This group became known as The Rankin Family and went on to achieve international success in the 1990s as they brought their well-loved mix of Cape Breton traditional music, roots and pop to the rest of the world.

After embarking on a solo career, Rankin released his debut album, Song Dog in August 2001.

Handmade was released in September 2003 and produced three singles, "Morning Bound Train", "Butterfly", and "California Dreamer".

The accolades continued in December with Rankin's fans naming him one of CBC Radio's Top 50 Artists of 2011.

Rankin released his sixth full-length album, Back Road Paradise, produced by Bill Bell, on April 1, 2014.

Back Road Paradise features 12 brand-new Rankin compositions, including lead-off single "Cool Car" and duets with Grammy winner and bluegrass icon Alison Krauss, as well as Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy.

After living and working in Nashville for seven years, Rankin returned to his home province of Nova Scotia.