Kenny And I both grew up as teenagers on 160th street between Ft. Washington Avenue and Riverside Drive in upper Washington Heights Manhattan, we met through both our mutual interest in music, and through the kids we hung out with, we used to sing together as a group with our school mates and friends Ronnie Espasito, Johnny Costa, Jimmy Conway, and Freddy Wells, and I. We would sing next to the poolroom hall on top of the Rio Movie Theater on Broadway, and 160 street, cause it had a great acoustical sound, and gave a great sound to our group singing covered Doo Wop songs at the time. Kenny had a God given natural talent he could sing, thought himself to play the Guitar and Piano, and conga's. I use to hang out with Kenny at his apartment on Riverside Drive where he lived with his Mother Elizabeth, and sister Genie. In Fact Kenny didicated Professional Dreamer Album to his Mother Elizabeth. Kenny was the one who gave me lessons on the guitar and really got me interested in music. Which led eventually to my singing and recording with other groups like The Spirals, Tony And The Holidays, and ending up with a group called The Chevrons. Kenny went on and became one of our most talented Singer/ Song writers and Guitar players of our time. Kenny's ability to take a song and improvise was spectacular, and unlimited in scope. With each song Kenny gave us his interpretation and his improvised melodically, turning an ordinary song into a Beautiful poetic musical sound! Kenny Died to young, he had a lot more to give and accomplish, but we are thankful for what he did give us in his Beautiful songs, and Music. Kenny You are surely missed! RIP Kenny.
Raul Conde Thank you for sharing this bit of your history with Kenny with the rest of us. Nice to read and so sorry your friend is no longer with us. He was truly talented and here I am decades later still getting goose bumps from listening to his voice, especially on "Groovin."
Love that you partnered with him musically. I grew up in Brooklyn but I did not get into his music until I was much older and living in California. What a truly rare and edifying experience to spend that kind of time with him and get uplifted that way every day that you knew him. It's like floating on a cloud listening to him and I bet he is one of God's favorites. I did not know of his passing. If you get this please let me know when and how. Thanks for sharing all those memories . They must mean so much to you now.
In the mid 80's I hosted a college radio show at KZSC Santa Cruz CA. It was a Jazz Fusion kinda show. I would play whatever my heart felt, and when I would drop this one in, my show just took off to the best place. Just the best groove ever to get lost in. Where words fail, music speaks.
Yes, a great observation, absolutely true. He's wonderful; the first time I ever called a radio station to find out what they were playing was when they played one of his. I'm not sure which, but it might have been _Penny_ _Lane._
I remember an actress friend turned me on to Kenny Rankin's Silver Morning album in 1974, as she said my guitar playing reminded her of Kenny Rankin. I heard that album and was speechless. He was far beyond anything I was doing. A truly inspiring artist, without peer.
I discovered Kenny through a jazz composer, song writer friend of mine. Wondered where Kenny had been all my life! Then I found that he had passed away.... It floored me.
I miss him, too. What a talent. I got to see him twice and his voice just filled the room and enveloped us all. Every once in awhile, I just need to connect with his great music and get away from world events. He provides a healing. I thank him so much.
During my lunch breaks back in the summer of 1977, I used to walk down Hollywood Blvd with my boom box singing and crooning with Kenny. I have to admit, I was good, people would listen and say, you sound just like him. But naw, no where near like him. He could go from baritone to 1st tenor without a crack, so smooth! RIP Kenny, you were a major influence in my singing career.
I love your honesty Charles. I used to think I was a better guitar player than I am. However, just like the folks who like your sound, a lot of people like how I play. Some say --- it's all relative, well, I'm a believer and our gifts are not a contest. Our talents and abilities are to use (I believe) to help others, regardless if only to put a smile on their face for a moment. We all live in --- "moments of time." P.S. I was not a personal friend of Kenny's, but I had the pleasure of hanging out with him at a Lakers game back in the day and we had a super nice conversation on many subjects. Kenny was a great guy indeed. Steve
He was a big star here in the Philippines. Mr. Rankin came to Manila more than once for a series of concerts. To this day, I think happy memories of the past whenever I hear his voice.
One of many Kenny stylized song that are classics and often hard to find. My LP is so worn. May he continue to Rest In Peace; he is certainly missed by many and we are thankful for him sharing his talent and love of music with us.
It's rare that well-known originals can be taken to new heights, but Kenny did this so often. This was a brilliant example, helped by the fact the song was recorded 'live' in the studio with the orchestrations of the wonderful Don Costa. The sax and organ, plus Kenny's very classy guitar playing, give this both excitement and sophistication. As a long time Beatles' lover I think his interpretations of Blackbird, I've Just Seen a Face and While My Guitar Gently Weeps effectively create new songs. A genius whose talents are encapsulated perfectly by this song and album.
I feel so blessed that i actually went to see a concert of his in my youth. What am amazing talent. The world misses you, Kenny, but thank you so much for all the beautiful songs you left for us here.
I hope that all the singer/songwriters whose songs he sung have heard his renditions. Sinatra even said he's the best. You will not be the same after listening to Kenny Rankin. I promise.
Exactly he had the best male voice no one can compare to Kenny I saw him one time live i was hooked by his voice Sinatra is also amazing but Kenny ...... surpassed that !
I would say that each man had a different voice and a different vocal approach to each song he sang. Kenny Rankin's renditions were combinations of jazz, bossa nova, blues. You name it. Sinatra had his own unique style which was also incomparable. And phrasing like a trumpet. Hard to explain. Each was incomparable.
Love Kenny Rankin when was I still in elementary school now I'm almost to retire and still can't stop crying to hear all his songs, music so beautiful to my soul💖
I was lucky to see him several times in Ft Lauderdale. He use to play at the Musicians Exchange. He played at small clubs too I got to talk to him once and let him know how I loved his music.
I listen to this on my bosses stero and its like I'm in heaven.....lovvvveeeee Kenny renkin ....brings back a million memories......... I can't get enough of that......great doesn't get any better than that.....I saw him in concert..........
There's a flourishing, everlasting quality and essence to his recorded vocal performances. It has a fullness, a wholeness and lasting story-tale grandeur.
I am lucky to have this song on an album in my home. Takes me back to a much more gentle time when people had time for one another and life was much more simple. After a hectic or long day, it is so nice to come home, put this music on and let it take you away like magic, just more than words can express.
He had a fabulous silky voice and style. I saw him many times at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach, Calif -- he had quite a following there -- I had several friends who, whenever any of us found out that he was going to be singing there, we got the group together and saw him -- such really great memories of long ago. So very sad he had to go so soon.
We miss Kenny very much... I saw him live every time he played in the NY Metro area for many years. What a magnificent voice...His music will live on, but we really miss Kenny.
This was used in NASCAR's 2000 NAPA 500, the final race on ESPN with Bob Jenkins, Ned Jarrett, and Benny Parsons in the broadcast booth with a montage of all of the great NASCAR moments during the ESPN era of that time.
I remember watching this man when I was a kid on Johnny Carson when his "Like A Seed" album came out in the early 70s. What a talent, his voice gives you goose bumps it's drenched in so much soul and he's harmonically and melodically informed by jazz and the blues. God took him away from us too soon but he is singing in heaven with the angels.
Feels like flying, also dancing in the street...and the "life would be ecstasy" part, have all the happy feelings ever experienced launched into the sky...
Ashamed to say I'd never heard of Kenny Rankin, and I love my music. Only came upon him by accident through You Tube. Can't understand why he'd never come across my radar. What a beautiful easy voice and watching some of his talent from live videos, he's been a well kept secret from me!!. Beautiful artist
Holly cow! Finally! Finally I found this guy, after searching for some years! I could not for the life of me remember his name. Tonight I thought to attempt once again, to look up old Tonight Shows with Johnny Carson. 'Cause about a year or so ago, I remembered I'd seen this no-name guy (Kenny) on Johnny's show sometime way back in the mid '70's. The only name I could dislodge from my memory banks was a guy named Jimmie Spheeris. Found out that wasn't him. I tried looking up jazz singers of the 1970's. But somehow missed him in that attempt. Again, forgot his name. So came to a dead end. Tonight I thought to try again. So entered search for: 'jazz singers that appeared on the Johnny Carson show in the 1970's' Low and behold - there he was! The 7th listing! "Kenny Rankin dies at 69; singer-songwriter's long career..." "...Rankin appeared on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson more than 25 times. Carson was such a fan that he wrote the liner notes for Rankin's 1967 debut LP, "Mind Dusters." " Once I saw that name, it all came back to me, his name resurrected from the cob-webbed catacombs of my mind! So, so happy! Sad though to find he passed away a number of years ago. But with RUclips, his smooth silky voice lives on.
he was brilliant - i had the good fortune of hearing him live a number of times in nyc - after intermission i spoke with him at the bar he had water i had wine we stayed in touch with each other until his death - i was so shaken and sad and there are times i still am he was so wonderful
this is kenny with the great arranger don costa. love the way they recorded kenny's vocals. gone to soon, i get weepy every time i come across his voice.
Still have the orig album in pristine condition from 1977. Every time I look at it time goes back to a gentle time in life when everything was so much kinder. This is such a great song that just has the ability to just let your mind wander, thank you Kenny.
I was a true Kenny Rankin fan. I first heard his music in 1972 and I've been a fan ever since. When he would come to Piermont NY and sing at The Turning Point I was there every time. His music his voice brought calm and sleep for me and my children as I'd rock them in my arms. While his guitar gently weeps... Like a Seed... On A Silver Morning... Because of You...a song lives...Inside... Here in My Heart ... long live the music of Kenny Rankin
I have said this before but it is worth mentioning again. I am privileged to have seen Kennny in New york City, twice, live, One time in The Bottom Line. He was fantastic. (around 1974). As he was performing he was drinking more and more. It was so funny. He became looser and looser. He wa a fantastic performer. I heard him perform Blackbird live.
I started listening to him in the 60s and still listen to him today. Such a great mellow voice, just right to sing along with and easy listening in the car. I got hung up on his music after he did a performance at our high school, then it was off to Nam and it was a few years before I found his music again, and it actually mellowed me out after I came back from that hell hole in Nam. I wish he had made it bigger but some group came out and pushed his notoriety back. "The Beatles". But I'd be willing to bet there are still a lot out there that listen to him. My favorite thing was to take a trip up to Big Sur and listen to him all the way to and from. Too bad he's gone now, haven't heard a voice as good as his in a long time. R.I.P. your music lives on.
I've been reduced to chills and tears !! Just lets you float away....played all of his albums for my sons from the time that were born, and THEY love him as well....his Beautiful voice just takes me back to a simpler, peaceful time....so sad that he is gone...RIP
Actress singer Ann Jillian once had Kenny open her show in Atlantic City at the T. Plaza casino. She said he was her favorite singer, and that his voice was like a pure vocal instrument. She was so right! This gig came at a time in Kennys career where he had problems getting gigs - Ann was not afraid to book him, and Kenny, his wife, and Ann and her husband manager were all good friends.
Loved this album. Played the vinyl over & over. Bought it as a CD too. Then saw him at Yoshi's, Oakland on my birthday in '92. My friends told so, after the show he came over to meet me, sign my CD, take a picture & talk. Nice guy! Forever missed.
The OG in my memory, was The Young Rascals. This version is as if the Rascals had put on their grown-up pants. Both versions are excellent Hammock relaxing songs.
Very much timeless music, reminds me a lot of the weekends and Tuesdays I spent with my grandparents and my uncle, good times. It was always what it was, an escape and a change of scenery as much as sports were and still are.
You just MUST get some of Kenny Rankin's albums. He was underappreciated in the day, I think. Never a "cover", always a re-interpretation. And some great original material as well. And that voice...
Also, a nice tenor sax solo by Nino Temple, who was one-half of the Nino Temple-April Stevens vocal duo in the early to mid 60s. His sax sound reminds me of the great Stan Getz, to some extent.
Why was some of his music removed from Spotify? I’m a huge r&b fan, new and old (millennial). I learned about Kenny Rankin about 10 years ago while taking a walk and listening to the Stevie Wonder station on Pandora. I immediately fell in love with his voice through this song, and assumed he was a star from a past generation and went on to listen to more of his music. I hope that this song and the others that were removed make it back to Spotify. He seemed to be a musicians musician and a singers singer. Such an underrated talent ❤
Fortunate to see Kenny Rankin live back in the early 80s… his voice was like butter and so soothing, truly unique! No one sounds like him… Heaven gained another beautiful singing angel 😇
God this is killing me. Can’t stop crying
Kenny And I both grew up as teenagers on 160th street between Ft. Washington Avenue and Riverside Drive in upper Washington Heights Manhattan, we met through both our mutual interest in music, and through the kids we hung out with, we used to sing together as a group with our school mates and friends Ronnie Espasito, Johnny Costa, Jimmy Conway, and Freddy Wells, and I. We would sing next to the poolroom hall on top of the Rio Movie Theater on Broadway, and 160 street, cause it had a great acoustical sound, and gave a great sound to our group singing covered Doo Wop songs at the time. Kenny had a God given natural talent he could sing, thought himself to play the Guitar and Piano, and conga's. I use to hang out with Kenny at his apartment on Riverside Drive where he lived with his Mother Elizabeth, and sister Genie. In Fact Kenny didicated Professional Dreamer Album to his Mother Elizabeth. Kenny was the one who gave me lessons on the guitar and really got me interested in music. Which led eventually to my singing and recording with other groups like The Spirals, Tony And The Holidays, and ending up with a group called The Chevrons. Kenny went on and became one of our most talented Singer/ Song writers and Guitar players of our time. Kenny's ability to take a song and improvise was spectacular, and unlimited in scope.
With each song Kenny gave us his interpretation and his improvised melodically, turning an ordinary song into a Beautiful poetic musical sound!
Kenny Died to young, he had a lot more to give and accomplish, but we are thankful for what he did give us in his Beautiful songs, and Music.
Kenny You are surely missed!
RIP Kenny.
Raul Conde Thank you for sharing this bit of your history with Kenny with the rest of us. Nice to read and so sorry your friend is no longer with us. He was truly talented and here I am decades later still getting goose bumps from listening to his voice, especially on "Groovin."
Nicely said. Thanks.
Thank you Agoateeman. and Raydur530!
+Raul Conde thanks for sharing
Love that you partnered with him musically. I grew up in Brooklyn but I did not get into his music until I was much older and living in California. What a truly rare and edifying experience to spend that kind of time with him and get uplifted that way every day that you knew him. It's like floating on a cloud listening to him and I bet he is one of God's favorites. I did not know of his passing. If you get this please let me know when and how. Thanks for sharing all those memories . They must mean so much to you now.
In the mid 80's I hosted a college radio show at KZSC Santa Cruz CA. It was a Jazz Fusion kinda show. I would play whatever my heart felt, and when I would drop this one in, my show just took off to the best place. Just the best groove ever to get lost in. Where words fail, music speaks.
it is astounding how many of us did radio, for however long that was.
The genius of the one and only Kenny Rankin- the smoothest vocalist this side of heaven 👍🏾
He was once referred to as "a bossa nova folkie." Among other things!
I agree, his voice was smooth as silk. My brother introduced me to his music. If he sang the names in the Yellow Pages phone book, I would listen.
Saw him at the Stone Toad in Milwaukee back in the ‘70s. Phenomenal. Just introduced my DIL to his version of Blackbird.
RIP Kenny Rankin
Unrecognized genius of soft vocal.
We can put Kenny Rankin in that rare group of singers who are so very much more brilliant than they are acknowledged for. What a creative artist.
So very true... he was never recognized sufficiently for his tremendous talent
Yes, a great observation, absolutely true. He's wonderful; the first time I ever called a radio station to find out what they were playing was when they played one of his. I'm not sure which, but it might have been _Penny_ _Lane._
It doesn't get better than this. I got chills multiple times throughout this song
Absolutely!
So true
I remember an actress friend turned me on to Kenny Rankin's Silver Morning album in 1974, as she said my guitar playing reminded her of Kenny Rankin. I heard that album and was speechless. He was far beyond anything I was doing. A truly inspiring artist, without peer.
This mans voice is literally pure silk and it's a shame he isn't more well known.
he is in no mansland.
Artists like him and Michael Franks never seemed to get the recognition that they should have.
I discovered Kenny through a jazz composer, song writer friend of mine. Wondered where Kenny had been all my life! Then I found that he had passed away.... It floored me.
Yes.
I revisit this song often,
and then of course,
it visits me.
Me too......................................
I cannot hear this too many times... RIP Songbird
so true
Oh yeah - well said - it does visit me and I get chill bumps just thinking the song. It's almost too good to be true.
I miss him, too. What a talent. I got to see him twice and his voice just filled the room and enveloped us all. Every once in awhile, I just need to connect with his great music and get away from world events. He provides a healing. I thank him so much.
Kenny, you put your soul into your songs. Your genius was not appreciated by so many then, but your soul lives on. RIP Kenny
well said
His voice is like an instrument. Saw him live he didn't disappoint
Me too in 1983 San Francisco Cal. It was a hotel concert. Intimate setting.
During my lunch breaks back in the summer of 1977, I used to walk down Hollywood Blvd with my boom box singing and crooning with Kenny. I have to admit, I was good, people would listen and say, you sound just like him. But naw, no where near like him. He could go from baritone to 1st tenor without a crack, so smooth! RIP Kenny, you were a major influence in my singing career.
Any relation to Ollie?
I love your honesty Charles. I used to think I was a better guitar player than I am. However, just like the folks who like your sound, a lot of people like how I play. Some say --- it's all relative, well, I'm a believer and our gifts are not a contest. Our talents and abilities are to use (I believe) to help others, regardless if only to put a smile on their face for a moment. We all live in --- "moments of time."
P.S. I was not a personal friend of Kenny's, but I had the pleasure of hanging out with him at a Lakers game back in the day and we had a super nice conversation on many subjects. Kenny was a great guy indeed.
Steve
Steve Douglas Thanks Steve. Well Said!
Thank you Charles and take care!
Steve
Cool bro!
TBT for sure, good old days, Sunday morning jazz in south FL. Thanks Kenny, RIP
One of my absolutely FAVORITE recordings. The entire album is a gem.
I'v lived my life with his music. He was my youth music!! I still love him!! Very handsome, by the way!!!
He was a big star here in the Philippines. Mr. Rankin came to Manila more than once for a series of concerts. To this day, I think happy memories of the past whenever I hear his voice.
I agree. His voice is an instrument. I to would see Kenny every year here in Boston or New York
Probably my favorite male singer of all time!!!
Never will there be another like you Mr. Kenny Rankin.
Mel Torme said at hearing him sing at a birthday party, "who IS THIS GUY??!"
This is the best cover of the Rascals that I've heard so far.
It sounds like a completely different Song it's so distinctly done.
THE most underrated singer of all time. Every once in a while our "adult" station here in San Antonio will play one of his songs.
The definitive version of this classic song
One of many Kenny stylized song that are classics and often hard to find. My LP is so worn. May he continue to Rest In Peace; he is certainly missed by many and we are thankful for him sharing his talent and love of music with us.
There's no one like Kenny. RIP
It's rare that well-known originals can be taken to new heights, but Kenny did this so often. This was a brilliant example, helped by the fact the song was recorded 'live' in the studio with the orchestrations of the wonderful Don Costa. The sax and organ, plus Kenny's very classy guitar playing, give this both excitement and sophistication. As a long time Beatles' lover I think his interpretations of Blackbird, I've Just Seen a Face and While My Guitar Gently Weeps effectively create new songs. A genius whose talents are encapsulated perfectly by this song and album.
one of my favorite song. I was in college 1986 when I begun to listen to this song..
I feel so blessed that i actually went to see a concert of his in my youth. What am amazing talent. The world misses you, Kenny, but thank you so much for all the beautiful songs you left for us here.
Timeless. Takes my breath away
HEARD IT FIRST ON WLVE 94 IN MIAMI, I WAS 15 , MY INTRO INTO JAZZ SMOOTH VOCALS
I hope that all the singer/songwriters whose songs he sung have heard his renditions. Sinatra even said he's the best. You will not be the same after listening to Kenny Rankin. I promise.
Exactly he had the best male voice no one can compare to Kenny I saw him one time live
i was hooked by his voice Sinatra is also amazing but Kenny ...... surpassed that !
I would say that each man had a different voice and a different vocal approach to each song he sang. Kenny Rankin's renditions were combinations of jazz, bossa nova, blues. You name it. Sinatra had his own unique style which was also incomparable. And phrasing like a trumpet. Hard to explain. Each was incomparable.
Love Kenny Rankin when was I still in elementary school now I'm almost to retire and still can't stop crying to hear all his songs, music so beautiful to my soul💖
I was lucky to see him several times in Ft Lauderdale. He use to play at the Musicians Exchange. He played at small clubs too I got to talk to him once and let him know how I loved his music.
I listen to this on my bosses stero and its like I'm in heaven.....lovvvveeeee Kenny renkin ....brings back a million memories......... I can't get enough of that......great doesn't get any better than that.....I saw him in concert..........
This wonderful music, fire in place, reading a swell book, taking a moment to look out my window ah how splendid, thank you Kenny Rankin.
Que Hermosa Versión!
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Tengo ese Disco LP, en vinilo y lo atesoro!
Excelente Kenny!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Love you for these warm & fuzzy memories listening to your velvety voice. Truly sends us all to a level of peace & love ❤️
R.I.P. sweet man
What a version! :)
I love this tune...
best cover ever
There's a flourishing, everlasting quality and essence to his recorded vocal performances. It has a fullness, a wholeness and lasting story-tale grandeur.
I am lucky to have this song on an album in my home. Takes me back to a much more gentle time when people had time for one another and life was much more simple. After a hectic or long day, it is so nice to come home, put this music on and let it take you away like magic, just more than words can express.
Same here!
You nailed it
His music was like Magic.
I totally agree. He sings soooooo well!!!!
A great singer.
He had a fabulous silky voice and style. I saw him many times at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach, Calif -- he had quite a following there -- I had several friends who, whenever any of us found out that he was going to be singing there, we got the group together and saw him -- such really great memories of long ago. So very sad he had to go so soon.
We miss Kenny very much... I saw him live every time he played in the NY Metro area for many years. What a magnificent voice...His music will live on, but we really miss Kenny.
I liked his song wonderful sounds to appreciate that song of mr Rankin
Desperate for Kenny live..found an interview...he describes his music as heavy mental!!!I love that... Thank you for your gift.. sharing it...xo
This was used in NASCAR's 2000 NAPA 500, the final race on ESPN with Bob Jenkins, Ned Jarrett, and Benny Parsons in the broadcast booth with a montage of all of the great NASCAR moments during the ESPN era of that time.
I can feel the breeze in my hair and my spirit soaring right to the sky.
It sort of feels like being free free free!
I remember watching this man when I was a kid on Johnny Carson when his "Like A Seed" album came out in the early 70s. What a talent, his voice gives you goose bumps it's drenched in so much soul and he's harmonically and melodically informed by jazz and the blues. God took him away from us too soon but he is singing in heaven with the angels.
been lovin this version since it first came out
Kenny Rankin is a premier singer. excellent voice, musicality on the the money. Love him.
Feels like flying, also dancing in the street...and the "life would be ecstasy" part, have all the happy feelings ever experienced launched into the sky...
This tune comes to whenever I'm groovin' on a beautiful day and everyone looks groovin'.
100000 times listening to this song
Ashamed to say I'd never heard of Kenny Rankin, and I love my music. Only came upon him by accident through You Tube. Can't understand why he'd never come across my radar. What a beautiful easy voice and watching some of his talent from live videos, he's been a well kept secret from me!!. Beautiful artist
Try his original song -and guitar playing on the song 'Haven't We Met' on his 1974 album titled 'Silver Morning'.
God Bless you Lilo Basillio
for posting rare groove Gem
peace & love from London
I heard him 35 years ago. I have almost all if his stuff on vinyl, lucky me. The must underrated stylists and vocalist Ever. R.I.P.
Holly cow! Finally! Finally I found this guy, after searching for some years!
I could not for the life of me remember his name.
Tonight I thought to attempt once again, to look up old Tonight Shows with Johnny Carson.
'Cause about a year or so ago, I remembered I'd seen this no-name guy (Kenny) on Johnny's show sometime way back in the mid '70's. The only name I could dislodge from my memory banks was a guy named Jimmie Spheeris. Found out that wasn't him.
I tried looking up jazz singers of the 1970's. But somehow missed him in that attempt. Again, forgot his name. So came to a dead end.
Tonight I thought to try again. So entered search for:
'jazz singers that appeared on the Johnny Carson show in the 1970's'
Low and behold - there he was! The 7th listing!
"Kenny Rankin dies at 69; singer-songwriter's long career..."
"...Rankin appeared on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson more than 25 times. Carson was such a fan that he wrote the liner notes for Rankin's 1967 debut LP, "Mind Dusters." "
Once I saw that name, it all came back to me, his name resurrected from the cob-webbed catacombs of my mind!
So, so happy! Sad though to find he passed away a number of years ago.
But with RUclips, his smooth silky voice lives on.
he was brilliant - i had the good fortune of hearing him live a number of times in nyc - after intermission i spoke with him at the bar he had water i had wine we stayed in touch with each other until his death - i was so shaken and sad and there are times i still am he was so wonderful
this is kenny with the great arranger don costa. love the way they recorded kenny's vocals. gone to soon, i get weepy every time i come across his voice.
met him once gentleman what a great performer cant believe hes gone whata loss a paul desmond of singers
omg i have been looking for this song title, heard in FM 2008..thank you kenny rankin...RIP
His voice is awesome Sinatra said once that he was the best enough said !
Que beleza essa interpretação na voz de Kenny Rankin !
Still have the orig album in pristine condition from 1977. Every time I look at it time goes back to a gentle time in life when everything was so much kinder. This is such a great song that just has the ability to just let your mind wander, thank you Kenny.
I was a true Kenny Rankin fan. I first heard his music in 1972 and I've been a fan ever since. When he would come to Piermont NY and sing at The Turning Point I was there every time. His music his voice brought calm and sleep for me and my children as I'd rock them in my arms. While his guitar gently weeps... Like a Seed... On A Silver Morning... Because of You...a song lives...Inside...
Here in My Heart ... long live the music of Kenny Rankin
I have said this before but it is worth mentioning again. I am privileged to have seen Kennny in New york City, twice, live, One time in The Bottom Line. He was fantastic. (around 1974). As he was performing he was drinking more and more. It was so funny. He became looser and looser. He wa a fantastic performer. I heard him perform Blackbird live.
that's where I went to hear him- Greenwich Village
I started listening to him in the 60s and still listen to him today. Such a great mellow voice, just right to sing along with and easy listening in the car. I got hung up on his music after he did a performance at our high school, then it was off to Nam and it was a few years before I found his music again, and it actually mellowed me out after I came back from that hell hole in Nam. I wish he had made it bigger but some group came out and pushed his notoriety back. "The Beatles". But I'd be willing to bet there are still a lot out there that listen to him. My favorite thing was to take a trip up to Big Sur and listen to him all the way to and from. Too bad he's gone now, haven't heard a voice as good as his in a long time. R.I.P. your music lives on.
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@love_r_you
Kyj 발자취 따라 왔어요
I've been reduced to chills and tears !! Just lets you float away....played all of his albums for my sons from the time that were born, and THEY love him as well....his Beautiful voice just takes me back to a simpler, peaceful time....so sad that he is gone...RIP
Actress singer Ann Jillian once had Kenny open her show in Atlantic City at the T. Plaza casino. She said he was her favorite singer, and that his voice was like a pure vocal instrument. She was so right! This gig came at a time in Kennys career where he had problems getting gigs - Ann was not afraid to book him, and Kenny, his wife, and Ann and her husband manager were all good friends.
this cut just slows you right on down.
great melody, puts a smile on my face and at the same time , some sadness in my heart..... from thoughts of an old love who I will take to my grave
My all time favorite !!!!
Sinatra said once that Kenny Rankin was the best and he was enough said.
Loved this album. Played the vinyl over & over. Bought it as a CD too. Then saw him at Yoshi's, Oakland on my birthday in '92. My friends told so, after the show he came over to meet me, sign my CD, take a picture & talk. Nice guy! Forever missed.
I hope the Rascals heard this.
I love his music. A very special artist indeed.
The OG in my memory, was The Young Rascals. This version is as if the Rascals had put on their grown-up pants. Both versions are excellent Hammock relaxing songs.
1 of my old time faves.... nobody sings like him!
Saw him years ago and he was fantastic
Very much timeless music, reminds me a lot of the weekends and Tuesdays I spent with my grandparents and my uncle, good times. It was always what it was, an escape and a change of scenery as much as sports were and still are.
R.I.P. Kenny you are one of the most talented male singers the world will surely miss your beautiful voice.Diane Wills avid fan
All the players here, feeling it - and all serving the groove. 10.
Sublime. Thank you.
I love this song!
I will always associate this song with NASCAR On ESPN’s goodbye montage.
You just MUST get some of Kenny Rankin's albums. He was underappreciated in the day, I think. Never a "cover", always a re-interpretation. And some great original material as well. And that voice...
A sound that heals... Thanx
Absoluty beautfull , pure joy
Also, a nice tenor sax solo by Nino Temple, who was one-half of the Nino Temple-April Stevens vocal duo in the early to mid 60s. His sax sound reminds me of the great Stan Getz, to some extent.
Robert Vasquez
Minor correction: His surname is Tempo.
Wow! That last note!
The single best recording ever made.
Why was some of his music removed from Spotify? I’m a huge r&b fan, new and old (millennial). I learned about Kenny Rankin about 10 years ago while taking a walk and listening to the Stevie Wonder station on Pandora. I immediately fell in love with his voice through this song, and assumed he was a star from a past generation and went on to listen to more of his music. I hope that this song and the others that were removed make it back to Spotify. He seemed to be a musicians musician and a singers singer. Such an underrated talent ❤
Man that voice,
Fortunate to see Kenny Rankin live back in the early 80s… his voice was like butter and so soothing, truly unique! No one sounds like him… Heaven gained another beautiful singing angel 😇
allllllllllright now, Kenny Rankin...... I love his voice..........
Beautiful.
Such a Classic cover and a great album .I agree with Jerry about back when life was soo mcuh easier
For me, this was the best male pop vocalist who ever lived....
Every time I hear John Mayer sing... I hear the Kenny Rankin voice.