Bassist Michael Rhodes' Cause of Death Mysterious: Nashville Session Musician Dead at 69

Bassist Michael Rhodes, who was famous as a Nashville session musician, has died. He was 69.

Rhodes' representative confirmed his death in a statement to Billboard. The spokesman said the bassist died at his Nashville, Tennessee, home Saturday morning.

The statement, however, did not disclose details regarding his cause of death. Rhodes' family is also yet to release a formal message regarding the musician, his funeral, and his memorial service.

The representative announced that, in lieu of flowers, his family requests the public to donate to the Music Health Alliance instead through personal mail or through their website, musichealthalliance.com.

He was survived by his wife Lindsay Fairbanks Rhodes, son, Jason Rhodes, daughter, Melody Wind Rhodes, and his grandchildren.

Following the announcement of his death, Rhodes' colleagues and fans took to Twitter to remember his legacy as a musician and his contribution to the music industry.

John Rich shared a photo of the bassist alongside the caption, "Very sad day in Nashville as we lost our friend, one of the greatest bass players to have ever lived, Michael Rhodes. His mere presence in the studio made everyone bring their 'A' game. Huge loss for our music family. RIP my friend, and play God a nice, deep heavenly groove."

Peter Frampton, Bryan White, and Steve Gorman also honored him in separate posts.

Michael Rhodes' Legacy, Career

The Monroe, Louisiana, native started growing his love for music when he started playing the guitar when he was 11. He soon swapped to bass before launching his career with local bands in Austin and Memphis.

Rhodes then expanded his career upon moving to Nashville in 1977 by joining The Nerve. Together with Ricky Rector and Danny Rhodes, the band continuously performed across the state. Rhodes also worked as a demo musician and session player.

Apart from The Nerve, he also notably played with Cicadas and The Notorious Cherry Bombs.

In the years leading to his death, Rhodes contributed to the music of several musicians, including Toby Keith, Pat McLaughlin, Doug Stone, Larry Carlton, Wynonna Judd, Reba McEntire, Kenny Chesney, Dolly Parton, and Vince Gil.

Among the last albums and songs he worked on include Rodney Crowell's "Texas," Joe Bonamassa's "Redemption," Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa's "Black Coffee," Rodney Crowell's "Close Ties," and Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood's "Christmas Together."