R.I.P. Emitt Rhodes

[toomanyhatz]

Man, what a massive talent! The Merry-Go-Round were great, but his solo records from the 70s are basically right on the level with Macca and Todd's "one man band" records - maybe not quite equal ability but to my ears the songs are at least as (and sometimes more) engaging.

A few friends of mine played on his 2016 album, which is pretty remarkable - shows his talent never really dimmed despite years of inaction (and from what I hear, a great deal of bitterness and insecurity). Those that knew him acknowledge his crustiness, but say beneath it all he was a kind soul and remarkably intelligent.

Not sure how he died yet, but I do know he was diabetic and had other health problems. He was only 70, which surprised me, but he started really young. Glad he had that second act.

[Muskrat]

From Facebook:

...took my 6 mile walk (about 2 hours), and coming back up the hill I saw the police, and kept muttering to myself, not at my house (Emitts), not at my house, not at my...I had missed emergency services...checked my phone, and I had 15 calls on vibrate. His girlfriend Valerie checked in with him many times a day and hadn't been able to reach him or myself so she called for a welfare check. He had passed during the night. Had a peaceful look on his face. RIP Emitt. Haven't stopped crying since noon...❤❤❤

[Carlisle Wheeling]

Man, what a massive talent! The Merry-Go-Round were great, but his solo records from the 70s are basically right on the level with Macca and Todd's "one man band" records - maybe not quite equal ability but to my ears the songs are at least as (and sometimes more) engaging.

Agree totally.

It's very sad, I always picture him as the fresh faced guy on the Emitt Rhodes album. Such a shame he didn't record more but as you say he had some personal demons.

[Charlie O.]

His girlfriend Valerie

... once upon a time known to BCB as starstruckbabystarstruck.

And our late zoomboogity (Richard) was a friend - he and another fella did a fantastic interview with Emitt some years back that was posted here.

R.I.P., Emitt, and stay strong Valerie.

[BARON CORNY DOG]

His girlfriend Valerie

... once upon a time known to BCB as starstruckbabystarstruck.

[BARON CORNY DOG]

What can be said? Someone on FB (maybe one of us) basically said, “I’m glad he had a second act.” And so am I. RIP and condolences to our mutual acquaintances.

[Six String]

Wasn't aware of his Merry Go Round phase back in the day but became aware when his first solo album got a good review in Rolling Stone and I ended up buying the first two albums. I kind of lost track of him afterwards. I missed that last one that came out a few years ago and should probably pick it up. It's really a shame how his career turned out.

[Neige]

Never heard his comeback album, but this is desert island material:



RIP, Emitt

[Muskrat]

[50 Shades Of Blue]

That's sad. A guy of great talent and recorded work that was badly hurt by the business. He can now rest in peace. The rest of us are left with his wonderful music.

[Walk In My Shadow]

Never heard his comeback album, but this is desert island material:



RIP, Emitt

Yeah, I have that one too. Great compilation.

And somehow I never knew there was a comeback album.

He would've been a great replacement for Macca in the Beatles.

RIP My good man.

[bobzilla77]

Here's the piece that Richard Zoomboogity & Randy did with him:

https://thelosangelesbeat.com/2012/04/l ... rt-1-of-2/

[bobzilla77]

I never met him but I did see his appearance at the Grammy museum when he had a new record out, and the look of joy on his face to be performing his songs with a great band to a rapt theater full of people was very heartwarming.

[Charlie O.]

Here's the piece that Richard Zoomboogity & Randy did with him:

https://thelosangelesbeat.com/2012/04/l ... rt-1-of-2/

Thanks, it was nice revisiting that.

Made me really miss Richard, though!