Singer-Songwriter Kenny Rankin dies
Singer-songwriter Kenny Rankin died Sunday as a result of complications related to lung cancer. He was 69. An acclaimed New York-based talent, Rankin, perhaps, was known first for his guitar on Bob Dylan’s 1965 album Bringing It All Back Home. Additionally, Rankin is also famous for his song writing, including “Peaceful” (Helen Reddy), “Haven’t We Met” (Carmen McRae and Mel Torme), and “In the Name of Love” (Peggy Lee).
Rankin signed a recording contract as a teenager and eventually made his way into the recording sessions with Dylan where he caught his first major break. Afterward, Rankin went on to have his own successful solo career, starting with his debut album Mind Dusters. In addition to a number of other albums, in 1976, Rankin released The Kenny Rankin Album, which was recorded live with a 60-piece orchestra.
Rankin was also a favorite on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, reportedly having appeared on the program more than 20 times. In fact, Carson contributed to the liner notes for Rankin’s Mind Dusters.
Rankin was in the process of preparing to record an album of new material when he died.
[photo: Sievert/Michael Ochs Archive/Getty]
Tags: Bob Dylan, Johnny Carson, Kenny Rankin, lung cancer, Mind Dusters, New York, The Kenny Rankin Album
June 9th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
[...] Singer-songwriter Kenny Rankin died Sunday as a result of complications related to lung cancer. He was 69. An acclaimed New York-based talent, Rankin, perhaps, was known first for his guitar on Bob Dylan’s 1965 album Bringing It All Back Home. Additionally, Rankin is also famous for his song writing, including “Peaceful” (Helen Reddy), “Haven’t We Met” (Carmen McRae and Mel Torme), and “In the Name of Love” (Peggy Lee).Rankin signed a recording contract as a teenager and eventually made his way Lung Cancer News… [...]