Kenny Rankin Youtube Peaceful

2008 May 29

The Kenny Rankin youtube video is from the seventies.  While many other players were playing steel strings in the 70’s Kenny Rankin preferred to play nylon string instead, and realistically it suited his style and complemented his voice.  THe video is a song that he wrote called Peaceful, made famous by Helen Reddy.  A lot of players were turning towards punk while Kenny Rankin was doing his own thing, quite mellow.  I particularly liked his voice and his style was often flavored  with latin rhythms in songs like Haven’t We Met.  Kenny Rankin did covers of songs like no-one else.  I remember him also singing backing vocals on one of the Joni albums.  If you were around and listenening to music at that time and had encountered Kenny Rankins music you might understand why I have posted this youTube, it’s historical. 

I like music of all styles and don’t limit myself.  It’s inspiring to hear different players all expressing their own musical voice in their own personal way.

5 Responses leave one →
  1. 2008 May 30

    It’s nice to hear a guitar player who actually has a nice voice. Maybe I’m off base but I’ve heard to many screamers and shouters in my time. Most of what people call “music” these days is cacophony to my ears. On the other hand, I can listen to melodious music for hours on end.

  2. 2009 May 8
    PeterC permalink

    This guy brings a tear to my eye. So honest. No hype. No gimmicks. Just some poetic lyrics packaged into a sweet melody and floating on some tasty acoustic guitar. I can’t get enough of it. I wish Mr. Rankin would publish some new material. Thanks Tony for posting this!

  3. 2009 June 9

    I love his sound. Loved Helen Reddy and “Peaceful, Easy Feeling.” Yep – I was here in the ’70’s. THx for sharing!!!!!

  4. 2009 July 9
    Dan maguire permalink

    Rankin was an inspiration to me. i saw him many times at the Boardung house in san fran. I would love to find tabs for “peaceful” and some of his other songs. If any one knows of tabs for that song, please let me know. He introduced me to Baden Powell and Brazilian jazz. Don’t try to sing along with some of his songs. He had great range. he had 2 really old albums with some nice songs also.

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