Jimmy Rankin

Biography

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Song Dog

Hailing from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Jimmy Rankin is one of Canada’s many talented singer songwriters. He first became well known as part of the successful recording group, The Rankin Family, in which he was the principle songwriter. Jimmy, with his brother John and three sisters, Cookie, Raylene and Heather recorded a brand of Celtic music that struck a chord with many as they released seven albums, including two greatest hits packages, exceeded sales of two million and embarked on many successful international tours. The band also received many awards recognizing their work including multiple East Coast Music Awards, Junos, SOCAN Awards and Canadian Country Music Awards. In 1999, the band announced that they would cease to record as a group and focus on solo projects. In 2000, a car accident tragically took the life of Jimmy’s brother and former band mate, John Rankin.

After this dark time, in 2001, Jimmy returned to the music scene with his first solo release entitled Song Dog. This critically acclaimed album again saw Jimmy collecting numerous awards and nominations including East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs), Junos and Canadian Country Music Awards. The album’s sound can be described as an upbeat blend of folk-rock and pop similar to the sounds of other Canadian artists such as Blue Rodeo.

Jimmy has gone on to release a follow up solo album titled Handmade in 2003. On this album Jimmy recorded with mostly acoustic instruments resulting in a live feel. Since the release of this album Jimmy has won the ECMA for male artist of the year and roots traditional solo recording artist of the year.

Jimmy continues to perform live and is currently completing a new album, which he describes as a good blend of ballads and upbeat material. Jimmy’s new single and video will be available in the fall of 2006 with the full CD to be released in early 2007.

Sources: JimmyRankin.com, Wikipedia, IslandViewCreations.com

Relationship to Blue Rodeo

Jimmy Rankin’s sound and song writing skills have been compared to that of Blue Rodeo’s.
Greg Keelor provided back up vocals for the single "Follows Her Around" on Jimmy Rankin’s Song Dog CD.
Jimmy Rankin and Blue Rodeo have shared the stage in the past including an annual outdoor-concert held in Jimmy Rankin’s native Cape Breton in 2004.

Quotes

"A natural reaction listening to Song Dog is waiting for the voices of Heather, Cookie and Raylene to come in. Interestingly that baggage disappears as Jimmy's voice carries his songs, with a feel all his own. The only comparisons that are obvious are with other singer/songwriters, such as perhaps Murray McLauchlan, Chris deBurgh, or Greg Keelor and Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo." - Warren Footz of SEE Magazine, in his preview of Song Dog.

Last Updated

September 2006

Special Thanks To

Rodney