BMI Remembers Ronnie Bowman
BMI was saddened to learn of the passing of bluegrass legend and prolific songwriter Ronnie Bowman. The longtime BMI affiliate was 64.
Renowned for his remarkable talent and lasting influence on both bluegrass and country music, Bowman’s career began in a family band, performing in churches throughout North Carolina and Virginia. He later joined the acclaimed bluegrass band The Lost & Found, before becoming a member of the Lonesome River Band.
Bowman’s influence on bluegrass was established when the Lonesome River Band’s album, Carrying the Tradition, earned the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Album of the Year Award in 1991. He was also named IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year three times, earned two IBMA Song of the Year Awards, and was honored with the Gospel Performance of the Year Award.
As a singular songwriter, Bowman contributed to the albums of renowned musicians including Lee Ann Womack, Kenny Chesney, Chris Stapleton, Loretta Lynn, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn and John Fogerty. Bowman’s songwriting prowess was further recognized when he won the ACM Song of the Year Award for penning Chris Stapleton’s “Nobody To Blame” on the GRAMMY-winning album Traveller.
Bowman joined BMI in 1989, a partnership highlighted by numerous accolades, including BMI Million-Air and Country Awards for the chart-topping hits “It’s Getting Better All The Time,” “Never Wanted Nothin More,” and “Nobody Else to Blame.” As a fixture at BMI’s Key West Songwriter’s Festival, Bowman graced the stage for eight consecutive years beginning in 2017, sharing his musical talents and inspiring countless fellow songwriters and artists.
Ronnie Bowman’s contributions to music and his unwavering dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on the industry. He will be greatly missed by his friends, fans and family at BMI.
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