Emitt Rhodes | Artist

Emitt Rhodes is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and recording engineer born 1950 in Decatur, Illinois. Rhodes began his career in bands The Palace Guard as the group's drummer before joining The Merry-Go-Round as a multi-instrumentalist. The Palace Guard cut six singles and only lasted a year. The Merry-Go-Round was more successful, releasing 8 singles and one excellent album The Merry-Go-Round: You're a Very Lovely Woman - Live, in 1967. Their sound was Beatles-esque psych folk-pop with Rhodes contributing guitar, keyboards and vocals, as well as most of the songwriting. The band split in 1969 and Rhodes released his superb self-titled debut solo album in 1970. Emitt Rhodes was recorded in his home studio in his parents' garage and was a critical success, reaching 29 on the Billboard charts. Billboard called Rhodes "one of the finest artists on the music scene today" and called his first album one of the "best albums of the decade". Rhodes released three more albums in the '70s, the highlight being 1971's The American Dream. After a hiatus of 43 years, Rhodes released the album Rainbow Ends in 2016. In the intervening period he worked a little as a recording engineer and producer for Elektra Records, but mainly stayed at home working in his own studio. In 2009, Italian director Cosimo Messeri shot a documentary movie about Emitt Rhodes's life, troubles and hopes. The movie, titled The One Man Beatles, was selected for the International Rome Film Festival 2009, and received standing ovations. Standout albums include The Merry-Go-Round: Your a Very Lovely Woman, Emitt Rhodes, The American Dream and the 2009 compilation The Emitt Rhodes Recordings (1969-1973).

Artist Website: emittrhodesmusic.net

Featured Albums: Emitt Rhodes,

Related Artists: The Merry Go-Round