Michael Rhodes, a bassist who for decades appeared on recordings by elite Nashville talent, died March 4 after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 69.

Rhodes’ prolific career in Music City began in the late ’70s, and he worked with dozens of singers and musicians.

Highly sought as a recording and touring bassist, he usually played Fenders but also utilized a Les Paul Signature, a Fritz Brothers F.B., vintage and modern Kay basses, and an upright.

More recently, he was best-known as a recording and touring bassist for Joe Bonamassa, including the acclaimed Muddy Wolf Live at Red Rocks, recorded in 2014.
Rhodes was inducted to the Musicians’ Hall of Fame in 2019.

This article originally appeared in VG’s August 2023 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.