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Lt. Crankin' - A Moment of Silence

Paul "Lt. Crankin" Rankin
1955 -2011

Lieutenant was no stranger to live entertainment. He was a veteran of over 25 years experience within the live music performing industry.  It was his knowledge and creativity that enlightened Signature Live!'s audiences.  Having no preference in music genre, expanded his creativity.  Everyone that knew him, knew that the Lieutenant just loved to play.  He was definitely a team player that favored 'groovin' & jammin'. His overall love for music kept him busy, creating ideas, captivating his team players and fans.  Blessed to play for a number of artists (local & professional), he steered his opportunities in positive avenues, benefiting anyone that played with him. The stage name  Lt. Crankin'  truly fitted this Washingtonian.  Without the Lieutenant there will forever be a missing ingredient for Signature Live!

In his own words----"Instruments are an extension of the persons playing them and playing music is a gift to you."



Don't think of him as gone away, his journey's just begun. Life holds so many facets-----THIS EARTH IS ONLY ONE!


We love you Lieutenant Crankin'.

Love Always,
your extended family  

Signature Live

We are shocked and sadden by the loss of a true friend, brother and family member of Signature Live! Best friends and people you love that have passed on never leave you, they stay in your heart forever! It hurts to write this, it's like saying goodbye! But, we don't believe that....we look forward to jammin' with him and keeping his spirit in our hearts as we continue to gig and spread the love of Signature Live! Please help us heal by sending us your condolence on the guestbook icon of our website (WWW.SIGNATUREENTERTAINMENT.ORG)! God Bless you all! And most of all-----R.IP. - LIEUTENANT WE LOVE YOU!
--------Dee (Extended Family Signature Live/Friend Forever)

                                       ******************************


R.I.P Brother you will be missed!! don't know how imma groove without you! I pray that God gives me the strength. I will miss his riddles and that special groove on the bass. God Bless Family and Loved Ones..this is a hard one for me...I Love You Paul, You are my brother. I will miss gigging with you and will always look over my shoulder and think of you, I will miss that "groove" n I promise to do the 2 new songs you just gave me. God Bless Family and Loved Ones
------JessLove (Extended Family Signature Live!)


We will always remember Lieutenant through and through there’s no sound like that red bass he put down what a guy, what a friend, what a Brother to help you through he’ll have you laughing before the night is through what more words can I say? Just thinking about it makes me laugh. We LOVE BROTHER and save some room for us when we make it through. I will never forget that last night not knowing that would be my last time saying catch you later Lieutenant leaving him with a hug & firm hand shake.  All of us here today we will hear him play again! 
----DieterLove (Extended  Family Signature Live!)



MY RIGHT HAND MAN! A TRUE MAN AMONG MEN! LEGEND 4 REAL! WORDS CANNOT EXPLAIN THE SIGNATURE LIVE FAMILY''S PAIN R.I.P.
LOVE YOU MY PARTNER!
THE TORCH THAT YOU HAVE BLAZE WE WILL NEVER EVER LET DIE!
WE WILL CONTINUE 2 REPRESENT U!
WE'LL MISS YOU 4 EVER....
...........POPS aka Meth (Extended Family Signature Live!)

 

Lieutenant it has been an honor to share the stage with you for the past 7 years! You were always adding your creative influence to every song played. I’m going to miss looking across the stage and seeing you smile while looking over Johnnell’s shoulder.  I’ll never forget you telling me “the band won’t be perfect, but we can be good.”  You’ll be greatly missed. I love you
-------------------------Dion aka BAD (Extended  Family Signature Live!)




Lieutenant was a man of his word! A genuine guy that would always listen to whatever or whoever had something to say and if you needed some words of encouragement he would give it to you. He was always real straight forward, also was a dynamite bassist! You will definitely be missed and not forgotten. Thanks for all the good memories. You were like an Uncle to me and still is!
------------------------Dave aka BABY BOY (Extended  Family Signature Live!)

 

Saddened to hear about the passing of Lieutenant
----------Fanci (Extended Family Signature Live)




I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. Go get your crown Lieutenant & I'll see you on the TOP!!!! Framwerk Posse would like to send our condolence to Signature Live for the loss of a mighty warrior.
RIP Paul Rankin..or as we knew him(Lieutenant)!!!
..........................(Sonja/ Framewerk/Signature Live Extended Family)




Paul I didn't think Saturday will be my last time talking to you I am so hurting right now, so glad that you got a chance to look at the DVD when you played at my aunties 92nd burfday party that’s all she talked about, you will truly be missed by me. We had memories with this brother here,he would truly be missed by me.
God I love to ask why but I can't question the highest…
----Chan Chan Wilson (Friend/Fan/ Extended Family)




Lieutenant, no words can say how much u are loved and missed in the flesh by me. We definitely have a bond of love and friendship that no one probably would understand well maybe one person Sweetbittadee lol. You were there as well as my whole band family but story goes u never left my side! I LOVE U and our KISSES will always remain a remembrance of our undying friendship and respect for each other. Thank U MY FRIEND for being just that and LISTENING and knowing who CREE really IS! I LOVE U TILL I C U AGAIN!
..............................Cree  (Extended Family Signature Live)

Paul,
GOD has a time set for  all of us. Lord knows, I am so grateful and thankful that YOU and I had the opportunity to work together ONE LAST TIME Saturday night at the Colony South's Decoy Lounge!! Paul, you were much more than a bassist to me... You were one of my "big brothers".. and a true friend that I will NEVER forget. I had the pleasure of meeting and working with you for approximately 14 years.. so many wonderful times, great gatherings, awesome shows, concerts, parties, laughs and all!! My heart is so heavy.... Your hardy laugh, infectious smile and genuine persona will be truly missed by many. We love you Paul... Rest in Peace..
"T"… ...........................................(Extended Family Terri S. Band)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to say a few words about a delightful man.  Every time I saw Lieutenant, he was so happy and full of smiles.  This made me feel happy inside, knowing that there was some one who could bring out the best in people, when time were hard.  He always give me a huge and say how good I smelled.  This was a great compliment coming from a joyful man.  The way he played the bass guitar was out of this world.  I’d always get up and dance and look at him smiling.  He will truly be missed.  I love you my friend.   He will be greatly missed from all who knew him.   Your number 1 fan--------------

 Alfreda Denise Jackson Johnson (Freda)





I just wanted to pass on my condolences to you, your band members and his family, I'm sure that he was greatly loved and will be greatly missed by all. ----------Vicki Cosey (Cosey Lounge)



Our condolence goes out to the sudden passing of our brother. Peace be with the family! ----------------Charles and Michelle Dowsey (Friends)



 

Sorry to hear of Lieutenant’s passing.
----------------------BrenCore Entertainment



 

It is a part of the music world to lose wonderful people. We all love their talents and memories they leave with us. He loved you Dee like a little sister-----a big sister. You reminded him of his mother at times. I’m still having a hard time here.
----------Jim Sharp (Sharp Enterprises)



 

Stay Strong lil sis………………………..Sam Brunner (Drummer / Friend)


 

I am so sorry! So so so sorry! Xoxo………………..Regina Fleming Photography, NY

(Friend / Fan)

 

So sorry! Just keep leaning on the Lord!  You know Lieutenant is still playing with you all in spirit. His music lives through Signature Live!------------Drew (Friend / Fan)


 

Sorry to hear about Lieutenant!
---Haskell (Friendly’s Night Club, Clemonts, MD)


 

So sorry to hear about Lieutenant! I know how much you loved him and how close you all were!----------------------Gladys Duren (Vocalist / Friend)



Paul was a great guy, wonderful musician and just a breath a fresh air whenever he was around. I worked with him for the first time in years not so long ago. He greeted me with his signature smile. Gonna miss him..
------------------Barry Brady (Keyboardist/guitarist/friend)




I've learned so much from you. In music and in life. Very wise and supportive. Ill always cherish the memories we've shared. It was a pleasure sharing the stage with you. RIP Uncle Paul Rankin………………….Glenn Cobb




Another great musician and friend gone but not forgotten. R.I.P Paul you will be truly missed…………………..Avon Dews (harmonicas)

 



Hi Dee I have known Paul back when we was in ours teens, and we have share number of passed events together. I will contact you to find out where and when the final moments we can share……………………………..John Holloway (Saxophonist/ Friend)




Paul and I grew up together since 5th grade. Someone please let me know about his services, My names is Charles Tolbert aka Bliss Ananda----------(Guitarist)

 


Another great musician fellow bass player and childhood friend gone but not forgotten. 
 R.I.P Paul Rankin you will be truly missed.
------Tony Byrd (Guitarist/Friend)

Lost another Great Friend and Fellow Bassist. None other than Big Brbrother Paul Rankin. Wow, I'm totally in shock. Life is toooooooooo shshort y'all.
----Lorenzo Sands (Bassist/Friend)
 God needed a Bass Player in his heavenly band and he choose Paul.
 May God keep you all close and know that God
will carry you all through these days of sorrow.
--------Kathleen Jackson (Friend / Fan)

 



I met Paul and his family in 1968 when we first moved from Norfolk, VA. The Rankins befriended us and we have been friends ever since. We both started playing bass together, then I switched to lead guitar a few years later. I consider Paul, John and Maria like my brothers and sister. Even though I haven't seen you in a few years, you were always close to my heart. May you rest in peace my brother…………………..Mike “Gedown” Brown (Childhood Friend)





Paul was a real good dude and a solid bass player. From one bass player to another R.I.P. my brother you will surely be missed!...........................Adrian Egg Norton




R.I.P. "Lieutenant". I got know him over the last few months as I've DJ'd and MC'd Signature Live! shows. He will surely be missed, but his spirit will live on in the music of Signature Live!..........................DJ Dr. Nick Johnson





Paul's good friend and fellow Libra/ you will read this Paul
"Seek the Kingdom of God Paul in all of his righteousness and all the rest will follow"
"Call unto thee and I will answer thee and show thee many great and powerful things that thou knowest not"-------------------From Awee: Fellow Bassplayer




He will be surely missed!!!!!!-------Eddie Kornegay (saxophonist/Friend)




Wow...R.I.P.*PAUL*...Lavern Bishop Purnell (Fan)




I dont know what to say... words can not describe the shock and sad news of my dear friend, Pauls passing yesterday. While we know our time here is limited, we dont know how long , but we can be prepared: Rom. 10;9-10. And let people KNOW you love them! Good people are hard to find and Paul was truly a good one. R.I.P my friend, you wil forever live on in our hearts.------Renea Weston (Friend)




He always had me laughing & he was always in good spirits, another good person gone!
-------Tyrone "CongaMan" Chapman




I am sad for the the loss of Paul. It was great to have performed with Paul. Great musician, good spirit.-------Tyrone Gittens (Keyboardist/ Friend)




Awww, man. So sorry to read this. RIP Lieutenant. Feeling the Fire just for you. :(
-------Lil T  (Vocalist/ Friend)




Great guy.....always smiling.......just like that..could not have displayed a better picture..sorry Dee......much love
.............Eric Gorham (Keyboardist/ Fan)



Dee we are sorry for your loss...Love you guy so much!.
..... The Thomas Family (Fan/Friend)



Dee I will keep Signature Live in prayer..I know he will be missed
...Dawna Burnette (Fan/Friend)



He will truly be missed! RIP---------------Terrika (Fan)


I just can't come to grips with him being gone
.............Art Mosley (Keyboardist/Friend)



Sad to hear about Paul........................Markee Washington (Friend)



 I'm so sorry to hear of you guys loss :-(:-(......................Rondell Jay (Friend)



Sorry to hear about the passing of your friend and bandmate.
----Cheryl Manley (Fan)



I still can't believe it-----------------------Anthony Rucker (Bassist / Friend)

Dee, I'm shocked to hear this and saddened as well. Please express my condolences to his family and to Signature Live.-----------------Tony Moses (Bassist / Friend)

R.W.G. Paul, did not get the chance to know you personally, But I respected your great talents and the spirit that you presented to SL! You have left big shoes to fill in more ways than most will ever imagine.............Steve Mitchell (Bassist / Fan)

Our prayers continue to go out to the band and also to the family on behalf of Paul. He was an awesome musician! We are all saddened by his passing but also know that his transition to the heavenly realm will have him to be in eternal peace.
God Bless........Joel, Muriel & Chase (Fans)


 

 





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