Alan Rhody has followed a long and sometimes very solitary path as a singer-songwriter over the past forty years. From his beginnings in Louisville, Kentucky, to living, working and performing across Canada for the first half of the 1970s, where he found his musical calling. Then, at age 31, married with three children, he and his wife Kathy made a leap of faith, returning to the U.S. and Nashville, Tennessee, where he was immediately hailed as a bright new talent, having his songs being covered by a who’s who of country, folk and bluegrass.
Alan tours year-round, playing festivals and other listening venues and conducts songwriting workshops whenever possible. He is also a published poet and award- winning painter. He’s never been big on categories of music, just great songs! Now a nationally recognized writer/artist with a devoted following, he delivers “Led by Love” his ninth album.
The new recording brings Rhody’s writing, playing and singing full-circle with reflections on his own life and his love of country-tinged folk and blues. He also includes a 19th Century war ballad sung a capella and Richard Shindell’s moving Civil War tale, “Arrowhead.” Sam Bush, Mike Henderson, Guthrie Trapp and Jonell Mosser all make very significant contributions.
On past releases, Alan has recorded with greats and longtime friends, John Prine, John Hartford, Maura O’Connell and Gillian Welch partner, David Rawlings. The diverse list of artists who’ve covered his original compositions includes Del McCoury, Kevin Welch, George Jones, David Mallett, The Oak Ridge Boys, Murray McLauchlan, Michael Murphey,Tanya Tucker, Lorrie Morgan, Kamahl, Suzy Boggus, Bjorn Jens, Toby Keith, The Good Brothers, Anne Kirkpatrick and Ricky Van Shelton.