The Rankin family is from Mabou, a little town in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, a great place to visit.

I know it is a great place, as my good friend Ray S. lives in Mabou and I have visited on many occasions. Great people, great food and music everywhere. I must admit that I had an advantage with my friend Ray because he introduced me to almost the entire town.

The band began in the seventies with the older siblings David, Genevieve, Geraldine, John and Raylene forming the band to play at local events. As time passed, Jimmy, Heather and Cookie joined the band forming an eight-member band.

After some time, David, Genevieve and Geraldine left for University leaving the other five members to carry on.

The band has won six Juno Awards, three Canadian Country Awards, two Big Country Awards four SoCan Awards. All this with seven albums.

Raylene (Cancer) and John (Auto accident) have passed away, leaving the other siblings a little lost as John was the musical arranger and Raylene was the Vocalist. Cookie took over as the main Vocalist and Jimmy took up arranging where John left off.

The Rankins tour on occasion and if they come to your area, just buy a ticket and enjoy a band that just loves to sing and entertain.

Jimmy has a solo career as well and divides his time between the two musical enterprises.

This video has Cookie singing lead and the song is truly Canadian.

Enjoy