Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3

Episode Title: ED RODE: We Are All Storytellers

Guest: Ed Rode, Iconic Nashville Photographer and Author of "Songwriter: Musician Behind the Curtain with Nashville's Iconic Storytellers and Players"

Host: John Chisum

Episode Summary

In this visually rich and inspiring episode, host John Chisum sits down with celebrated photographer Ed Rode, whose lens has captured some of the most iconic figures in music—from Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson to Taylor Swift and Vince Gill. Through his stunning photography and storytelling, Ed shares how a 35-year journey documenting Nashville's creative legends turned into his new coffee table book, Songwriter: Musician.

Together, John and Ed explore the intersection of photography, songwriting, and storytelling, revealing how every frame—and every lyric—has the power to invite people into a meaningful moment. Ed reflects on the mentorship of Chet Atkins, his experiences photographing legends like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, and the emotional encounters that defined his career, including a powerful moment with Glen Campbell near the end of his life.

This episode is a celebration of creativity in all forms and a reminder that great art—whether a photograph or a song—comes from deep observation, patience, and heart.

Key Topics & Highlights

• The Origins of Ed's Career: How a chance encounter with Chet Atkins led to decades of photographing music legends.
• Storytelling Across Mediums: Why photography and songwriting share the same DNA—inviting others into a moment.
• The Art of Capturing Authenticity: How Ed disarms his subjects to reveal the truest version of themselves.
• Mentorship and Mastery: What Ed learned from icons like Chet Atkins and why mentorship shapes creative excellence.
• The Soul of a Photograph: Behind-the-scenes stories with Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Glen Campbell.
• Work Ethic vs. Talent: The balance between natural ability, discipline, and the willingness to grow.
• Creativity in the Digital Age: Why true storytelling and human perspective can never be replaced by AI.
• Teaching and Giving Back: How Ed now passes on his craft as a photography instructor, continuing the cycle of creativity.

Final Takeaway

Whether through a song or a photograph, creativity is about storytelling that connects hearts. Ed Rode's journey reminds us that art isn't just about talent—it's about persistence, curiosity, and the courage to see beauty in every fleeting moment. As he says, "We're all storytellers," and every story told from the heart has the power to inspire.

Resources & Links:

Connect with Ed Rode edrode.com

Book: Songwriter: Musician Behind the Curtain with Nashville's Iconic Storytellers and Players Available online and at the Country Music Hall of Fame Store.

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