He is a megastar, in the eyes of the Creator. I have pondered the same question. If I were a King, he would be my court troubadour. Honored and treasured.
John is a greatest country singer that I've ever heard. And Sam is a real virtuoso . I watched NEW GRASS REVİVAL ( in İSTANBUL) three times and we never forgot them.
Oh how I miss New Grass Revival. Thank goodness for my vinyl albums and CDs that I still listen to nearly every day of the year. I have been a music lover of all genres since I was 5 years old in 1959. There are four timeless male voices that will always remain at the top of my "greatest ever" list. They are (from oldest to youngest): Nat King Cole, Van Morrison, Don Dixon, and John Cowan.
I've been fortunate enough to hear John live numerous times, including with New Grass Revival and The Doobie Brothers.......hands down the purest voice you will ever hear!
John has a miraculous gift in the quality of his voice, and in his amazing ability to control his breathing. I've studied opera and also worked in the business of rock/pop/folk music. In over fifty years I've rarely heard a vocalist who is as talented as John Cowan. The first time I heard him with The New Grass Revival & Leon Russell at the Beacon Theater in NYC (early 80's) his voice gave me goose-bumps and I was an instant believer in the gift of his superb voice.
What a gorgeous voice. John has such an authentic, beautiful voice for a such a sad song. Sam Bush is now an iconic mandolin legend. Both men tell America's mountain story. God bless John and Sam.
I love Sam's modesty, he's so talented yet was willing to concede when John's voice was more powerful. Love listening to both play and sing, whole group of New Grass Revival was so talented. It's a real shame that the radio wanted to pigeon hole such talent and never played some of the best musicians around.
What a voice, what a voice!!!!!! I've been following John Cowan too, since BGR days!!! It's a sheer pleasure to listen to him hit those high notes---but then he puts his own John Cowan style on it!!!
I really can not figure out how someone could have a negative vote for this video. I have never heard this band or singer, and not even my STYLE of music, but this was very very nice.
Same here... I just stumbled across this, I don't even listen to ... what is this, blue grass? country? who cares? THAT guy is amazing. Anybody down voting this just hates life... or something...
I had heard this three or four times before tonight. With every hearing I realize more and more how incredible his voice is. He sings with fantastic technique but also with the genuine emotion that puts it over the top! No one could do this song any better!
I've startedin gospelthen bluegrass and now country and I've never heard a sweeter voice John Cowen is definitely a blessing straight from God Himself!
I too have been lucky enough to see John Cowan perform in multiple shows with the New Grass Revival at the Down Home in Johnson City...I loved this video! Thank you.....
I have been a fan of John Cowans now for over 20 years. Love when he was with NGR too. My children have grown up listening to him and love his music, and NOW my grandkids will get that pleasure. I have seen him perform at least 10 times, and he just gets better.
Such a mournful and honorable tribute to the original written by Merle Travis; and, to miners about whom it was written. John Cowan captures the soul of the lyric like no other performer I have heard, and there have been a few: Tennessee Ernie Ford and Johnny Cash for starters. This version is worthy of as much noteriety and credit as can be given. Still gives me chills to hear it after all this time.
Never heard the like to New Grass Revival, all great musicians nd never fail to leave you in awe. John Cowan's voice can make you cry, or fall in love. Sam Bush incredible on that mandolin. Saw the whole band several times and I was practically a puddle on the floor.
Just seeing this video but had the Blue Grass Revival albums back in the day!! I loved them and John Cowan wherever you are you are friggin' amazing!! It would be awesome to see you perform!!
Why haven't I ever heard of John Cowan??! This guy should be uber famous, why the fuck do crappy commercial acts get all the fame, fortune and glory, while the most talented groups go by the wayside virtually unheard? Never ceases to amaze me the sheer volume of crappy, talentless dregs get pushed into the limelight, when there are unearthed gems like John Cowan glistening in broad daylight, yet hardly seen or heard by anyone. Just bought "New Tattoo" from 'Bluegrass Works,' this guy's a keeper!
I’ve been going through a nostalgic phase lately and listening to New Grass Revival A LOT! I remember my dad recording this when I was 2yrs old. I fell in love with John Cowan’s voice when I heard this one! I kept telling my dad “Again! Again!” And he’d have to replay it til I fell asleep! Lol I’ve been trying my hardest to find this again! Thank you for posting😊
o man.. you know my uncle who is now dead gave me your tape in 1980 something. i have shared your music with kellyobrien@asu.edu my old flame from durango colorado . she is the director at the lincon center for applied ethics. also i was at one time very big on facebook,, your music has inspired my very heart and soul. many many thousands of people i have shared your music with.. my uncle told me that your song revival was my song... me. and it still 30 years later is. thankyou mr. john cowan shalom. wawoohola..- lakoda soux for respect. have a great and happy lifetime my friend and brother of spirit. aho-blessings
i am a native american med man and dancer. and an anchient world history buff. i lived in kentucky for over 8 years long ago... i play precussion for over 30 years. thanks man for telling the truth from your heart. it means a lot to me
2shooz Like almost everyone, the first time I heard him sing I was dumbstruck and speechless. I've heard some singers that "could sing the phone book", and he may have been the first almost 40 years ago.
Back in the late Fall of '73, hitchin' out of Binghamton, New York, late one night, I caught a ride with a truck driver who took me down into Virginia, down old highway17. In passing, he claimed he was the original author of this song; that he went down into the mines himself as a young man; that he'd shared this song with Merle Travis, who said he'd give him "half the credits" (because he'd just wrote the words;) but that he never got a dime for the words, or any credit either. True story...
Had the pleasure of seeing John Cowan at The Down Home in Johnson City a couple weeks ago. Wow what an amazing show he put on and the ensemble of musicians he had there made it all the better!! Bravo John and everyone there with him!
OMG!! What a surprise to readthiscomment!! I saw New Grass Revival MANY times at the Down Home Pickn Parlor in the late 1970s!!! I would have loved to see him there again, but I now live in Montana.
Reba, Sam needed to tell a story on how untapped this resource was....Great intro to the song...it set it up and John delivered. Sam is a very humble virtuoso mandolin player and one hell of a voice too.
John - this is the first time I heard this song, You are timeless soul. Scott misses writing with you - we were listening to old tapes last week......Would love it if you recorded "Something So Real". This song reminds me of that. Happy belated birthday, Duke!
Not speaking specifically of John here, but his purity of voice and style got me to thinking about this especially within the turbulent events of 2020. As much as youth can irritate you with their absolute certainty untempered by experience, it's the exuberance of their certainty and self-assured rightness of purpose that allows such purity. They are certain they are coming from a place of righteousness and their message is true. I think this is where young John's style is coming from, and not the place of a vocal diva. I think his vocal flourishes come from his heart and not his head. No doubt he is fully aware of and appreciates his range and clarity, but the fact he uses it to such stunning evocative effect to affect our emotions is only him effectively applying the tool God gave him to change the world in whatever way He intended. I see a man taking great joy in that gift and his ability to perform and share that joy with others. I came back to this performance today after reading extensively about the gifts to bluegrass, newgrass, jazz and music in general of the late Tony Rice. There are certain performances I return to to ground myself when my music world gets shaken and this is one of them. I hope you too have like grounding memories in your life.
Thanks for for your comment back to me 1FLEWUNDER.....I gave you a 1+ for your comment here! I'm a heavy duty fan of John Cowan....wish I lived in an area where I could attend his concerts!! We have a few venues here and maybe one day he'll appear at our Farmer's Opry--I'll buy my ticket the day I hear he's coming!!
Doree again, I somehow erased my last response to you, so, I'll tell you again how much I enjoyed your beautiful voice. I am going to keep watching......
I dfidn't know who John was when he got up and sang a song at The Station Inn in Nashville last year (2010). One song and I knew this was the voice among the 12 or so professional singers taking their turns that night. He went high lonesome that night like that non-traditionalist, Bill Monroe. This video, though. Wow. Like a previous poster hinted at, American Idol has spent 10 years trying to recreate something that existed long before. This needs preservation. Doobie Brother now.
![CENTRAL CEE - GEN Z LUV [VERTICAL VIDEO]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VIbidJm9q34/mqdefault.jpg)
JC has the Most Beautiful voice I have ever heard. That is all.
Why is this man not an absolute megastar? He is the best that I have ever heard!
He's touring now with The Doobie Brothers.
He is among those who know. There’s no accounting for taste however.
those whom know know
He is a megastar,in the eyes of his Creator.
He is a megastar, in the eyes of the Creator. I have pondered the same question. If I were a King, he would be my court troubadour. Honored and treasured.
Amazing. NOT just how it sounds but what it says. Cowan is amazing. What an absolute talent.
John has the most beautiful voice on God's green earth.
You rarely hear a voice this good. Clear, powerful and controlled. God blessed us to be alive to hear this God given talent.
They are so young, here. I saw the NGR on their 2nd appearance on ACL. I was instantly a fan for life.
John is a greatest country singer that I've ever heard. And Sam is a real virtuoso . I watched NEW GRASS REVİVAL ( in İSTANBUL) three times and we never forgot them.
Oh how I miss New Grass Revival. Thank goodness for my vinyl albums and CDs that I still listen to nearly every day of the year. I have been a music lover of all genres since I was 5 years old in 1959. There are four timeless male voices that will always remain at the top of my "greatest ever" list. They are (from oldest to youngest): Nat King Cole, Van Morrison, Don Dixon, and John Cowan.
Doubt ANYONE could ever do this song better -- just riveting.
Merle Travis did.
The vocals are incredible, in my opinion the best arrangement of this song is Jerry Garcia and David Grisman
I've been fortunate enough to hear John live numerous times, including with New Grass Revival and The Doobie Brothers.......hands down the purest voice you will ever hear!
John has a miraculous gift in the quality of his voice, and in his amazing ability to control his breathing. I've studied opera and also worked in the business of rock/pop/folk music. In over fifty years I've rarely heard a vocalist who is as talented as John Cowan. The first time I heard him with The New Grass Revival & Leon Russell at the Beacon Theater in NYC (early 80's) his voice gave me goose-bumps and I was an instant believer in the gift of his superb voice.
What a gorgeous voice. John has such an authentic, beautiful voice for a such a sad song. Sam Bush is now an iconic mandolin legend. Both men tell America's mountain story. God bless John and Sam.
I love Sam's modesty, he's so talented yet was willing to concede when John's voice was more powerful. Love listening to both play and sing, whole group of New Grass Revival was so talented. It's a real shame that the radio wanted to pigeon hole such talent and never played some of the best musicians around.
One of my all-time favorite singers. What a voice!
What a voice, what a voice!!!!!! I've been following John Cowan too, since BGR days!!! It's a sheer pleasure to listen to him hit those high notes---but then he puts his own John Cowan style on it!!!
No one can top it. No one. Thank you John
Agreed! Cowan's amazing memoir, Hold to a Dream, A Newgrass Odyssey is coming out in May, 2024. I cannot wait. Check it out here: a.co/d/0wLLdqV
The greatest voice in any genre and one of the kindest gentlemen in the music industry.
DITTO, DITTO. God given to us all.
I really can not figure out how someone could have a negative vote for this video. I have never heard this band or singer, and not even my STYLE of music, but this was very very nice.
Same here... I just stumbled across this, I don't even listen to ... what is this, blue grass? country? who cares? THAT guy is amazing. Anybody down voting this just hates life... or something...
I've been listening to these two for 40 years. They are both still performing. John has that gift from God, perfect pitch.
Even better live :)
HarrrySpider They call it New Grass and these two men invented it.
As good as it gets
What's really funny is Sam's humility. The Barney Fife thing . ,. ,. world's greatest, but so humble . . .
Happy New Year Sam!! You are the shizzle.
I had heard this three or four times before tonight. With every hearing I realize more and more how incredible his voice is. He sings with fantastic technique but also with the genuine emotion that puts it over the top! No one could do this song any better!
This song makes every hair on my body stand up!!!! What a voice!!!! Omg!
This is just blindingly beautiful.
I've startedin gospelthen bluegrass and now country and I've never heard a sweeter voice John Cowen is definitely a blessing straight from God Himself!
I too have been lucky enough to see John Cowan perform in multiple shows with the New Grass Revival at the Down Home in Johnson City...I loved this video! Thank you.....
The Dobbie Brothers were fortunate to get John although they don't use his voice enough.
I have been a fan of John Cowans now for over 20 years. Love when he was with NGR too. My children have grown up listening to him and love his music, and NOW my grandkids will get that pleasure. I have seen him perform at least 10 times, and he just gets better.
Had the pleasure of meeting them both in Nashville some years ago. In addition to being amazing performers, they're first-class people too.
One of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard.
John has the best hair in Bluegrass!!
Chills every time I hear this. Absolute chills.
Such a mournful and honorable tribute to the original written by Merle Travis; and, to miners about whom it was written. John Cowan captures the soul of the lyric like no other performer I have heard, and there have been a few: Tennessee Ernie Ford and Johnny Cash for starters. This version is worthy of as much noteriety and credit as can be given. Still gives me chills to hear it after all this time.
Never heard the like to New Grass Revival, all great musicians nd never fail to leave you in awe. John Cowan's voice can make you cry, or fall in love. Sam Bush incredible on that mandolin. Saw the whole band several times and I was practically a puddle on the floor.
I found out about this band about 30 years too late! I listen to them all the time now. What a band! What a voice and harmony!
Formidable vraiment ♥️🙏🏿🇧🇪
I was privileged to hear New Grass at Winfield in the early 90's. Amazing talents all.
who could not love this voice
An Irish tenor under it all....gorgeous voice!
Love Cowen’s voice!
My GOOSE BUMPs have GOOSE BUMPS.... Omg What a voice? Incredible.....
wow ! his voice is amazing.
The hair is short now and nearly white but he still gots those awesome pipes
This is the most awesome song that I’ve heard in years. I love you all peace and love.❤
No words, only tears of love and appreciation.
The voice of a true performer in any music circle.
Once in a lifetime voice. What a pleasure to listen to. Thanks so much John
Amazing voice. Amazing and powerful song. Follow John Cowan. He has also played bass with the Doobies. The man is amzaing.
The best male tenor vocalist on the planet!!
There is no such thing.
Just seeing this video but had the Blue Grass Revival albums back in the day!! I loved them and John Cowan wherever you are you are friggin' amazing!! It would be awesome to see you perform!!
Absolutely amazing song / voice. Powerful.
Cowan kills it every time he steps up to the mic.
Why haven't I ever heard of John Cowan??!
This guy should be uber famous, why the fuck do crappy commercial acts get all the fame, fortune and glory, while the most talented groups go by the wayside virtually unheard?
Never ceases to amaze me the sheer volume of crappy, talentless dregs get pushed into the limelight, when there are unearthed gems like John Cowan glistening in broad daylight, yet hardly seen or heard by anyone.
Just bought "New Tattoo" from 'Bluegrass Works,' this guy's a keeper!
All of the bluegrass people are great. I would never have heard of him if he didn't play MerleFest so often.
You can still catch John. Sometimes he's even with the Doobie Brothers.
Absolutely beautiful!! I was so glad to get your email today. Thank you!!
Doree
It just doesn't get any better than this. New Grass, the best of the best.
Thats the purest voice I ever heard
Makes me cry. Just beautiful. Must have watched this 20 times over past few months.
Beautiful !
I've always said, John could sing the phone book and make it spectacular.
I’ve been going through a nostalgic phase lately and listening to New Grass Revival A LOT! I remember my dad recording this when I was 2yrs old. I fell in love with John Cowan’s voice when I heard this one! I kept telling my dad “Again! Again!” And he’d have to replay it til I fell asleep! Lol I’ve been trying my hardest to find this again! Thank you for posting😊
GREAT singing! :D
omg where has this guy been hiding
he is incredible
Beautifully sung. I love the song and sing it also, though not usually in public. (Yes, "John Cowan" is my real name and his too.)
o man.. you know my uncle who is now dead gave me your tape in 1980 something. i have shared your music with kellyobrien@asu.edu my old flame from durango colorado . she is the director at the lincon center for applied ethics. also i was at one time very big on facebook,, your music has inspired my very heart and soul. many many thousands of people i have shared your music with.. my uncle told me that your song revival was my song... me. and it still 30 years later is. thankyou mr. john cowan shalom. wawoohola..- lakoda soux for respect. have a great and happy lifetime my friend and brother of spirit. aho-blessings
i am a native american med man and dancer. and an anchient world history buff. i lived in kentucky for over 8 years long ago... i play precussion for over 30 years. thanks man for telling the truth from your heart. it means a lot to me
sorry man. i thought you were him/.. my bad
Kurt Knifer j
He was singer for new grass revival
I was there! Good times.
What great singer! What a great band!
Pipes! The man can sign people! Awesome song as well. Enjoy, I did!
2shooz Like almost everyone, the first time I heard him sing I was dumbstruck and speechless. I've heard some singers that "could sing the phone book", and he may have been the first almost 40 years ago.
John Cowan’s amazing new memoir, “Hold to a Dream, a Newgrass Odyssey” is now available on Amazon!
New Grass Revival was awesome been listening to their music since 2003 John Cowan can really sing World class musicians
Wow. John Cowan has performed next door at the Down Home many times and I never went to see him!!!
Back in the late Fall of '73, hitchin' out of Binghamton, New York, late one night, I caught a ride with a truck driver who took me down into Virginia, down old highway17. In passing, he claimed he was the original author of this song; that he went down into the mines himself as a young man; that he'd shared this song with Merle Travis, who said he'd give him "half the credits" (because he'd just wrote the words;) but that he never got a dime for the words, or any credit either. True story...
What bullshit...
Awesome!! Awesome bassist too!
Was on the first row for this show. John and Sam are the best.
Great vocal. Why do people insist on comparing one singer to another, or saying someone is the best or the worst? Why don't you just enjoy the moment?
Freakin' goose bumps!
He can make angels blush! Thanks
Had the pleasure of seeing John Cowan at The Down Home in Johnson City a couple weeks ago. Wow what an amazing show he put on and the ensemble of musicians he had there made it all the better!! Bravo John and everyone there with him!
OMG!! What a surprise to readthiscomment!! I saw New Grass Revival MANY times at the Down Home Pickn Parlor in the late 1970s!!! I would have loved to see him there again, but I now live in Montana.
THANKS DALE THAT WAS WONDERFUL
!
Fabulous, thanks
Well you certainly nailed that answer, spot-on.
ALWAYS ONE OF MY FAVORITES
Reba, Sam needed to tell a story on how untapped this resource was....Great intro to the song...it set it up and John delivered. Sam is a very humble virtuoso mandolin player and one hell of a voice too.
WOW American mates i just lov this he is so great.all the best from Australia .
Considering the fact that 38 years have passed, I'd say John is looking just fine!
The most beautify b[voice i have ever herd
John - this is the first time I heard this song, You are timeless soul. Scott misses writing with you - we were listening to old tapes last week......Would love it if you recorded "Something So Real". This song reminds me of that. Happy belated birthday, Duke!
This song depicts my life and my co workers life and how we feel like no other
his voice ....... makes me melt in my recliner
Incredible.........
I miss the 80's-90's when he had the gorgeous big hair. He was so sexy.
Not speaking specifically of John here, but his purity of voice and style got me to thinking about this especially within the turbulent events of 2020. As much as youth can irritate you with their absolute certainty untempered by experience, it's the exuberance of their certainty and self-assured rightness of purpose that allows such purity. They are certain they are coming from a place of righteousness and their message is true.
I think this is where young John's style is coming from, and not the place of a vocal diva. I think his vocal flourishes come from his heart and not his head. No doubt he is fully aware of and appreciates his range and clarity, but the fact he uses it to such stunning evocative effect to affect our emotions is only him effectively applying the tool God gave him to change the world in whatever way He intended. I see a man taking great joy in that gift and his ability to perform and share that joy with others.
I came back to this performance today after reading extensively about the gifts to bluegrass, newgrass, jazz and music in general of the late Tony Rice. There are certain performances I return to to ground myself when my music world gets shaken and this is one of them. I hope you too have like grounding memories in your life.
It just don't get no better than that.
Yeah it dose .. James Dupre give him a listen.
Yeah...I just cried...
Thanks for for your comment back to me
1FLEWUNDER.....I gave you a 1+ for your comment here! I'm a heavy duty fan of John Cowan....wish I lived in an area where I could attend his concerts!! We have a few venues here and maybe one day he'll appear at our Farmer's Opry--I'll buy my ticket the day I hear he's coming!!
I'm hooked!
What an inspiring vocal. Sad that I am not familiar with this band. Awesome.
So beautiful ,, John
nothing better.
gorgeous!
Doree again, I somehow erased my last response to you, so, I'll tell you again how much I enjoyed your beautiful voice. I am going to keep watching......
Outstanding.
I dfidn't know who John was when he got up and sang a song at The Station Inn in Nashville last year (2010). One song and I knew this was the voice among the 12 or so professional singers taking their turns that night. He went high lonesome that night like that non-traditionalist, Bill Monroe.
This video, though. Wow. Like a previous poster hinted at, American Idol has spent 10 years trying to recreate something that existed long before. This needs preservation.
Doobie Brother now.
Guitar player sure laid down a great guide for JC ...strong all the way round
Pat Flynn was one of the best guitar players ever!
I agree!