A 2am radio news break announced the death of Kenny. I paused to remember my brush with this great talent. It was late '75 I think. I was ready to go on stage, the last act at 'Hoot Night', The Backdoor at San Diego State University. Walt, the guy who ran the show, said a friend had dropped by and asked if could he go next. I agreed. "He has no guitar. Can he use your's?" Very protective of my guitars, I never lend them to anyone... but felt compelled to agree once more. He introduced 'Renny Pumpkin' who performed a few songs, closing with 'Blackbird', the third song on my list. I was captivated by his voice, playing and his arrangements.

When Walt later introduced us backstage, I learned 'Renny' was actually Kenny Rankin. I've been a fan ever since. Thirty four years later I still have that guitar and we all still have Kenny. May God Bless....