Rod Riley

About Rod Riley

Rod Riley is a guitarist based in Nashville, Tennessee, known for his unique blend of country, rock, and Americana. As a session musician and sideman, he has worked with various artists and bands, contributing his distinct sound to their music. Rod Riley's guitar work, a testament to his versatility, has been featured on numerous recordings and performed live with several notable acts. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres and his skill as a guitarist has made him a sought-after musician in Nashville's vibrant music scene.

Career Highlights

For over 35 years, Rod Riley has been displaying his musical talent as a guitarist, composer, producer, and session musician. He was born in Virginia, where he picked up the guitar at the young age of five. He grew up playing in the family band and moved to Nashville, TN, where he was fortunate enough to replace Redd Volkart as lead guitarist for the Don Kelley Band. Don Kelley has a history of high-caliber guitar players such as Brent Mason, Johnny Hiland, and Sid Hudson. It was an honor for Rod to be included among such greats.

Rod also played in Nashville and on the road for several years, where he performed with a plethora of legendary artists, including Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, and LeAnn Rimes. His collaborations with these icons have solidified his place in the music industry. He has been able to tour the United States and Europe with Nashville artists such as Shawn Camp, Joe Nichols, Ricky Van Shelton, Vern Gosdin, Tanya Tucker, and Jeff Bates.

With over 25 years of experience as a session musician, Rod has played guitar on hundreds of recordings. His work for Sundance Films and performances at Robert Redford's Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, further attest to his musical prowess. Rod is now an integral part of the Nashville music scene, both in the studio as a musician and producer and at local showcase events.

Television Credits

Prime Time Country on TNN, Music City News Awards on TNN, CMA Awards on CBS, MDA Telethon with Jerry Lewis 2005, Late Night with David Letterman on NBC & CBS, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Jay Leno on NBC, The View on ABC, Austin City Limits on PBS, On Air with Ryan Seacrest on FOX, Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC, Good Morning America on ABC, Grand Ole Opry Live on TNN and GAC, CMT Most Wanted Live on CMT.

BENADO Partnership

Rod Riley has been using BENADO's original PB-1S (predecessor to the PRO).