Bassist/vocalist talks Doobie Brothers gig, “Newgrass” music, heartfelt tribute to Michael Rhodes

Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
April 10, 2023

Bassist and vocalist John Cowan has a reputation for embracing a wide variety of musical styles, but he’s particularly known for his soul and bluegrass work. The Ohio native made his first big splash in the 1970s as a member of New Grass Revival. The influential progressive bluegrass ensemble sought to take a fresh new approach to bluegrass and is notable for its adoption of the electric bass and incorporation of elements of other genres, like country, jazz, reggae, and rock. Cowan is also a touring member of the Doobie Brothers, which he first joined in the early ‘90s for a couple years. He rejoined the band 2010 and has been with them ever since. Over the years, the bassist and singer has also collaborated with Victor Wooten, Glen Campbell, Zac Brown, Kenny Rogers, Darius Rucker, and The Moody Blues, among others. Beyond that, Cowan has released numerous solo albums, the most recent being 2014’s Sixty, featuring contributions by Alison Krauss, Huey Lewis, Leon Russell, and John McFee.

Watch our interview with John!

See Jon’s blog, with key takeaways from this interview here.