Bluegrass legend Peter Rowan, beloved singer, songwriter, bandleader, and multi-instrumentalist, is such an American institution, he was literally born on the Fourth of July. He’s helped create some of bluegrass and americana’s most instantly recognizable songs, playing with everyone from Bill Monroe to Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead while bridging genres and defying expectations for more that six decades.
At 81 years old, most of his contemporaries are slowing down, but Rowan is still out there on the road making memories and hitting new musical milestones. In honor of his birthday and the country’s, Live For Live Music caught up with him to chat via email about his past, present, and future.
L4LM: You were literally Born on the Fourth of July and you’ve lived a truly “American Dream” of a life. Do you ever feel like it was some kind of destiny or are you in the “we make our own fate” camp?
Peter Rowan: I’ve always felt that I was born to bring all sorts of music and people together.
L4LM: After playing in a few bands in high school you started your professional career in the genre-naming Bluegrass Boys as a sideman to the legendary Bill Monroe. Was that daunting at all?
Peter Rowan: Bill Monroe knew what he wanted musically, but you had to find it, then he would help you unfold the secret!
Peter Rowan – “Panama Red” – Suwannee Roots Revival 2022
[Video: RexAVision]
L4LM: As a songwriter, you’ve written or co-written some truly iconic songs like “Walls Of Time”, “Panama Red”, and “Midnight Moonlight”. How does it feel to have contributed so much to the American songbook? Are you sick of getting royalty checks every month?
Peter Rowan: It’s been pretty modest until the last few years. The expression, ”Don’t give up your day job,” has always been a bluegrass watchword. I’ve been able to play music full time. You step into the unknown and sing and play!
L4LM: The transition from bluegrass and pop to rock is a well worn path, but do you remember how and when the reggae chapter of your musical story started?
Peter Rowan: Reggae is music of “Truth and Rights”. I stand behind that! Baba Ram Dass told me that if I was to be a true American voice, I would have to cross racial barriers, so I did. Mostly I love the music. Jamaicans say, “Music will change the world.” I’ve always felt that the arts ennoble us, lift us up! It’s worthwhile!
L4LM: Since you’ve become a kind of musical Rosetta Stone, have you ever thought about creating a sort of super sound combining all your influences?
Peter Rowan: I’ve always felt that music is elusive, can’t be tied down. I take direction from music itself. Go with the flow! I’m a slave to inspiration! I don’t try and control it, but go with it. I do keep practicing guitar. Play smoother, fluidly. Vocally I mostly sing mantras.
Peter Rowan – “Midnight Moonlight” – Suwannee Roots Revival 2022
[Video: RexAVision]
L4LM: Every year you pop down to a venue I dearly love, The Spirit Of The Suwannee Music Park, for their spring and fall bluegrass and Americana festivals. What makes that place so special to you?
Peter Rowan: Bill Monroe, Jim and Jesse, the Stanley Brothers all played there. The amphitheater has a vibe. There was an owl that used to fly by when I was onstage, right over the crowd. Magic!
L4LM: As a longtime Deadhead, I can’t let this opportunity go by without slipping in one Jerry question. Was there ever a moment when you thought he and his other band, and the music you were creating with him in Old & In The Way, would end up having such a profound effect on the world way back when?
Peter Rowan: I never imagined!
L4LM: You recently played with Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh as part of his Terrapin Clubhouse series. Was that session as much fun as it looked like?
Peter Rowan: I love Phil for his generous spirit. Keeping music alive. Keeping the musical community engaged out west. He has many groups! I love his architectural approach to bass playing. Very unique!
L4LM: As a legendary songwriter, instrumentalist, and musician, do you ever give any thought to how your legacy will be perceived, or what part of your remarkable journey across the decades you’ll be remembered for?
Peter Rowan: I’m only a beginner. I’ve opened some vistas. From a cave in Nepal to the radiant desert of the southwest Indian Country. There is always more to learn!
L4LM: After never receiving a Grammy despite your seven nominations, do you put much stock in things like awards or would you rather just let your music and success be all the recognition you need.
Peter Rowan: Recognition is nice. You feel part of a larger world. Maybe I’ve outlived obscurity!
Catch Peter Rowan out on the road this summer and fall. For his full schedule and ticket information, head here. He will return to Spirit Of The Suwannee Music Park to perform multiple sets at this year’s Suwannee Roots Revival alongside Old Crow Medicine Show, Molly Tuttle, Yonder Mountain String Band, Donna The Buffalo, and many more. Head here for tickets.
Peter Rowan – “You Are My Sunshine”
[Video: RexAVision]
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