ASHLAND CITY, TN — Local musician Ronnie Bowman, 64, died on Sunday afternoon at Vanderbilt University Medical Center following a motorcycle accident.
Bowman was critically injured in the crash on Saturday. Authorities confirmed he passed away around 3:00 p.m. Sunday; no further details regarding the accident were provided.
Born William Franklin Bowman on July 9, 1961, in Mount Airy, North Carolina, he began performing at age three. He gained prominence with bluegrass bands such as Lost and Found and the Lonesome River Band, where he recorded the award-winning album Carrying the Tradition.
Bowman received multiple honors throughout his career, including three IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year awards and two IBMA Song of the Year awards for “Cold Virginia Night” and “Three Rusty Nails.” His contributions extended into mainstream country music, with hits recorded by artists like Brooks and Dunn and Kenny Chesney.
In recent years, he continued to perform and released a self-titled album in 2019. Tributes from the bluegrass and country music communities have emerged, highlighting his impact and kindness.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been disclosed.