Ronnie Bowman, a celebrated figure in bluegrass and country music, has died at the age of 64 following a motorcycle accident. The crash occurred on Saturday, March 21, in Ashland City, Tennessee, and Bowman succumbed to his injuries the following day at hospital, his family confirmed.
His wife, singer Garnet Imes Bowman, issued a statement expressing the family's shock and devastation. “Ronnie was beloved by so many in our music community, whom he loved so dearly... we are beyond grateful for all of the love & outpouring toward us already,” she said, requesting privacy as they grieve.
Bowman's career spanned 45 years, beginning with the bluegrass band The Lost and Found in 1987. He gained prominence as a member of the Lonesome River Band from 1990 to 2021 and released six solo albums. His 1994 album Cold Virginia Night won Album of the Year and Song of the Year at the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards, where he also earned Male Vocalist of the Year three times.
He collaborated with country stars including Chris Stapleton, Loretta Lynn, Lee Ann Womack, and Brooks & Dunn, and co-wrote Stapleton's award-winning song “Nobody to Blame.” Tributes poured in from fellow musicians, with Dierks Bentley calling him “the favorite bluegrass and country singer of everyone I know,” and Rhonda Vincent describing him as “one of the kindest people I’ve met.”
Bowman is survived by his wife Garnet and their family. Further details regarding memorial plans are expected to be announced in due course.
