Michael Rhodes (musician) explained
Michael Rhodes (September 16, 1953 – March 4, 2023) was an American bass player, known for his session work and touring in support of other artists, and his collaborations in bands and ensembles.
Biography
Rhodes was born in Monroe, Louisiana, and taught himself to play the guitar by age 13 and the bass soon after. In the early 1970s, Rhodes moved to Austin, Texas, where he performed with local bands. Four years later, Rhodes moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he performed with Charlie Rich's son Alan.[1]
In 1977, Rhodes moved to Nashville, and he joined local band The Nerve with Ricky Rector and Danny Rhodes. He worked as a demo musician for Tree Publishing Company, and then as a session player.[2]
Rhodes joined Rodney Crowell, Steuart Smith, Eddie Bayers, and Vince Santoro in the Cicadas.[3] They recorded one album in 1997, but had been playing together for more than a decade.[4] Rhodes was also a member of The Notorious Cherry Bombs, with Crowell, Bayers, Vince Gill, Hank DeVito, and Richard Bennett.[5]
Rhodes has contributed to the recordings of numerous artists, including Neal McCoy, Chely Wright,[6] Pat McLaughlin[7] Doug Stone, Wynonna Judd, Steve Winwood,[8] Larry Carlton,[9] the Dixie Chicks, Reba McEntire, Tanya Tucker, Hank Williams, Jr., Rosanne Cash, Vince Gill, J.J. Cale, Dolly Parton, Randy Travis, Faith Hill, Toby Keith, and Kenny Chesney.[10]
He was an active sideman in recordings and touring of Joe Bonamassa.
Rhodes was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2019.
Rhodes died on March 4, 2023, at the age of 69[11] of pancreatic cancer.[12]
Collaborations
Besides session work, Rhodes was a member of several local bands who play frequently in Nashville-area venues:[13]
- The Fortunate Sons, with Gary Nicholson, Kenny Greenberg, Chad Cromwell, and Reese Wynans.[14]
- The Players, with Eddie Bayers (drums), John Hobbs (keyboards), Paul Franklin (steel guitar), and Brent Mason (guitar).[15] They often perform with other artists, such as Vince Gill.[16]
- The Vinyl Kings, playing original Beatles style music, with Jim Photoglo, Vince Melamed (keyboards), Larry Byrom (keyboards), Larry Lee (percussion), Josh Leo (guitar), and Harry Stinson (drums).[17]
- TAR (Trapp, Abbott, and Rhodes), a power trio with Guthrie Trapp (guitar), and Pete Abbott (drums).[18] [19]
- The World Famous Headliners, led by Al Anderson, and featuring Shawn Camp, Pat McLaughlin, and Greg Morrow.[20]
Awards
In 2016, Rhodes won Bass Player of the Year as awarded by the Academy of Country Music.[21]
Discography
With the Vinyl Kings
- 2002: A Little Trip (self-released)
- 2005: Time Machine (self-released)[23]
With The Players
- 2002: The Players (Medallion)
- 2004: Live in Nashville DVD (Image)
With the World Famous Headliners
- 2011: The World Famous Headliners (Big Yellow Dog)[24]
Also appears on
1979–1989
1990–1992
1993–1995
1996–1997
1998–1999
2000–2002
2003–2005
2006–2009
2010–2012
2013–2014
2015–2023
Notes and References
- Web site: Bass Players To Know: Michael Rhodes. No Treble. September 30, 2017. Ryan Madora. November 13, 2015.
- Web site: Renowned Bassist Michael Rhodes Named Next Nashville Cat. Country Music Hall of Fame. September 30, 2017. CMHOF Staff. February 12, 2015.
- Web site: Cicadas - self-titled. No Depression. October 11, 2017. Rick Petreycik. October 31, 1997.
- Web site: The Cicadas. Popmatters. October 11, 2017. Aarik Danielsen. February 5, 2008.
- Web site: Eddie Bayers. Modern Drummer. October 11, 2017. May 1, 2005.
- Web site: Chely Wright: Lifted Off the Ground. Vintage Guitar. October 13, 2017. Rick Allen. September 1, 2010.
- Web site: Never Mind The Grammy's, Here's Pat McLaughlin. No Depression. October 11, 2017. February 12, 2013.
- Web site: Steve Winwood Comes Alive at Amphitheatre Concert. Los Angeles Times. October 13, 2017. Jim Washburn. May 13, 1991.
- Web site: Larry Carlton: Sapphire Blue. All About Jazz. October 13, 2017. Michael P. Gladstone. February 12, 2004.
- Web site: Michael Rhodes. Know Your Bass Player. October 1, 2017. Thomas Semioli. September 25, 2015.
- News: Michael Rhodes, Esteemed Bassist and Nashville Session Musician, Dies at 69 . 5 March 2023 . Billboard . 4 March 2023.
- News: Supergroup Member and Session Player Michael Rhodes Has Died . 5 March 2023 . Saving Country Music . 4 March 2023.
- Web site: Michael Rhodes: Deep Down Cool. Nashville Arts Magazine. September 30, 2017. Lizza Connor Bowen. October 1, 2009.
- Web site: Gary Nicholson Celebrates 60 With NSAI Benefit. Music Row. October 11, 2017. Sarah Skates. November 6, 2009.
- Web site: Keyboardist John Hobbs to Be Honored as Newest Nashville Cat. Cybergrass. October 11, 2017. February 17, 2012.
- Web site: Video of the Day: Michael Rhodes with The Players and Vince Gill: "Don't Try This At Home". Bass Frontiers. October 1, 2017. July 19, 2011.
- Web site: Vinyl Kings: A Little Trip. Popmatters. October 11, 2017. Gary Glauber. November 5, 2002.
- Web site: TAR (Trapp, Abbott, and Rhodes). Guthrie Trapp. October 1, 2017.
- Web site: Six Strings from Stardom: Guthrie Trapp. Fretboard Journal. October 11, 2017. Brian K. Saunders. February 1, 2016.
- Web site: The World Famous Headliners Release New CD Today. Nashville Music News. October 13, 2017. Dan Harr. August 21, 2012.
- Web site: 2016 Studio Recording Awards Winners. Academy of Country Music. October 1, 2017.
- Web site: The Cicadas: The Cicadas (Warner Bros.). Chicago Tribune. October 11, 2017. Dan Kening. May 16, 1997.
- Web site: Vinyl Kings: Time Machine. West Coast Music in France. October 11, 2017. Jean-Luc Raymond. January 29, 2005.
- Web site: The World Famous Headliners. Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange. October 13, 2017. Bob Gottlieb.