Country & Bluegrass Stars Share Heartbreak Over Ronnie Bowman’s Tragic Death
Dierks Bentley and Rhonda Vincent were among those who shared tributes to Ronnie Bowman following his death at the age of 64. (Photo Credits: Dierks Bentley / Facebook & Rhonda Vincent / Facebook)
Revered Songwriter Ronnie Bowman Dies Following Accident In Nashville
The country and bluegrass community is mourning the loss of beloved songwriter Ronnie Bowman, who passed away on Sunday (March 22).
Bluegrass Today originally shared early on Sunday that 64-year-old Bowman suffered critical injuries in a “vehicular accident” in Nashville on March 21. “We understand that he is experiencing a number of serious brain bleeds among multiple injuries, and is in critical condition on life support,” they said at the time.
Some of Bowman’s friends shared that he was driving a motorcycle at the time of the accident.
A little later on the 22nd, Bluegrass Life broke the news that Bowman had died. They released a statement on 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 statement read. “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.”
Country & Bluegrass Stars Post Tributes To Ronnie Bowman
Bowman was a revered member of the country and bluegrass communities. He rose to fame by performing with The Lonesome River Band and also recorded four solo albums.
Beyond that, he wrote songs recorded by notable artists such as Kenny Chesney, Lee Ann Womack, Chris Stapleton, Brooks & Dunn, and Kenny Chesney. He, Stapleton, and Barry Bales wrote the song “Nobody to Blame,” which won the ACM Award for Song of the Year in 2016.
Tons of country and bluegrass stars took to social media to share their heartbreak and grief over Bowman’s death. See some of their tributes below.
Dan Tyminski
Dan Tyminski, who played with Bowman in the Lonesome River Band, shared several photos of them together through the years. Tyminski described their bond, writing:
“Ronnie Bowman and I referred to each other as brother. That’s what he was to me. So much more than an old friend and band mate. We formed a bond years ago that we carried with us through life knowing that we had something special together. For a long time no one thought of my name without his being attached. We were a pair. I am not the man I am today without him in my life. The whole world will feel this devastating loss and he will forever be my brother.“
Rhonda Vincent
“The Queen of Bluegrass,” Rhonda Vincent, remembered Bowman as “one of the kindest people” she’s ever known.
“He will be tremendously missed in not only the bluegrass community, but well beyond with all the lives he has touched,” she wrote.
Dierks Bentley
Dierks Bentley said it is “going to take awhile [sic] 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.”
Bentley shared a sweet memory about a time when Bowman surprised his wife, Cassidy, by serenading her with his song “It’s Getting Better All the Time.” He said, “It was the sweetest thing to do, and that’s just how he was.“
Alison Krauss
Grand Ole Opry member Alison Krauss shared a short and sweet tribute to Bowman. She wrote, “He was a joy to know.”
Billy Strings
Bluegrass artist Billy Strings posted a photo of himself and Bowman onstage together. The picture shows Bowman smiling while raising his hand in the air.
“Ronnie Bowman was an amazing singer and songwriter,” Strings said. “One of the best entertainers in bluegrass and country music. He lit up any room he was in.”
Sierra Hull
Bluegrass performer Sierra Hull said she was “so devastated” over Bowman’s death. He sang for her and her husband, Justin Moses, on their wedding day, which they “will forever cherish.”
“He was the type to deeply encourage whoever he was around and his big personality always lit up a room,” Hull remembered.
John Carter Cash
Country singer-songwriter and producer John Carter Cash shared a message to Bowman’s loved ones, writing, “All my love goes out to family of @the.ronnie.bowman Ronnie was a friend and an amazing vocalist and musician. Love to all.”
We too, join John Carter Cash in sending our thoughts and prayers to Bowman’s family. May he rest in peace…
