Singer-songwriter and bluegrass luminary Ronnie Bowman died Sunday (March 22) at age 64. Bowman passed away after being seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in Ashland City, Tennessee, on March 21, according to a statement from Bowman’s family.
Bowman was known for his exemplary work as a songwriter, artist and musician in the bluegrass world, while also writing several country hits for artists including Chris Stapleton, Brooks & Dunn and Kenny Chesney.
“Ronnie was beloved by so many in our music community, whom he loved so dearly,” his family said in a statement. “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.”
Bowman began performing music at age three, first as part of a family band and then joining the bluegrass band Lost & Found. He soon joined The Lonesome River Band, serving as the group’s vocalist/bass player from 1990-2001, and performed on the band’s album Carrying The Tradition, which was named album of the year by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 1991.
He recorded four albums as part of The Lonesome River Band, and recorded five solo albums, including Cold Virginia Night, which was named album of the year by the IBMA.
Bowman was honored with the IBMA’s male vocalist of the year accolade three times and twice earned the IBMA’s song of the year honor, for the songs “Three Rusty Nails” and “Cold Virginia Night.” He also earned the IBMA’s Gospel performance of the year honor for “Three Rusty Nails.”
Beyond his work as a bluegrass luminary, he was known as a hit songwriter in the country field. He contributed three songs to Chris Stapleton’s album Traveller, including the Bowman-co-written “Nobody to Blame,” which became a top 10 Billboard Country Airplay hit and earned the ACM accolade for song of the year. In 2025, Stapleton’s “It Takes A Woman,” co-written by Bowman, earned a Grammy for best country solo performance. Bowman wrote Brooks & Dunn’s “It’s Getting Better All The Time” and Kenny Chesney’s “Never Wanted Nothing More,” both Hot Country Songs No. 1s. He also wrote “The Healing Kind,” which was included on Lee Ann Womack’s multiplatinum album I Hope You Dance.
Many artists and organizations have shared tributes and fond memories following Bowman’s passing, praising not only his musical excellence, but his friendship and generosity.
Dierks Bentley shared on Instagram, “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…Can’t imagine what Garnet, his family and all his close friends are feeling right now. Thoughts and prayers for them, and for all the RoBo fans out there, as he’s affectionately referred to in my band. We all loved him.”
Bluegrass musician Rhonda Vincent wrote on Instagram, “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.”
Billy Strings called Bowman “an amazing singer and songwriter. One of the best entertainers in bluegrass and country music. He lit up any room he was in.”
Sierra Hull shared a photo on Instagram of Bowman performing during her wedding reception. She shared a tribute to Bowman, writing, “SO devastated to say goodbye to our dear friend and hero, Ronnie Bowman…this photo is Ronnie singing for us on our wedding day, a gift we will forever cherish! Justin recorded and toured with him over the years, while I was lucky to write songs with him on occasion and have him sing on many of my albums….I will miss him so much and my heart breaks alongside his wife, children, family and friends.”
Musician-songwriter-producer John Carter Cash, son of Country Music Hall of Famer Johnny Cash, wrote on Instagram, “All my love goes out to family of @the.ronnie.bowman. Ronnie was a friend and an amazing vocalist and musician. Love to all.”
The International Bluegrass Music Association wrote in a statement, “We are shocked and heartbroken by the news of Ronnie Bowman’s passing. Another bluegrass legend gone far too soon. It’s hard to fully capture the depth of this loss. Ronnie wasn’t just a remarkable musician and songwriter, he was a remarkable person….Ronnie was a treasured part of our community and his absence is deeply felt.”
CMA Award-winning fiddle player Jenee Fleenor posted on Facebook, describing Bowman as “A bluegrass hero – singer hero – and songwriter hero…This town loves you so much and your music will live on & on. You were a cheerleader and friend to so many, myself included. Your funny way and smile could light up the whole room.”
Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn shared an Instagram message from himself and Brooks & Dunn bandmate Kix Brooks, writing, “We’re sending all our love and prayers to Ronnie and his family during this difficult time.”
