Leon Rhodes
Oral History Information
Leon Rhodes was one of the most beloved country music guitarists in history. He established himself as a clever and hard driving musician as part of Ernest Tubb’s Texas Troubadours. Leon’s guitar style helped make up the distinctive Tubb sound on recordings such as “Texas Troubadour Stomp”, “Cool It”, “Red Top” and the classic instrumental “Honey Fingers”. Leon performed on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville as well as becoming a sought-after studio musician. Over the years, he played with many of the brightest stars in country music including Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire, George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, George Strait, Roy Clark, and John Denver. Leon was known for the big sound he created from his Epiphone Guitar, which he was often seen playing on the Grand Ole Opry.