WESTON and JULIA BLELOCK, whose Woodstock-themed book ROOTS OF THE 1969 WOODSTOCK FESTIVAL (Woodstock Arts) is due out next month, had hoped to include singer KENNY RANKIN at their live Woodstock-In-Woodstock show (being produced by STEVE WALTER) August 15th, but the singer passed away suddenly yesterday. "We had just spoken to his reps are things were moving along ... we're shocked and will dedicate the show to him," says Weston Blelock. The musician, who first gained acclaim as one of the guitarists on Bob Dylan's 1965 album, BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME, was currently working on a new album produced by legendary producer PHIL RAMONE (Paul Simon; Paul McCartney; Billy Joel). "That he was still at the top of his game is one of the saddest parts of his passing for me," Denny Stilwell, president of Mack Avenue Records (his current record label), said in a statement. "He performed the new material in our office over the last few months and his voice was still in its finest form—he sounded absolutely amazing. Our hearts and prayers are with his family." Rankin wrote and recorded the pop standard "Peaceful" and also wrote "In The Name of Love," which was recorded by Peggy Lee, and "Haven't We Met," performed by Carmen McRae and Mel Torme. His own "The Kenny Rankin Album" was recorded live in 1976 with a 60-piece orchestra. According to Walter, singer/songwriter DAVE MASON is close to be tagged for the Woodstock event as well. Says Blelock, "This will be the Woodstock concert ... in Woodstock!"
WESTON and JULIA BLELOCK, whose Woodstock-themed book ROOTS OF THE 1969 WOODSTOCK FESTIVAL (Woodstock Arts) is due out next month, had hoped to include singer KENNY RANKIN at their live Woodstock-In-Woodstock show (being produced by STEVE WALTER) August 15th, but the singer passed away suddenly yesterday. "We had just spoken to his reps are things were moving along ... we're shocked and will dedicate the show to him," says Weston Blelock. The musician, who first gained acclaim as one of the guitarists on Bob Dylan's 1965 album, BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME, was currently working on a new album produced by legendary producer PHIL RAMONE (Paul Simon; Paul McCartney; Billy Joel). "That he was still at the top of his game is one of the saddest parts of his passing for me," Denny Stilwell, president of Mack Avenue Records (his current record label), said in a statement. "He performed the new material in our office over the last few months and his voice was still in its finest form—he sounded absolutely amazing. Our hearts and prayers are with his family." Rankin wrote and recorded the pop standard "Peaceful" and also wrote "In The Name of Love," which was recorded by Peggy Lee, and "Haven't We Met," performed by Carmen McRae and Mel Torme. His own "The Kenny Rankin Album" was recorded live in 1976 with a 60-piece orchestra. According to Walter, singer/songwriter DAVE MASON is close to be tagged for the Woodstock event as well. Says Blelock, "This will be the Woodstock concert ... in Woodstock!"
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