When the Georgia Country and Gospel Music Association awarded their CD of The Year, Horizon Award and Songwriter of the Year, local artist Eddie Rhoades was the last man standing: The Georgia native won all three awards for his CD titled "Last Man Standing," covering a variety of musical genres including traditional country, country rock, novelty, humor, boogie, island and story songs.

"I am proud of the creativity and variety of it," Rhoades said. "It makes you dance, makes you cry and makes you laugh."

A member of the Georgia Music Industry Association, Rhoades - who began playing the guitar while he served in the Army - draws from his life experiences when writing music.

"I take pride in my songwriting abilities, which are built on years of experience and living," he said. "People can identify with my songs."

Rhoades was a 2008-featured performer at the Durango Songwriter's Festival. A Master Gardener, Rhoades has also composed several gardening songs. His song "Green Man" has been played many times on Walter Reeves' Gardening Radio Show. On Feb. 13, Rhoades will perform his original song "I Like My Garden Just a Little on the Trashy Side" during a gardening talk he will give at the Smith-Gilbert Gardens, located at 2382 Pine Mountain Road. Call (770) 919-0248 or e-mail sschroeder@kennesaw-ga.gov to make reservations.

The Marietta resident says he is inspired by artists such as Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly and is working on his second CD, "Universal Love," which is scheduled for a February release. Rhoades' younger brother, Robert, designed the CD cover.

A mix of rock and roll, country and country rock, "Universal Love" also has its share of tearjerkers, story and love songs. "This music is so great, it's fantastic," said Rhoades. "When you play this CD you better be wearing your dancing shoes, and when it comes to tearjerkers, get out your hanky."

Rhoades sings open mic at McCrackin's, located at 15 Atlanta Road off the Marietta Square, on Monday evenings. Listen to excerpts at www.MySpace.com/eddierhoades and www.AirPlayDirect.com/eddierhoades. For free downloads or to purchase, visit www.bittersweetgardens.com or www.cdbaby.com/eddierhoades.