiful song has been hijacked by the leftwing looney tunes! He was NEVER about this. Disgusting political BS!

[Buzzap14]

@scobrasen54

Who's "He?"

I assume it's the Obama picture that you're miffed about - but, I'm nearly certain Paul McCartney (the origional composer of Blackbird) is fairly left leaning.

P.S. I'm not the largest Obama supporter -- in no way am I attempting to defend "leftwing looney tunes (sic)," I'm just trying to understand where you're coming from.

[whocares1694]

His guitar chops & vocals went so well together. Johnny Carson booked him a lot. He was a friend of mine...wow!

[TheBradCooley]

OMG- his voice just takes me back to my good ol high school days. RIP Kenny.

[jfarrell85]

anyone know where i find this tab???

[badbadboy68]

I was lucky enough to see Kenny live in the late 70's, at the tiny McCabes Guitar Shop in West L.A..... I couldn't believe I was actually hearing him, right in front of me. Talent like his is very rare....

He's an interpretor of songs...A gift to music.... Thank God, Kenny lived here on earth...so that crystal clear voice, can go on, and on, and on.

[timalexwar]

I cannot believe someone would destroy this by imposing a pic of Obama

[suckmecok]

A friend introduced me to Kenny Rankins music in the late 90s and I fell in love with this song more than any other....This morning I saw a blackbird in a tree and this song just sort of popped into my head.

It's been playing over and over since.

What a treat that you uploaded it to youtube.

Thanks a bunch.

[gitlgitl]

I've got to say that you did a beautiful job of putting images to this tune. Ah....fabulous and loving. Shalom, Gitl

[gitlgitl]

What an extraordinary talent. He is so missed. Love, Gitl

[GloriDays]

oh the goosebumps this one still brings ... Kenny ... gone too soon, dear boy. way too soon.

[SoulBloodJVL]

KENNY RANKIN YOUR SONG BRINGS LOT OF MEMMORIES YTOUR AGENIUS DODY LEONOR OF ROXAS CITY

[Jmvermont]

I saw Kenny perform at the Bottom Line in NYC around 1974 or 1975. He was fantastic. It was funny watching him drinking while performing. The longer he stayed on stage the more loose he became

[1JudyCar]

@Jmvermont I think this means we are getting old?

[999dapperdude]

Gotcha!!! Looked far and wide for you... Thanks Thespadecaller...

[gronia]

Very few songs are better than the origonal......this is one song that is either equal, or better than The Beatles classic. Thank God for music, and thanks, Kenny, for this, one of your best. Greg, of "Ameritalian."

[althecatify]

I became a huge Kenny Rankin fan the moment I heard his version of this song. I saw Kenny on 2 occasions at a small club near where I live in Maine many years ago. Absolutely stunning voice & singer, very animated personality on stage. I have most of his albums, I believe he had one of the most beautiful male voices ever. He had all the ladies in the audience mesmerized, including the girl I was with! I was very sad to hear of his passing in June, 2009

[coconutpalminc]

To me Kenny Rankin will always be an amazing vocalist who had the ability to take any song he sang and make it sound simply perfect... Blackbird is a superb example. His mellow voice accompanied by his smooth guitar can just melt away sorrow. I am so sorry that he is no longer with us but his music will live on...forever

[Amyls64]

IT was nice until you put a picture of Obama up.

[MrDiamondcut]

:-( I didn't know...

Thank you Kenny for my college years discovering you.

"The Kenny Rankin Album"

1976.

Thanks you, too, Thespadecaller for a brillian video.

[irishsetterarchie]

WELL DONE!!! HEARD KENNY SING THIS WAY BACK IN THE MID 1970'S....SHOOT I ACTUALLY THOUGHT IT WAS ABOUT A BIRD BACK THEN!!! lol :-)

[juancarlosruizrios]

Sin duda uno de mis cantantes favoritos, lo pongo junto al Gran Mel Tornme, Ella fitzgerald, Michael Mc Donald, entre otros. También considero que Obama todavía tendrá que hacer más meritos

[rcdgtx1]

Although I do not agree with Barak Obama I do sympathize with the Black effort to spread it's wings and become a refreshing change to America. I thank Paul McCartney for writing this song and I especially am or was a devout fan of Kenny Rankin from the time his first album came out. Such a loss when he died but his music lives on. God Bless to Kenny, America and to all those reading this comment.

[gronia]

@rcdgtx1 Same here. I think Paul wrote this for the struggles of Black women, but it can apply also here, as well. Thanks for the generous, caring comment. Greg, of "Ameritalian."

[speeder757]

mello

[butfulmuzik]

The most beautiful interpretation of Paul McCartney's song. Just beautiful. Rest in peace, Kenny, we lost you way too soon. Thank you for all the beautiful music you shared.

[gronia]

@butfulmuzik Interesting that you mentioned Paul....I just read that when Lennon-and McCartney were inducted in the Music Hall of Fame, Paul asked Kenny to play this version of this song. Now, not only is this class on Paul's part, but it shows that Kenny impressed this great song-writing team. Greg, of "Ameritalian."

[Mlittleb]

heartful

[sipper03]

I would never limit my appreciation of Kenny Rankin's artistic excellence; however, in consolation to this performer's talents take the time to search Ytube's listing for Ron Satterfield (Southern California Vocalist, Guitartist (Extreme) and pianist) - I've seen this guy perform numerouse times and while we all miss Kenny, it's sort of consoling to listen to an equal in terms of his musical abilities. Check out Lori Bell (Flutist), Ron (Guitar) and Dave Mackay (Piano).

[dodaquial]

we miss the MAN Kenny! no other! no one would ever replace artists like him.....

[celloprofundo]

Ranks right up there with Paul's version, I think..bet James Taylor could do it justice also.

[songnight]

RIP Kenny.

[TrudyYamin]

This is one of my favourite songs ever, but I'd never heard this version before. It gave me chills, it is so beautiful. Thank you so much for posting it.

[moloha2000]

Thank you for your lovely video creation! Great Job!

[hnnjo5]

i saw him live at the blackhawk in newport beach i did not know he was gone

[Straker58]

RIP Kenny

[maypunzal]

Great song and nice compilation of videos....good work...I like this one...

[songtruth]

Kenny Rankin is amazing.

[Jazzguts]

Fantastic,musical vocals from Kenny Rankin,I used to play "Velez" from him with my former band Mistura, this is so inspiring please check out my instrumental version on my Jazzguts Channel,greets Vic.

[klassworksmusic]

Thespadecaller ... this is a great video.  Thank you for sharing.

[klassworksmusic]

He was such a beautiful, beautiful singer.

I just found out today that he died in June 2009.

I'm listening to this song crying ..... RIP Kenny.

[Alan62651]

Nice reflections to go with a very beautiful arrangement. Imagine that Kenny started his musical career as a side guitar player.

[YY4Me133]

He had such a sweet voice.

"The cover was so revered, Paul McCartney asked Rankin to perform his version at the ceremony where McCartney and John Lennon were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame." - Rolling Stone

Thanks for posting this wonderful song.

[luv2knit61]

you,ve made a beautiful video. I loved it !

[fluffypuppy1000]

My favorite song, favorite version. Kenny Rankin was beautiful.

[heiwa2007]

the other great singer we lost recently.

[romebok23]

Why ? Kenny died ? OMG!

[Mark9309]

Why the hell would you include a picture of Obama?? You complely ruined a great video. Another one brainwashed.

[msalt21]

For Mark9309 and AmericanKoot, I think you missed the whole point of the song-video. All of the people that came before and sacrificed their lives during the civil rights era made it possible for the ELECTION OF THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA. That is why a picture of Obama was in the video.

[msalt21]

You are correct!

[SSL9000J]

Great version, damn...

[CarlasWrld]

What a loss. This was an amazing recording, 69 is too young to go...

[AmericanKoot]

Video was good until you showed Obama's portrait

[uuubeut]

May it be!

Peace and love go with you Kenny. Your light will not be extinguished.

[skydog303]

What a treasure of voice and talent..he will be missed.

[soundslikefrank]

R.I.P., Kenny Rankin

[Linny117]

OMG how I loved his voice. RIP to a great great vocalist!

[Areseesee]

Spadecaller,

You've done it again. I appreciate your video for Mr. Rankin's version of Blackbird. Your videos for Leon Russell are masterful as well. Thanks!

[SpoonEtunes]

A GREAT ONE IS GONE !

I first saw him at the Bitter End in the 60's

[carry2outz]

Apparently, when Lennon/McCartney were inducted into the Hall of Fame, McCartney requested that Mr. Rankin perform this at the ceremony . . .

[maida1982a]

the songwroters hall of fame, it was. an honor for sure.

[frankstelt]

Yes, I had read this too. Rankin had some great interpretations of Beatles tunes that McCartney asked him to represent him and John Lennon into a Hall of Fame induction.

[mark919]

There have been very few good interpretations of Beatles' songs. This is one of them. Ray Charles version of Elenor Rigby is, I think, the other!

[imau2ber]

The early Yes version of "Every Little Thing" is superb.

[toink1972]

he was already famous the day i was born but i still dig his music.... i remember 1 time i courted someone using one of his song. :) she love the song then after a few stanza she loved me too :)

see you but hopefully not soon.

rest in peace.

[emixdub]

God bless your soul.

[Gsterrr]

RIP, beautiful interpretation of the Beatles.

[pillsburysbest]

RIP Kenny!

[irishocity]

Very nice ... RIP ...

Tim P.

[dchapters]

Rest in peace, Kenny.  Your voice is a joyous celebration for the earth to continue relishing for days on end. Godspeed.

[Benayrunyon]

Beautiful video. R.I.P.

[mcmurphrjk]

Godspeed, R.I.P.

[xenafan33]

Rest In Peace!!!!! Kenny Rankin......

[roosterboy425]

great song, love it

[ticket88]

Such an underappreciated artist. I think Kenny is the male equivalent of Karen Carpenter, with a voice of silk, nearly always on pitch, and the ability to appeal to both the young and older of his day. I often wonder what the product would have been if Kenny and Karen had had a chance to jam together. I bet it would have just been amazing.

[YoungShinobi195]

VERY NICE......

[jwmellott]

I hear that Paul liked this cover so much, that he asked Kenny Rankin to stand in for John and him at their induction into the songwriters' hall of fame.

[mortygwhiz]

I believe you are right. I read the same thing.

[PSGott]

"For an artist such as Rankin, could there be a more elevated nod of approval than one that came from Paul McCartney, who asked Rankin to represent the McCartney/John Lennon team at the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction in 1987? McCartney's request came from his deep respect for Rankin's stunning takes of Blackbird and Penny Lane that appeared on his 1975 recording Silver Morning." - Edmonton Journal 12/05/08

[aubie0071971]

very nice, enjoy the variation on melody at 1:58 & else where

[denlibdut]

Brilliant.....totally liberating!

[lloydhofer]

Another fine video.  Thanks for sharing.