A Lifetime of Music, A Record for this Moment – John Cowan’s FICTION

Grammy® season is often filled with stories of rising stars, bold trailblazers, and innovators whose artistry sparks excitement across the industry. But 2025 carries something truly extraordinary. This year, voters are celebrating not only innovation, but legacy—with one of the most iconic voices and instrumentalists in American music: John Cowan.

Cowan didn’t just blaze the trail—he lit the way for generations of musicians and fans who followed. Now, his acclaimed new project, FICTION (True Lonesome Records), along with its powerful title track, appears on this year’s Grammy® ballots. For acoustic music connoisseurs, the choice is clear.

“The recording of this album has been a ‘straight from the heart’ event for me,” shares Cowan. “Meeting Eddie Sanders through Scott Vestal has proven to be the gift that keeps on giving. I asked Eddie upon meeting him while singing on his own record if he’d want to write some music. To my pleasant surprise, he not only said yes but followed up on it soon thereafter. He is, flat out, a master songwriter. Eddie, Scott and I sat down to write with the goal of my doing a record that was more similar to my tenure with The New Grass Revival than the, for lack of a better term, Americana-ish records I’ve made in my career. I think we not only accomplished that mission but surpassed our own expectations. I’m happy and proud to have this record be stewarded by True Lonesome Records.”

Chart Success

FICTION has resonated deeply with fans and industry alike, achieving major success on multiple Roots Music Report and Bluegrass Today charts:

• FICTION | “Fiction” (Album & Single)
  
  • Bluegrass Overall: 37 weeks in the Top 10, peaking at #1
  • Progressive Bluegrass: 22 weeks in the Top 5, peaking at #1
  • Contemporary: 21 weeks in the Top 10
  • Bluegrass Today: Peaked at #1
• “Georgia Rhythm” (Current Single)
  
  • Bluegrass Overall: 5 weeks in the Top 10
  • Progressive Bluegrass: Currently in it's 6th consecutive week at #1
• “Gotta Go Now”
  • Bluegrass Overall: 8 weeks in the Top 10
  • Progressive Bluegrass: 11 weeks in the Top 10
  • Bluegrass Today: Peaked at #1
• Additional Highlights
  • “Coming Up” featuring Bekka Bramlett: Top 10 across Bluegrass Overall and Progressive, with strong Bluegrass Today placement
  • “Boomerang” and “Carousel”: Multiple Top 10 appearances
  • “Kingdom Come” (Pat Flynn): 3 weeks in the Progressive Top 5

These chart achievements underscore Cowan’s enduring impact and relevance, proving that his artistry continues to command attention across genres and generations.

About John Cowan

Born in Minerva, Ohio, in 1953, John Cowan didn’t grow up steeped in bluegrass tradition—yet he became one of its most transformative voices. In 1974, Cowan stepped into the role of bass player and vocalist for New Grass Revival, becoming the missing puzzle piece in a band that forever reshaped the genre. Alongside Sam Bush, Courtney Johnson, Bela Fleck, Pat Flynn and Curtis Burch, Cowan helped usher in a revolutionary sound known as “Newgrass,” blending tradition with experimentation and captivating millions of new fans worldwide.

A vocal luminary who moves seamlessly across genres, Cowan has built a career spanning bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, jazz, and rock. He has toured and recorded with an extensive list of legends, including Garth Brooks, Wynonna, Steve Earle, Rosanne Cash, Delbert McClinton, Rodney Crowell, and Travis Tritt. His collaborations are as diverse as they are influential, and his voice has inspired generations of artists. Cowan is also a proud member of the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.

Since 2010, Cowan has been back on the road with the Doobie Brothers, serving as bassist and harmony vocalist while continuing to perform with his own band and other collaborators. His newest solo release, FICTION, marks his first solo album since 2010’s Sixty and is a testament to his timeless artistry. Co-written with Eddie Sanders and produced alongside Scott Vestal, FICTION showcases Cowan’s unmistakable voice, masterful songwriting, and the adventurous spirit that has defined his career.

FICTION – On the Ballots Now

With his soaring voice, groundbreaking history, and creative fire, John Cowan stands not only as a nominee but as an icon whose work continues to define acoustic music. As Grammy® voting begins, your vote for FICTION is both a nod to Cowan’s past and a shining beacon for the future. Take a listen below:

For more information, visit John Cowan online and follow him on social media.