The Rankin Family:
The Magic is Still There
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THE RANKIN FAMILY |
The Rankin Family - Raylene, John Morris, Jimmy, Cookie and Heather - began touring together professionally in 1989. A year later with the independent release of their second recording Fare Thee Well Love, they were signed to Capitol/EMI Music.
When the label re-released the album in 1992 it went on to become a platinum seller with the title track finding its way to the Disney Movie Into the West.
North Country followed in 1993, another multi-platinum success, containing the popular title track in addition to Borders and Time. Their music crossed over many musical styles earning them a fast growing following as well as industry accolades that included Juno and East Coast Music Awards.
Grey Dusk of Eve and Endless Seasons were both released in 1995 followed by Heather, Cookie and Raylene's best selling Christmas album Do You Hear What I Hear. The year 1998 saw the release of their final album together, aptly title Uprooted.
The following year, the group decided to go their separate ways, each pursuing their own interests and musical projects.
In 2000 on an icy winter morning, John Morris died in a single car accident. With the loss of what was arguably the musical heart of the Rankins, any lingering thoughts of reforming were also laid to rest.
It is no surprise that it took eight years before a suggestion, put forward to have them reunite on a recording and in concert was met first with caution, and then enthusiasm. "Was the magic still there?" they wondered.
After work shopping material in Nashville, it was clear they had more than just a few songs - in fact, they had an entire album! The Reunion CD was released in January of 2007 and the family set out on a cross-Canada tour with niece Molly Rankin (the daughter of the late John Morris) completing the lineup.
It was as though no time had passed - the Rankin family played to sold out crowds and were welcomed back with standing ovations and amazing reviews.
While still pursuing their own musical and business endeavours the Rankin family will continue to perform select concert dates having proven beyond a doubt, that the magic is indeed, still there.
In the Lower Mainland, the Rankin Family will perform two shows at the Red Robinson Show Theatre located at 2080 United Boulevard in Coquitlam on September 7 and 8. Tickets are available at the Red Robinson Show Theatre box office or through Ticketmaster, call (604) 280-4444, or visit: www.ticketmaster.ca.
Win the new Rankin Family DVD called Back Stage Pass as well as their new CD called Reunion (Exclusive Tour Edition).
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