John Cowan (New Grass Revival)

John Cowan (b. Minerva, Ohio, August 24, 1953 - ) – Vocalist, bass player, and songwriter. A well-known vocalist in Louisville during the early 1970s, John Cowan, who was raised in Evansville, stepped up his career in 1974 when he became the lead singer of New Grass Revival, a progressive bluegrass group whose style is sometimes called “newgrass” or “rock-n-roll grass.” New Grass Revival was active from 1971 to 1989 and included banjoist Bela Fleck through the 1980s and mandolist Sam Bush. Known for their explosive instrumental component and tight vocals, the band released over twenty albums (only three on major labels) and had several minor hits on the country charts. Since then, Cowan has recorded eight solo albums. From 1991 to 1997, he was in the supergroup Sky Kings, which included Rusty Young of Poco, Bill Lloyd of Foster & Lloyd, and Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brothers. An innovator of progressive acoustic music, Cowan is also well versed in soul, rock and blues. In addition, he has done studio work as a vocalist and bassist for Leon Russell, Alison Kraus, Garth Brooks, the Doobie Brothers, Travis Tritt, Hootie and the Blowfish, Darius Rucker, Glenn Campbell, Ricky Skaggs, and many others. Currently, he is part of the touring band of the very active Doobie Brothers.