Ed Rode Chronicles 30 Years Of Nashville Talent In New Photo Documentary Book

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Seasoned photographer Ed Rode has released a new photo documentary book, Songwriter Musician, that chronicles three decades of Nashville musical talent. An accompanying exhibit at Bristol’s Birthplace of Country Music Museum will open Aug. 31 and remain on display through the end of the year.

Photo of Dolly Parton (taken by Ed Rode) featured in Songwriter Musician

Spanning generations and genres, each portrait captures the subject, their humanity and their artistry as Rode’s accompanying personal stories and biographies seek to place each moment, and each subject, into the broader story of Music City. Featured moments include a teenaged Taylor Swift spinning and smiling in the wake of impending stardom, “I Fall to Pieces” songwriter Hank Cochran stretching back on a well-worn hammock and Michael Rhodes wrapping his arms around his favorite bass, a tool that anchored sessions for greats from Johnny Cash to Elton John.

“When I started this photographic journey, I realized early on that I was witnessing musical moments few people get to experience,” says Rode. “It felt important to capture and collect them for generations to come. To me, this book is a window into the soul of Nashville’s music community.”

The project framed by his lens began in 1990, and was encouraged by guitarist, producer and label executive Chet Atkins. Rode, then working as a photojournalist for the Nashville Banner, met Atkins on an assignment and the two developed a friendship. He told Atkins about a hopeful but blurry vision for a far-reaching, pointedly personal documentary project.

“This is a town of songwriters and session musicians,” Rode remembers Atkins telling him. “Go photograph them because they’re usually in the background. People out there hear their work, but don’t know who they are.”

Atkins introduced him to Harlan Howard, Curly Putman and “Cowboy” Jack Clement, among others. After marking the moments, Rode started to see the full picture of Songwriter Musician.

Photo of Willie Nelson (taken by Ed Rode) featured in Songwriter Musician

“One of the greatest figures in country music helped me forge partnerships and foster friendships,” he notes. “What Chet Atkins contributed to Nashville’s story is incalculable. What he contributed to this project is just as immeasurable.”

“Some of the faces in this book may be unfamiliar beyond Music Row, some are among the most celebrated in the world,” Rode continues. “Every one of them adds their own color and contrast to Nashville’s music community. I hope this book brings it all into view—from the humanity behind the superstars to the history-changing contributions of people behind the scenes.”

Click here to order Rode’s Songwriter Musician.

Liza Anderson
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