ASHLAND CITY, TN. (THECOUNT) — Ronnie Bowman, a bluegrass musician and songwriter, has died following injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Ashland City, Tennessee, a Cheatham County community located about 20 miles northeast of Nashville.
Bowman was 64.
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The crash occurred Saturday afternoon, March 21, 2026, on a roadway in Ashland City. Bowman sustained life-threatening injuries, including severe head trauma, and was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville for treatment. He died at the hospital at approximately 3:00 p.m. CST on Sunday, March 22.
No additional details about the circumstances of the crash have been released. The incident remains under investigation.
[Google Maps – Ashland City, TN (approximate crash area): https://maps.google.com/?q=Ashland+City,+TN — location is approximate; exact crash site has not been confirmed in public reports.]
Bowman was born July 9, 1961, in Mount Airy, North Carolina. He began performing at a young age in a family gospel group, appearing at churches across North Carolina and Virginia.
His professional career began in the late 1980s with the Lost & Found. In 1990, he joined the Lonesome River Band as a bass player and lead vocalist, performing alongside Dan Tyminski and Sammy Shelor. The band’s 1991 album Carrying the Tradition received Album of the Year honors from the International Bluegrass Music Association.
Bowman also released solo material, including the 1995 album Cold Virginia Night, which was named Album of the Year by the IBMA.
During his career, Bowman was named Male Vocalist of the Year by the IBMA three times. He was also recognized as Songwriter of the Year in 2022 and received Song of the Year honors on two occasions.
As a songwriter, Bowman co-wrote several songs recorded by country artists. His credits include Kenny Chesney’s No. 1 single “Never Wanted Nothing More” and Brooks & Dunn’s No. 1 song “It’s Getting Better All the Time.” Lee Ann Womack recorded his song “The Healing Kind” on her album I Hope You Dance.
He also collaborated with Chris Stapleton, co-writing songs including “Nobody to Blame,” “Outlaw State of Mind,” and “It Takes a Woman.” Additional recording credits include work with Jake Owen, Cody Johnson, George Strait, and Marcus King.
As a session musician, Bowman contributed to recordings by Alan Jackson, as well as projects involving Loretta Lynn, Sierra Hull, and John Fogerty. He released a self-titled album in 2019 and remained active in music in recent years.
Bowman is survived by his wife, Garnet Imes Bowman. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
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