Ronnie Bowman, a beloved bluegrass vocalist and award-winning country music songwriter, was seriously injured in an accident on Saturday, March 21.
Ronnie Bowman has died following a motorcycle accident in Nashville. He was 64. Bluegrass Life confirmed his death in a statement posted to social media.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ronnie Bowman, who went to be with the Lord today at 2:55 CST,” the outlet wrote on Facebook. “One of the greatest singers and songwriters in Bluegrass and Country music, and one of the kindest souls you could ever hope to know. Prayers for his family and friends. We’ll always love you, Ronnie.”
Ronnie Bowman’s Wife Issues Statement
Garnet Imes Bowman, Ronnie Bowman’s wife of more than 23 years, issued a statement on Monday, confirming his death and the cause of his death.
“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,” Garnet wrote.
She expressed her gratitude for the support and love the music community has shown their family.
“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.
What we know and hold onto is that he is with his Savior Jesus in Heaven, although already terribly missed here on Earth.”
Funeral details have not been announced, but Mrs. Bowman wrote that they would be shared when available.
Stars React To Ronnie Bowman’s Death
Bluegrass and country stars are speaking out about Ronnie Bowman’s death, remembering him as a talented singer, songwriter, musician, and friend.
Grand Ole Opry member and fellow bluegrass artist Rhonda Vincent, wrote,
Our hearts are broken to hear of the passing of the legendary Ronnie Bowman. 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.”
Songwriter Buddy Cannon, Steeldrivers founding member Tammy King, bluegrass guitarist and vocalist Junior Sisk, and many more also expressed their sadness over Ronnie Bowman’s death. Read their statements below:
Who was Ronnie Bowman?
Ronnie Bowman was a legendary bluegrass musician who rose to fame as a member of The Lonesome River Band. The band, with Bowman at the helm, won the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Album of the Year honors in 1991.
He recorded four solo albums as well as four more albums with The Lonesome River Band. He earned the IBMA’s Male Vocalist of the Year trophy three times, earned the IBMA Song of the Year award (“Three Rusty Nails” and “Cold Virginia Night”) twice, and was awarded the Gospel Performance of the Year award for “Three Rusty Nails,” according to his website.
His talent reached far beyond the world of bluegrass. Bowman is a respected songwriter with an impressive resume of recorded songs in country music. Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Lee Ann Womack, Cody Johnson, and Chris Stapleton are among those who have recorded his songs.
In 2016, Bowman earned ACM Song of the Year honors for “Nobody To Blame,” a song he co-wrote with Stapleton and Barry Bales. The song was a track on Stapleton’s “Traveller” album that earned ACM and CMA Album of the Year awards and was named the Grammy Awards’ Country Album of the Year.
