- Michael Rhodes, bassist and session instrumentalist, breathed his last at his residence in Nashville, Tennessee, on the morning of Saturday, March 4th, 2023.
- Rhodes, at the time of his passing, was 69 years old.
- The precise cause of the musician’s passing and details of his obituary are yet to be disclosed.
He lived a full life until the age of 69 and will be dearly missed by numerous admirers and acquaintances. His undeniable prowess and larger-than-life persona established him as a cherished figure in the realm of music.
Whether spearheading his successful musical ventures or crafting iconic bass rhythms for other renowned artists across various genres, Michael Rhodes will be etched in memory as one of the preeminent figures to grace both the studio and the stage.
The precise cause of the musician’s passing and details of his obituary are yet to be disclosed.
Michael Rhodes’ musical career spanned over four decades. Hailing from Louisiana, Rhodes commenced his musical journey by playing the guitar at the age of 11 and soon transitioned to becoming a professional bassist.
Following his relocation to Nashville, he found his calling as a session instrumentalist, amassing over 700 credits for his collaborations with Stevie Nicks, Elton John, Mark Knopfler, Joan Baez, John Fogerty, Michael McDonald, Dolly Parton, JJ Cale, and many others.
Rhodes gained global recognition upon his induction into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2019.
He was a part of the Notorious Cherry Bombs alongside Vince Gill and contributed to various musical groups in Nashville.
Rhodes stood out as one of the most gifted musicians to have graced the music industry. His fervor to excel as an exceptional bassist resonated throughout his career.
“Music is akin to holding a dialogue; for the most part, you have to be an attentive listener. The finest session musicians are those who possess keen listening skills and can embrace suggestions. Ego has no place in this, ” Rhodes conveyed to MusicRadar in 2018.
What set Rhodes apart was his ability to strike a harmonious balance between his personal and professional life. He did not subscribe to the notion of ‘all work and no play’.
Prior to his passing at his abode in Nashville, his spouse mentioned that Rhodes had been engrossed in the melodies of John Coltrane. “He adored jazz and John Coltrane, all those maestros,” she remarked. “It always nourished his spirit.”
Several of Rhodes’ friends and colleagues expressed their grief over his demise on Twitter.
Michael Rhodes and I exchanging bass anecdotes. Rest serenely, my comrade. A remarkable bassist with an exceptional soul! #restinpeace #michaelrhodes pic.twitter.com/Uax3m6ALs6
— Tony Franklin (@FretlessMonster) March 4, 2023
Rest in Peace my friend. I can’t even get my head around this right now. pic.com/VRJL4OKHKS
— Joe Bonamassa (Official) (@JBONAMASSA) March 4, 2023
Rhodes played the bass on Lee Ann Womack’s chart-topping hit “I Hope You Dance” in the spring of 2000, which secured the Single of the Year award at the 2000 CMAs, Best Country Song at the 2001 Grammys, and Song of the Year at the 2001 ACMs.
In addition to his spouse, Rhodes is survived by his son Jason Rhodes, daughter Melody Wind Rhodes, along with Lindsay’s sons Van and Weston Hayes, and multiple grandchildren.
According to certain sources, instead of floral tributes, Rhodes’ family wishes that any donations in memory of the musician be directed to the Music Health Alliance. They also encourage “relishing a piece of music that holds significance for you.”
