• Michael Rhodes’s death, bass player and session musician, passed away at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, on Saturday morning, March 4th, 2023. 
• Rhodes was 69 years old at the time of his death. 
• The musician’s cause of death and obituary details have not yet been revealed. 

He lived until age 69 and will be greatly missed by his many fans and friends. His undeniable talent and larger-than-life personality made him a beloved figure in the music world. 

Whether leading his successful musical projects or providing iconic bass lines for other celebrated names across multiple genres, Michael Rhodes will be remembered as one of the best who graced the studio and stage.

The musician’s cause of death and obituary details have not yet been revealed. 

Michael Rhodes’s career lasted more than four decades. Born in Louisiana, Rhodes started playing guitar at 11 and became a professional before migrating to the bass. 

After relocating to Nashville, he became a session musician. He built over 700 credits for work with Stevie Nicks, Elton John, Mark Knopfler, Joan Baez, John Fogerty, Michael McDonald, Dolly Parton, JJ Cale, and many others.

Rhodes received recognition worldwide after he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2019.

He was a member of the Notorious Cherry Bombs with Vince Gill and played in various Nashville groups.

Rhodes was one of the most talented musicians to join the music industry. His passion for becoming the finest bass player was evident throughout his career. 

“Music is like having a conversation; you must listen for the most part. The best session players are the ones who are good listeners and can take suggestions. You have to leave your ego out of it,” Rhodes told MusicRadar in 2018. 

What made Rhodes stand out was the fact that he knew how to strike a balance between his personal and professional life. He did not believe in the phrase ‘all work and no play.’ 

His wife said Rhodes had been listening to John Coltrane before he passed away in his Nashville home. “He loved jazz and John Coltrane, all those guys,” she said. “It fed him, always.”

Many of Rhodes’ friends and colleagues expressed sadness over his death on Twitter. 

Michael Rhodes & I comparing bass thumbs. Rest peacefully my friend. Such a good soul and an amazing bassist! #restinpeace #michaelrhodes

— Tony Franklin (@FretlessMonster) March 4, 2023

Rest in Peace my friend. I can't even get my head around this right now.

— Joe Bonamassa (Official) (@JBONAMASSA) March 4, 2023

Rhodes played bass on Lee Ann Womack’s spring 2000 hit “I Hope You Dance,” which won Single of the Year at the 2000 CMAs, Best Country Song at the 2001 Grammys, and Song of the Year at the 2001 ACMs.

In addition to his wife, Rhodes is survived by his son Jason Rhodes and daughter Melody Wind Rhodes, as well as Lindsay’s sons Van and Weston Hayes and several grandchildren.

According to some sources, in place of flowers, Rhodes’ family requests that anyone wishing to donate to the musician’s memory do so to the Music Health Alliance. They also encourage “listening to a piece of music that matters to you.”