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 You know, we all grow up in a different way, but each of us has a special gift that we carry with us. You have certainly had an especially good experience, but I'm sure most of it was due to a lot of hard work and intense desire. Most of us will never truly understand how warm that makes you feel inside, but we all appreciate you sharing it with us. Thank you. From the first Kenny Rankin note I was hooked. Highly recommend "Silver Morning" as anyone's starting point. I believe it's back in production so grab it now while you have the chance. It was a game changer for me after all the Led Zepplin and so forth. lol. RIP Kenny. We will miss you, but as with all outstanding works of art your voice and songs will endure.
Raul Conde It was very nice to read those memories and reminiscences about one of my very favorite singers. Kenny is one of those rare singers whose voice got under my skin from the very first time I heard it. "THAT is enough for me, I'm hooked, have your way with me,I'm yours, I'll listen to everything you have to offer" is pretty much it , in a nutshell. Very few have done that for me: people as various as Roy Orbison, Ray Charles, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone., a few others.When I heard Kenny do "Spanish Harlem" it was like hearing it for the first time, and brought a song I always loved, into a whole other realm. One of the prettiest most heartfelt, and simplest lyrics ever, by Ben E. King. ,, rendered in a whole new way by Kenny Rankin. Anyway thanks again.
+Raul Conde Thank you so much for sharing this story.....I loved his music...still do....maybe more than ever as my appreciation grows.....Your story adds another dimension....
Thank you for sharing this about Kenny Rankin. I grew up with his songs and still loving it all these years! You have such wonderful memories of him...I did not even know that he passed away already. Thanks again.
I had the pleasure of seeing Kenny two times while living in NY and he never disappointed. Love his voice, style and depth of his ability to make you feel good when listening to him. THe Kenny Ranking Album with the orchestra behind him is just the best! Miss him very much and we lost him way too early-like we lost another favorite of mine Dan Fogelberg
Love Kenny Rankin. First saw him at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach around 1974 or '75 first time. I've fallen in love with his magical style ever since. Thanks Kenny.
RAUL CONDE I REMEMBER YOU, WHEN WE WERE KIDS AND USED TO PLAY ON 160 th St. AND PLAYED CURB BALL IN NEW YORK I'M RONNIE AVILA, ANDY'S BROTHER I'M GLAD YOU REMEMBER ALL THOSE GUYS FROM OUR TEENAGE YEARS, DO YOU STILL REMEMBER THE SONG "HORTENSE" WE USED TO SING AT THE POOL HALL AND BEHIND THE THEATER , YEAH I STILL REMEMBER YOU AND RONNIE ESPOSITO AND JULIO, GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU THROUGH THIS PAGE, I'M LIVING IN LOS ANGELES NOW.
I love listening to Kenny Rankin,he's a great singer.But the 2nd song is not his song.His song is"More Than You know",the 2nd song is"More Than You'll Ever Know"by Michael Ruff.
one of the very best singers of our time and largely overlooked or unknown. my wife and i have always loved to snuggle-up with Kenny Rankin. thanks for posting this. do you own the recordings? if you do i might like to purchase them if you've a mind...
I have fellowed him since the beginning . Only saw him twice. Second song not him. He was unique. Have most of his stuff. He gets play on serious, channel 71. I have a Great ear. I would know him in my sleep. His voice is sleeper and richer, not afraid to sour and fly. Lister to the lower voice range. Nobody will fly higher. DONT ARGUE WITH ME!!!!!
Please kindly share ds collection for US avid fans to download.. please, UR collection s so great, U know wat to be collected... more power, please share to us & for us to download...
