Leon Rhodes

Craig A Davidson · Post by **Craig A Davidson** » 9 Dec 2017 8:37 pm

We lost the last member of the great Texas Troubadour Band today when Leon Rhodes passed away. Leon along with Jack Drake, Jack Green, Cal Smith, and Buddy Charleton to me will always be considered the Great Band and the benchmark for all other bands to try to be like.

Walter Stettner · Post by **Walter Stettner** » 10 Dec 2017 12:46 am

That is really sad news. Leon attended several conventions in St. Louis in his later years and even played a couple of times. A real gentleman and a true legend has left us.

RIP, Mr. Rhodes

Larry Dering · Post by **Larry Dering** » 10 Dec 2017 6:19 am

What a player and a fine gentleman. I had the pleasure of seeing Leon in St. Louis at the convention. He will be missed for sure.

Bill Ferguson · Post by **Bill Ferguson** » 10 Dec 2017 6:19 am

I am so sad to hear this. Leon was always the perfect gentleman and a fantastic guitar player I feel so honored that he played on my show the last two days in St. Louis. Memories I will never forget

Sandra Scott-Wall · Post by **Sandra Scott-Wall** » 10 Dec 2017 7:34 am

Leon Rhodes did indeed attend the last few years of the ISGC although the last year his illness prevented him from attending. His style and understanding of the steel guitar added a great deal to the overall presentation of the backup band. A lot of fans wished he would have had more solos. Scotty was very pleased to add him to the show.

Our condolences go out to his family and he will remain in our hearts and prayers.

Barry Blackwood · Post by **Barry Blackwood** » 10 Dec 2017 9:50 am

My favorite of all of Tubb's guitarists. I'll miss you, Leon, along with Hank Garland, Howard Roberts, and all the others in your league.

Mitch Drumm · Post by **Mitch Drumm** » 10 Dec 2017 10:37 am

Leon at age 17 in Johnny Hicks' band in Dallas; 1949:

Jim R. Harrison · Post by **Jim R. Harrison** » 10 Dec 2017 2:37 pm

Years ago, I saw Leon playing in Vancouver with Ernest Tubb. MANY years later, I met him at Scotty's ISGC in St. Louis. Besides being a marvelous guitar player, he was very friendly & accommodating to his fans. See my following two photos.

I'm so sorry to hear of his passing; blessings to his family! Kindest regards, Jim Harrison

Bill Dobkins · Post by **Bill Dobkins** » 10 Dec 2017 3:08 pm

RIP Leon.

Clyde Mattocks · Post by **Clyde Mattocks** » 10 Dec 2017 5:40 pm

He turned the Billy Byrd style into an art form. What a great player and nice guy. RIP

Rex Thomas · Post by **Rex Thomas** » 10 Dec 2017 7:37 pm

Oh my goodness!! He was a mentor.
RIP, Leon.

Smiley Roberts · Post by **Smiley Roberts** » 11 Dec 2017 6:33 am

lets not forget what a wonderful caring person he was and what a great sense of humor he had. R.I.P. my friend.

Billy Easton · Post by **Billy Easton** » 11 Dec 2017 7:08 am

So sorry to learn of this. Rest in heavenly peace.

Barry Blackwood · Post by **Barry Blackwood** » 11 Dec 2017 9:52 am

http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignit ... id=7672521#

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 11 Dec 2017 6:21 pm

He was a phenom! RIP Maestro

Gary Hoetker · Post by **Gary Hoetker** » 11 Dec 2017 9:36 pm

Can you hear ET saying "Ahhhh Leon and Buddy now" joining him and the other Troubadours, The Jolly Greene Giant and Jack Drake in heavenly melody?? It is truly "The Great Band". RIP !!

Graham · Post by **Graham** » 12 Dec 2017 9:17 am

Not only a great guitar player but a real good singer as well.

On this 1966 lp, Leon sings two songs:

My Baby's Coming Home & Almost Everything A Lonely Boy Needs

RIP, Leon.

Jerry Hayes · Post by **Jerry Hayes** » 12 Dec 2017 12:39 pm

I've seen and heard a lot of 'em and I'd have to say that he had the best command of a flatpick I've ever encountered!.. he always made it look so effortless when he played those intricate solos... That is until you tried to copy what he played. I wasn't aware that he was also a vocalist......JH in Va.

Chris Templeton · Post by **Chris Templeton** » 12 Dec 2017 6:48 pm

Take it away Leon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUsWl5rRixA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLmxnO8M2Mg

Tommy Shown · Post by **Tommy Shown** » 23 Dec 2017 1:16 pm

I have him on an album in vinyl, yes vinyl. It is called the Grand Ole Opry Staff Band. Leon was on a couple of cuts that featured not only his guitar playing talents, but his vocal talents as well. From what I have heard from stories here from the postings about Leon, he was a talented musician and friend to those who knew him personally.

john buffington · Post by **john buffington** » 27 Dec 2017 1:54 pm

Not only was Leon a wonderful musician, gentlemen, etc., he was also a devote student of the Bible!

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 28 Dec 2017 1:42 pm

RIP Leon, a legendary picker.

John Brabant · Post by **John Brabant** » 30 Dec 2017 7:58 am

Damn. Just seeing this. Extraordinarily talented and sweet guy. Had the pleasure to chat with him at Scotty's 2014 show. I am so very saddened by this news. My condolences to his family on their loss. He did live life to the fullest and made all of our lives much better by his presence. RIP Leon.

Bruce Derr · Post by **Bruce Derr** » 9 Jan 2018 2:06 pm

During my week at Jeffran College in 1977 I had the thrill of meeting Leon at the Opry. He was very nice to me, a long-haired kid from NY. There were many amazing moments during that week, but none more memorable that one.