Michael Rhodes, a well-known bass player has passed away. Let’s see, how did the musician die and
Michael Rhodes cause of death in detail.
How did Michael Rhodes die?
Michael Rhodes, one of the best bass players in Nashville has passed away at the age of 69.
Jimmy Barnes shared a heartfelt condolences on social media saying, “RIP Michael Rhodes. One of the greats. Michael played bass on so many records that we all love. I had the pleasure of working with him in Nashville and Las Vegas. Rest easy Michael.”
Michael Rhodes played bass for a variety of artists, sessions, and tours for nearly 50 years and he will be remembered for his music throughout the world.
“We have lost yet another outstanding musician. Michael Rhodes, the legendary bassist, is incredibly kind and humorous.”
His wife Lindsay was heartbroken by the death of her husband and she says, “He really loved jazz and John Coltrane, all those guys”. “It fed him, always.”
Rhodes is survived by his wife, Lindsay Fairbanks Rhodes, son Jason Rhodes and daughter Melody Wind Rhodes, as well as Lindsay’s sons, Van and Weston Hayes. His grandchildren Cayman Rhodes, Cora Rhodes, Wylder Rhodes, Kingsley Rhodes, Jenna Nicole Hillman, and Ryley Bruce Hillman.
Who was Michael Rhodes?
Michael Rhodes was born on September 16, 1953. He grew up in a musical household, as both of his parents were musicians.
His mother was a pianist, and his father was a musician who played the accordion. Rhodes has been married twice and has two children from each of his marriages.
He is known to be a private person. Despite his private personality, Rhodes has always been open about his love of music and the influence of his family on his musical journey.
Michael Rhodes career:
Rhodes was born in Monroe, Louisiana. He taught himself to play guitar at the age of 11 and went on to play professionally before switching to bass.
Rhodes moved to Nashville in 1977 after living in Austin and Memphis, where he joined the local rock band Nerve and Tree Publishing’s house demo band.
He got “a great crash course in the art of playing a song, and what was needed for a song” there, he told Nashville Arts.
He went on to have a successful session career, playing on award-winning songs such as Shawn Colvin’s “Sunny Came Home” (1996) and Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance” (2000), and even had the honor of playing on both LeAnn Rimes’ and Trisha Yearwood’s 1997 versions of Diane Warren’s “How Do I Live.”
His incredibly long list of credits includes recordings for Willie Nelson, Etta James, Mark Knopfler, Alan Jackson, Stevie Nicks, Brian Wilson, Joss Stone, Dolly Parton, the (Dixie) Chicks, J.J. Cale, Wynonna, Merle Haggard, Randall Bramblett, Amy Grant, Hank Williams Jr, the Highwaymen, John Oates, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Bob Seger, Dave Stewart, Keith Whitley, Joan Baez, Lionel Richie, Burt Bacharach, Aaron Neville, Johnny Cash, Lonnie Mack, India.
Buddy Guy, Grace Potter, Billy Joe Shaver, Ruthie Collins, Michael McDonald, Dan Penn, Jennifer Holiday, John Fogerty, Elton John, and Joan Osborne. In recent years, he has frequently played in Joe Bonamassa’s band.
Michael Rhodes’s Professional Background:
Michael Rhodes is a versatile musician known for his ability to play multiple instruments as well as his contributions to various bands and projects.
Rhodes’ first significant break came in the early 1980s when he was hired as a bassist by the band Dixie Chicks.
He was a member of the group’s early recordings and helped shape their sound over the course of several years.
He has worked with a wide range of artists, including Bob Seger, Faith Hill, and Taylor Swift.
He has also contributed to other recordings, including the Grammy-winning Mark Knopfler and Emmylou albums.
Rhodes can also play the guitar, mandolin, and banjo in addition to the bass. He has recorded and given live performances with his band, The Grahams. He also contributed his music to number of film and television soundtracks.
Rhodes has long been admired for his musicality, adaptability, and professionalism. He remains in high demand as a musician and teammate in the music industry.
Michael Rhodes cause of death:
The tragic death of musician Michael Rhodes stunned the music industry. He was 69 years old. Rhodes passed away at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, on the morning of March 4.
A representative for Rhodes confirmed his death. Rhodes died Saturday morning at his home in Nashville, Tennessee.
The cause of his death has not yet been revealed, as the family requests privacy and respect during this difficult time.
Obituary:
Plans for the memorial service will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to the Music Health Alliance, which helps musicians in need of healthcare and support.
Checks may be sent to Music Health Alliance, 2737 Larmon Dr, Nashville, TN, 37204, or through their website, musichealthalliance.com.
Rhodes’ family also encourages listening to a piece of music that matters to you; Rhodes listened to John Coltrane before he passed.
He will be missed by his family members, friends and all the music fans across the world.
Tributes to Michael Rhodes:
Jimbo Hart tweeted,
Damn…RIP Michael Rhodes. You were one of the greats and getting to hang with you the couple times I did is something I’ll cherish forever. Love and light to your family and bandmates, sir.
Randall Bramblett posted,
My good friend and most excellent bass player, Michael Rhodes passed away today. We had just talked a few days ago and I thanked him for his beautiful and inspired playing on my solo records “No More Mr. Lucky”, “Thin Places”, “The Bright Spots” and “Devil Music”. He took every song he played to a higher level. I first met him when I joined the Steve Winwood “Roll With It” tour in “88. We traveled the world together and had so many great times listening to music and talking about life. I loved his razor wit and his beautiful smile. He told me that he felt that “the wind was at his back” when we last talked. May he go gently into the Great Spirit’s arms and rest in peace. Thank you, Michael, for the gift of your life.
Jimmy Barnes shared,
RIP Michael Rhodes. One of the greats. Michael played bass on so many records that we all love.
I had the pleasure of working with him in Nashville and Las Vegas.
Rest easy Michael
Roger Sadowsky posted,
I am shocked and sad at the news that Michael Rhodes passed away last night. I go back to the ’90s with Michael; he was a wonderful friend. Michael was one of my favorite bass players…..he was the ultimate “groove and in-the-pocket” bass player. He was one of my earliest Nashville players, and I will always love him for his friendship and his support for our work. My condolences to his life partner, Lindsay Fairbanks, and the rest of his family.
Tom Britt posted,
Michael and I were the same age and worked together for decades. As I get older I’ve become less motivated to drag my guitar around town for some gig or session. However if I new Michael was gonna be there well, that was a different story. Gonna be even harder now. He was a huge influence on me. Very sad day for me
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