Jimmy Rankin in Halifax

Jimmy Rankin is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Mabou, Nova Scotia, whose folk, country and Celtic-rooted music first reached a wide audience through The Rankin Family. He wrote and sang several of the group’s best-known songs, including “Fare Thee Well Love” and “North Country,” then established a solo catalogue with albums such as Song Dog and songs including “Followed Her Around.” The Rankin Family spent the 1990s touring Canadian theatres and festivals before stepping away from regular performances. The group reunited in 2007 around the album Reunion and returned to the road, while his later solo concerts drew on both his own records and the family repertoire. He has also performed at Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton.