Music world rocked as country star Ronnie Bowman, 64, dies following horror motorcycle accident

Bluegrass legend and country singer Ronnie Bowman passed away on March 22, aged 64, following a horrific motorcycle crash in Ashland City. The “Matterhorn” singer died from his injuries in Vanderbilt Hospital in Tennessee a day after the crash, and is survived by his wife, Garnet, and his daughter, Chassidy.

“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,” read a statement from the musician’s 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.”

The North Carolina native, born William Franklin Bowman, rose to fame in the ’90s as a member of the Lonesome River Band, and also gained recognition for his solo work and songwriting skills. He won several International Bluegrass Music Association Awards in his time, including Male Vocalist of the Year in 1995, 1998 and 1999, as well as Album of the Year for Cold Virginia Night in 1995.

During his career, Ronnie worked with some of country music’s biggest stars, including Loretta Lynn, Alan Jackson, John Fogerty and Randy Newman, and wrote songs for Kenny Chesney, George Strait, and Lee Ann Womack.

Ronnie’s collaboration with Chris Stapleton on the star’s 2015 album Traveller led to an ACM Award for the duo for Song of the Year for “Nobody to Blame”. The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame paid tribute to the father of one in a statement, remembering his work as “honest, emotional, and beautifully crafted”.

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“Beyond the accolades and achievements, Ronnie will be remembered for something even more meaningful – his encouragement and his friendship,” the statement continued. “He had a unique way of making people believe in themselves.”

Tributes also poured in from Ronnie’s peers, like bluegrass star Billy Strings. “Ronnie Bowman was an amazing singer and songwriter,” he wrote on social media. 

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“One of the best entertainers in bluegrass and country music. He lit up any room he was in. I’m terribly sad to hear that he has passed on after a tragic motorcycle accident. May our dear friend rest in peace.” Also sharing his condolences was country singer Dierks Bentley, who wrote that it was “going to take a while for it to sink in”.

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“He was the favorite bluegrass and country singer of everyone I know. And he was everyone’s favorite hang,” Dierks added.  “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.”

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Ronnie’s Lonesome River Band co-star, Dan Tyminski, shared several photos of the pair from throughout their friendship on Instagram. “Ronnie Bowman and I referred to each other as brother. That’s what he was to me,” he wrote. “So much more than an old friend and bandmate. We formed a bond years ago that we carried with us through life, knowing that we had something special together.”

“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,” he concluded.