Ronnie Bowman, a country music and bluegrass legend, has died. He was 64.
Bowman was hurt in a motorcycle crash Saturday in Ashland City, Tennessee. He died from his injuries at the hospital Sunday afternoon, according to a statement from his family.
“We are in complete shock & utterly devastated to confirm that our beloved Ronnie passed away yesterday, Sunday, March 22 due to complications from a tragic motorcycle accident in Ashland City, TN on Saturday, March 21,” Bowman’s wife, singer Garnet Imes Bowman, said in a statement.
“Ronnie was beloved by so many in our music community, whom he loved so dearly… and we are beyond grateful for all of the love & outpouring toward us already. Right now, as we process, we just covet your prayers. We have no words at this time, but thank you and graciously request that you honor our privacy while we try to put our heads around this and grieve,” the family’s statement continued.
“What we know and hold onto, is that he is with his Savior Jesus in Heaven, although already terribly missed here on Earth. Any further details or plans will be made public when there is any information to share about honoring the legacy of our beloved Ronnie.”
Bowman is survived by Garnet and their daughter, Chassidy.
The musician’s career spanned 45 years, starting when he joined bluegrass band The Los and Found in 1987.
He earned acclaim performing as a member of the Lonesome River Band from 1990 through 2021, and was well known for his six solo albums.
His 1994 album Cold Virginia Night won Album of the Year as well as Song of the Year from the International Bluegrass Music Association. He took home Male Vocalist of the Year three times at the IBMA awards.
He worked with country artists including Chris Stapleton, Loretta Lynn, Lee Ann Womack and Brooks & Dunn. He co-wrote Stapleton’s award-winning song “Nobody to Blame.”
Tributes to the iconic singer poured in from his musician colleagues following news of his death.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply.
Try for free
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply.
Try for free
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Country singer Dierks Bentley wrote in part on Facebook: “Going to take a while for it to sink in that Ronnie Bowman is gone. He was the favorite bluegrass and country singer of everyone I know. And he was everyone’s favorite hang.”
“He was a joy to know,” wrote singer Allison Krauss.
Grammy-winning bluegrass singer Rhonda Vincent said: “He was one of the kindest people I’ve met. An incredible vocalist, prolific award winning songwriter, but most of all just a beautiful person. He will be tremendously missed in not only the bluegrass community, but well beyond with all the lives he has touched.”
Sierra Hull, a contemporary bluegrass star, shared a picture of Bowman performing during her wedding to Justin Moses in 2017, writing: “SO devastated to say goodbye to our dear friend and hero, Ronnie Bowman. To know Ronnie was to love him deeply. Justin and I were so fortunate to spend a lot of time over the years hanging and making music with he and his beautiful wife, Garnet.”
She went on to say that Bowman’s solo albums are among her “all time favorites,” adding: “It always felt surreal when he would take time to work on any of my records.”
John Carter-Cash, son of Johnny Cash, wrote on Instagram: “All my love goes out to family of Ronnie Bowman. Ronnie was a friend and an amazing vocalist and musician. Love to all.”
