Episode 161: Jimmy Rankin on Music, Mabou, and Making It

Make It with Mike and Kristen

This week on Make It, we're sitting down with none other than Jimmy Rankin—yes, that Jimmy Rankin from the legendary Rankin Family!

With his unmistakable Cape Breton charm still fully intact, Jimmy takes us on a heartfelt stroll down memory lane. From his early days growing up in the small but mighty town of Mabou, Nova Scotia, to touring the world, winning countless awards, and becoming a staple in Canadian music history—this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and a deep appreciation for the journey.

We talk about his musical beginnings (did you know he started out as a drummer?), the grind of selling cassette tapes door-to-door, and his influential neighbourhood pals like Robert Frank and June Leaf. Through it all, Jimmy remains grounded, generous, and wildly inspiring.

This is part one of an anticipated two-part conversation—because one episode just wasn’t enough. Stay tuned for more with Jimmy down the road!

In this episode:

• Life in Mabou and its influence on Jimmy’s music
• The early days of the Rankin Family’s rise to fame
• Jimmy’s evolution as a solo artist and multi-instrumentalist
• Stories from the road, the studio, and everywhere in between
• Reflections on “making it” while staying true to your roots

We’re humbled to share space with such a Nova Scotian treasure.

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Intro song: “A Day in the Life"

Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords

Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com

Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Jimmy’s site: https://jimmyrankin.com/