Rankin Finds a Peaceful Place

Singer-songwriter Kenny Rankin, who recorded a revered cover version of the Beatles' White Album ballad Blackbird and was asked by Paul McCartney to perform it during McCartney and John Lennon's introduction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, passed away this past Sunday. Rankin contributed guitar to Bob Dylan's 1965 classic Bringing It All Back Home.

Rankin appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson more than 20 times. Carson was such a big fan that he penned the liner notes for Rankin's 1968 album Mind Dusters. Rankin also wrote Helen Reddy's hit Peaceful and Haven't We Met, recorded by Mel Torme and Carmen McRae.