I was lucky enough to see in person. He was appearing at a coffeehouse type venue very intimate outside Philadelphia in the early 70’s. I didn’t know what to expect because I never heard of him before but I was enthralled. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I bought his album at the time on the spot. I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t more well known.
Thank you. I have loved Kenny Rankin for years. Ive only had the chance to see him live once, but in that performance he was alone, sometimes playing piano sometimes playing guitar, plus his voice. An amazing talent. Sorry to say he passed away a few years ago.
Harri…two songs that always affected me with his music I hope you too will experience…Hiding inside myself..And,So peaceful here..please give them a go,would love to hear your reactions
Thanks Harry for playing Kenny’s music. The first time I heard Kenny Rankin was when he was the opening act for George Carlin in San Diego back in 1973. He was amazing then and I’ve loved him ever since. Yes, very sad we no longer have his angelic voice to enjoy live. A couple of other songs I’m sure you’ll enjoy are “Haven’t We Met” and “In the Name of Love”. Thanks again, really enjoy your videos.
This is my favorite Kenny Rankin tune. Close seconds are "I Love You" and the most unique cover of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." KR also did some incredible work with several Brazilian jazz artists. We lost a great talent when Kenny passed.
I loved watching this. I’ve loved Kenny Rankin since the first time I heard him in 1974. His voice is absolutely angelic- wonderful comment! FYI, Kenny said in an interview many years ago that he realized he could sing when, in his grammar school choir, his teacher told him he had a “voice like an angel”. Right on, Terry! And so happy to know another person heard and fell in love with Kenny. He was a gift…
His studio version of this song does have a tenor sax accompanying him. Check out his versions of "On & On" and "You Are So Beautiful", fantastic as well. Another somewhat forgotten voice that will blow you away is Johnny Hartman, a crooner from the late 50's, early 60's. Check out his duet album with John Coltrane, particularly "My One and Only Love", you won't be disappointed!
I've only heard a few of his songs before, and I was impressed, but this live performance---- holy cow!!😳 He's incredible . Great rendition of a beautiful standard....
One of the best singers of all time. I loved his Brazilian album, "Here in my Heart," recorded a bit later in his career. Give a listen to "A Slight Infatuation"-- I could listen to that ALL DAY. And sometimes do.
Thanks Harri! Beautiful version of a haunting, old chestnut. You can't go wrong with Kenny Rankin-- he's a bit of an insider's treasured secret, like fellow vocalist Mark Murphy. I recommend Rankin's original, "Haven't We Met?".
One of my favorite singers ever. Please do the studio version of Here's that rainy day. Also Silver Morning, Killed a cat and great cover of While my guitar gently weeps.
This was a (very welcome) surprise. The name hinted at reggae, since there are several reggae artists that have ‘Rankin’ in their (artist) name, and when I saw his picture I was expecting country (like) music. And then it was just some excellent (soft) jazz! Loved it.
Yes- KENNY RANKIN!! Incredibly talented singer, songwriter AND guitarist! Please check out his original songs "Haven'T We Met" and "In the Name Of Love" as well as his cover of the Beatles "Blackbird" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps'!
I’ve seen him twice in a fancy San Francisco nightclub and he was so innovative and perfect! He was close friends with Laura Nyro and talked one of those times about how he misses her every day still.
Kenny Rankin's catalogue is deep and rich and beautiful. Every KR song suggested by others here is worthy of a reaction, and I would also add "I Love You," "Birembeau," "In the Name of Love," "Lost Up In Loving You," "When the Sun Comes Out," and "Round Midnight." I could name a dozen more, but you get the picture. A marvelous artist, greatly missed.
I rediscovered Kenny Rankin when you reacted to his version of On and On. You’d love his version of Groovin. Both of these songs are not available to listen to on Spotify. Spanish Harlem is beautiful too. You can’t go wrong with anything sung by him
This man used his voice as yet another instrument. Check out his song Peaceful. One of my fav songs ever. And his cover of When Sunny Gets Blue is 100 times better than Nat King Coles take, and I love nat king Cole. If you haven’t checked out other stuff by Kenny rankin, you should. His take on some of the Beatles songs are amazing, for instance Elinor Rigby. Also Blackbird.
I absolutely LOVE Kenny Rankin..RIP
Kenny was and is a very special vocalist .he is forever.
Great song!!!!!
I lived as a kid in 70’s
I was lucky enough to see in person. He was appearing at a coffeehouse type venue very intimate outside Philadelphia in the early 70’s. I didn’t know what to expect because I never heard of him before but I was enthralled. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I bought his album at the time on the spot. I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t more well known.
Thank you. I have loved Kenny Rankin for years. Ive only had the chance to see him live once, but in that performance he was alone, sometimes playing piano sometimes playing guitar, plus his voice. An amazing talent. Sorry to say he passed away a few years ago.
I’ve seen him a handful of times in ny’s Greenwich village…so smooth such range
Harri…two songs that always affected me with his music I hope you too will experience…Hiding inside myself..And,So peaceful here..please give them a go,would love to hear your reactions
Thanks Harry for playing Kenny’s music. The first time I heard Kenny Rankin was when he was the opening act for George Carlin in San Diego back in 1973. He was amazing then and I’ve loved him ever since. Yes, very sad we no longer have his angelic voice to enjoy live. A couple of other songs I’m sure you’ll enjoy are “Haven’t We Met” and “In the Name of Love”. Thanks again, really enjoy your videos.
First time and place that I discovered Him as well
This is my favorite Kenny Rankin tune. Close seconds are "I Love You" and the most unique cover of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." KR also did some incredible work with several Brazilian jazz artists. We lost a great talent when Kenny passed.
I loved watching this. I’ve loved Kenny Rankin since the first time I heard him in 1974. His voice is absolutely angelic- wonderful comment! FYI, Kenny said in an interview many years ago that he realized he could sing when, in his grammar school choir, his teacher told him he had a “voice like an angel”. Right on, Terry! And so happy to know another person heard and fell in love with Kenny. He was a gift…
His studio version of this song does have a tenor sax accompanying him. Check out his versions of "On & On" and "You Are So Beautiful", fantastic as well. Another somewhat forgotten voice that will blow you away is Johnny Hartman, a crooner from the late 50's, early 60's. Check out his duet album with John Coltrane, particularly "My One and Only Love", you won't be disappointed!
I discovered this guy when I named my cat Kenny. Because my last name is Rankin Google brought it up
I've only heard a few of his songs before, and I was impressed, but this live performance---- holy cow!!😳
He's incredible .
Great rendition of a beautiful standard....
I didn´t know this guy, but he is awesome, thank you!
Thanks for this great request Terry! His voice is sooo soothing. Wonderful commentary from Harri too 🌺✌️
One of the best singers of all time.
I loved his Brazilian album, "Here in my Heart," recorded a bit later in his career.
Give a listen to "A Slight Infatuation"--
I could listen to that ALL DAY. And sometimes do.
"Silver Morning" is an incredibly beautiful number that Kenny sang (and I think he wrote it too). Such a talent & such a loss ....
Just saw your reaction to Kenny's version of "On and On." Yes what an incredible voice!! His album "Silver Morning" is a masterpiece.
Thanks Harri! Beautiful version of a haunting, old chestnut. You can't go wrong with Kenny Rankin-- he's a bit of an insider's treasured secret, like fellow vocalist Mark Murphy. I recommend Rankin's original, "Haven't We Met?".
One of my favorite singers ever. Please do the studio version of Here's that rainy day. Also Silver Morning, Killed a cat and great cover of While my guitar gently weeps.
This was a (very welcome) surprise. The name hinted at reggae, since there are several reggae artists that have ‘Rankin’ in their (artist) name, and when I saw his picture I was expecting country (like) music.
And then it was just some excellent (soft) jazz! Loved it.
Yes- KENNY RANKIN!! Incredibly talented singer, songwriter AND guitarist! Please check out his original songs "Haven'T We Met" and "In the Name Of Love" as well as his cover of the Beatles "Blackbird" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps'!
Paul McCartney said that Kenny's version of "Blackbird" was one of his all-time favorite covers of a Beatles song.
I’ve seen him twice in a fancy San Francisco nightclub and he was so innovative and perfect! He was close friends with Laura Nyro and talked one of those times about how he misses her every day still.
Kenny Rankin's catalogue is deep and rich and beautiful. Every KR song suggested by others here is worthy of a reaction, and I would also add "I Love You," "Birembeau," "In the Name of Love," "Lost Up In Loving You," "When the Sun Comes Out," and "Round Midnight." I could name a dozen more, but you get the picture. A marvelous artist, greatly missed.
New rabbit hole Harri…must listen to so peaceful here,and groovin
I rediscovered Kenny Rankin when you reacted to his version of On and On. You’d love his version of Groovin. Both of these songs are not available to listen to on Spotify. Spanish Harlem is beautiful too. You can’t go wrong with anything sung by him
Saw Kenny Rankin several times in intimate venues in San Francisco. He was wonderful. The Silver Morning album doesn’t have a bad song.
Calm music, love it
Sounds like Boz skaggs. Great choice. Keep up the great videos.
And def check out while my guitar softly weeps, if you haven’t yet
"When The Sun Comes Out" listen to his voice on that track!
If you listen to the album
He does have a sax with song.
There is Johnny Mathis' version and then there is everyone else.
This man used his voice as yet another instrument. Check out his song Peaceful. One of my fav songs ever. And his cover of When Sunny Gets Blue is 100 times better than Nat King Coles take, and I love nat king Cole. If you haven’t checked out other stuff by Kenny rankin, you should. His take on some of the Beatles songs are amazing, for instance Elinor Rigby. Also Blackbird.
His voice always sounds like a Sax even when just singing words, not his scat singing which always sounds like a sax
the only comparable voice might be Chet Baker
Or maybe Michael Franks