George Arthur Rhodes (October 10, 1918[a] – December 25, 1985) was an American arranger, conductor, music director, pianist, and composer.

[4] In addition to their strong professional relationship, Rhodes also quickly became a good friend of Davis and they remained close for the rest of his life.

[11] Rhodes became the first black music director to work for a major television network when he was conductor-arranger of The Sammy Davis Jr. Show for NBC in 1966.

[4][12] In 1972, George Rhodes and his band accompanied Sammy Davis Jr to Vietnam to perform in USO show for American soldiers in various parts of the country.

Rhodes again broke barriers in 1973 by becoming the first black music director of a Las Vegas showroom when he was hired by the Tropicana Hotel.

[13] In 1978, Rhodes was set to conduct the orchestra during Davis' return to Broadway in the revival of Stop the World - I Want to Get Off as he had for Golden Boy, but was dismissed during previews in San Diego.

"[5] At the age of 67[a][3] Rhodes died of a heart attack in his sleep at his Los Angeles home early in the morning of December 25, 1985.