Doobie Brothers Bassist John Cowan Talks Rock & Bluegrass

John Cowan is one of bluegrass, country, and rock's finest tenor
vocalist. Fortunately for New Grass Revival, The Doobie Brothers,
and many others, he's a damn fine bass guitarist too!


Cowan, along with other New Grass members, will be officially
inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame on October 1 in a
previously taped ceremony from the stage of the historic Ryman
Auditorium. It's an honor he holds dear to his heart. 


Born in Ohio, Cowan first developed his musical talent in
Louisville, Kentucky, when he began playing cover tunes in local
rock bands.


His first musical break came in the early 1970s when working at a
car wash in Louisville and received a call from New Grass Revival
member Sam Bush, inviting him to audition. He was offered a spot
as the band's new bassist that very day.


Cowan returned to Louisville long enough to gather his belonging
and quit his job. He immediately moved in with another member so
the group could begin practicing. They soon discovered just how
great a vocal range their new bass player added to the
group. 


"Callin' Baton Rouge," the highest-charting New Grass Revival
tune, was later recorded by Garth Brooks, who also scored a
top-five hit on the country charts years later. Cowan also added
his tenor vocals to Brook's version. 


When New Grass Revival disbanded around 1990, Cowan joined forces
with Pat Simmons of The Doobie Brother's, Bill Lloyd of Foster
& Lloyd, and Rusty Young of Poco to form The Sky Kings. 


The Doobie Brother's decided to reunite in 1992 and needed a bass
player. His bandmate and an original Doobie member, Pat Simmons,
suggested Cowan would be a wonderful addition to the band. 


A few years later, Cowan left the Doobie's to explore a solo
career. The John Cowan Band still tours, giving audiences a taste
of Cowan's expansive bluegrass vocals.


As great an instrumentalist and vocalist Cowan is, he still gets
star-struck when he encountered close friends like Emmylou Harris
or the late Leon Russell. "Both are two of the greatest artists I
have ever been associated with."


With his soft gray hair and engaging smile, Cowan enjoys touring
and looks forward to playing for live audiences. Besides playing
with his own band, The Doobie Brothers 50th Anniversary Tour will
hopefully happen in 2021. John Cowan will certainly remain a
force in popular music for many years.


Please enjoy this episode with Hall of Famer John Cowan and leave
us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your
favorite podcasts.