Lauded picker/singer Peter Rowan has served as the “Patron Saint” of the Spirit Of The Suwannee Music Park‘s spring bluegrass and fall Americana events since their inception. Whether squeezing in multiple sets with his rock or bluegrass bands, delivering solo singalong/storytelling performances, or sitting in with any number of lucky acts, Rowan is a consistent presence at Suwannee events, and the 2022 Roots Revival was no exception.
Rowan formed his first band in 1956 and went from rock to folk to bluegrass in the ensuing years. Over time, he leaned so far toward the bluegrass end of the spectrum that he eventually joined the legendary Bill Monroe‘s Bluegrass Boys as the group’s lead guitarist in the mid-’60s. From there, he joined another band with David Grisman that opened for The Doors before evolving into Old & In The Way with Jerry Garcia of Grateful Dead fame. He even managed to yodel on legendary conceptual band Art Of Noise‘s debut record in the early ’80’s.
You might say Rowan has, in a very understated and humble way, left tracks upon music history at large It’s no wonder the International Bluegrass Music Association just inducted the man into their Hall Of Fame.
All the history lessons aside, the proof of Peter Rowan’s greatness is in the performance, and we have some fun ones for you to check out form Suwannee Roots Revival 2022. Selections include his sneaky ode to a fine cannabis strain, “Panama Red”; Americana songbook staple “The Hobo Song”; and a collaboration with singer-songwriter Shawn Camp
Our own Rex-A-Vision has three clips for us from Peter Rowan’s set for us to enjoy, starting with the sneaky ode to a fine cannabis strain, “Panama Red” into a Americana songbook classic, “The Hobo Song”. Then, watch singer-songwriter Shawn Camp drops in for two more modern tunes including a blistering take on “The Song That Made Hank Williams Dance” and a run through “Travelin’ Down This Lonesome Road”. Finally check out a video of Peter Rowan and the gang performing a song etched into the very souls of music fans across decades, “Midnight Moonlight”.
For more videos from Rex-A-Vision, head here. For a complete list of upcoming Peter Rowan tour dates, head here.
Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band – “Panama Red”, “The Hobo Song” – 10/16/22
Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band ft. Shawn Camp – “The Song That Made Hank Williams Dance”, “Travelin’ Down This Lonesome Road” – 10/16/22
Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band – “Midnight Moonlight” – 10/16/22