I grew up in Toronto into Hard Rock and Punk music. However my Irish background, family connection to Nova Scotia, but mostly my mothers love for this group called the Rankin Family, started a love for Celtic music that lasts to this day! When my mother was dying of cancer in 1994, when I was 19, she wrote a letter to my sister and me. In it was many beautiful things, including that she wanted us to always remember the words to the song 'Rise Again', as this is how she wanted people to reme

Mars Cabrera

11y↑5

What a voice! thank you, Raylene!! those angels up there needed a lead vocalist..

Gene Clancy

12y↑3

A beautiful rendition.May she rest in peace.. As matter of interest we sang this song to a different air 70 years ago in our little school in Co Armagh, Ireland

petroni912

9y↑6

"The Lament of the Irish Immigrant." I revisit this song every March 17 and lament the loss of beautiful voice.

Bruce Chapman

12y↑4

Love to all of the Rankins. a family that has given us so much and suffered too many losses. RIP angel.

Katherine Mann

16y

The Rankin family is one of Canada's treasures. The Red Shoe is a gem in Cape Breton, a place of many treasures. Good food, good people, great music. If you are ever in Mabou, and you don't drop into the restaurant, you will miss something precious.

canitbechristine

12y

Thanks again Sam for posting this. Always love listening to her or any of her siblings. Hope all is well with you and you're still fiddling up a storm. :)

herrtrigger7

12y

I finally found this . It's the only video of Raylene singing this on Youtube and she brings tears to my eyes every time I hear her sing it. Thank you so much for posting it.

MrDHiland

12y

This beautiful video sums up just how talented Raylene Rankin was. I was very shocked, and saddened, to hear the sad news tonight. Being the same age (52) myself...her passing makes me realize, once again, just how fragile and fleeting life is. My deepest sympathy to all her family, and fans, on their loss....

Jeannie Williams

She is definitely singing with the angels they needed someone like her to keep everyone in tune. Miss her sweet voice. xx

Kathy Fleet

15y

I visited the Red Shoe Pub for the first time this summer and was very impressed. Great food, great music, a very memorable occasion and you can be sure I"ll be back again.

Charlotte D

2y↑1

(this may be a repeat, Sam); I came across this video that you posted last night while I was searching for a song about Irish emigration that I heard years ago on Cape Cod; hope all is well with you; we miss hearing you and the Publicans at Aidan's. This song you posted is beautiful! Charlotte and Bill DeMarco, Bristol.

sam ruest

Thank you! It is so good to hear from you! We always loved playing at Aidans. Check back for some great videos!
Sam

Ammie Sue

12y

This woman is a true inspiration, a true Canadian icon.. passing on to our generation, tradition and a pure love for music.. Thanks Raylene, your the best of the best, in more ways than you know!!

Robert Rowe

10y

Such a beautiful voice. A sad loss.

Buzz Crooks

11y

An angel's voice has joined the Angels choir. Peace upon you now, Raylene.

ASDXAds

14y

Just got back from vacation in Cape Breton. Visited the Red Shoe and had a wonderful time. Good food and great entertainment from a local couple on fiddle and guitar (I don't remember the names). Will definitely go back.