John Bowman Interview by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show
- What is your latest cd and how is
it doing?
My latest cd is “The Hole.” It was
just released on September 29th. So far, it is being
received very well online and at the services I preach and sing in.
- Please tell us about the songs on
your album (influences, etc.).
I decided this cd would be a 6 song ep.
The way the business is working today, singles are what dj’s are
playing. So, I decided to cut six potential singles. 4 to Gospel
radio and 2 to bluegrass radio/media. There are 3 original songs on
the project: “I Didn’t Drive the Nails,” by Marc Wheeler, “The
Hole,” by Skip Ewing, and “Little Bit,” written by Barry
Hutchens. I also recorded the old Easter brothers song, “You Oughta
Been There,” or “Johnny Ran the Pews.” And finally, I recorded
the bluegrass gospel standard, “Talk It All Over With Him,” and
the Merle Haggard tune, “Silverthorn Mountain.”
- Your current single is being
played by radio. What do you feel is special about this song that
makes people want to hear it?
“The Hole” is about priorities. The
man in the song hopes to bring happiness by trying to find gold, but
the writer makes the point that doesn’t lead to happiness. Riches
and treasures of this world will fade away, but treasures laid up in
heaven will never rot, rust, or be stolen!
- As an artist, you have so many
tasks such as recording, touring, and interviews. What do you like
best, what’s your favorite activity?
I still love the interaction with the
people. Whether I’m singing or preaching, there’s nothing like
seeing someone realize that Jesus is the Messiah and accept Him as
their Saviour. I blessed in that my “job” is my favorite
activity.
- What was your big break that got
you into the music business?
I was playing with a local group in
Bristol, Tennessee called The Appalachian Trail. Doyle Lawson
produced an album we made in 1990. In 1991, a job came open with
Doyle’s group, Quicksilver. I tried out for the job and eventually
became the tenor singer/ guitarist for the band.
- What moments in your career stand
out in your memory as highlights and achievements which you are
proud of?
I’m currently writing a book about
those very things! There are so many. Being with Alison Krauss and
Union Station when they became members of the Grand Ole Opry, Playing
at Carnegie Hall with The Isaacs, meeting John Hagee and TD Jakes,
the birth of my children, Dove award nominations, Dove award with the
Isaacs, Grammy Award nomination with The Boxcars. But the greatest
achievement is to see that lost soul come to Christ. That’s eternal
work. I’m so thankful God can use someone like me to further His
Kingdom.
- What hopes and desires do you
have?
I hope to do more singing and preaching
all over the country. This is what God called me to do. I long to see
souls saved and people blessed through the ministry God has entrusted
to me.
- What can your fans expect to see
when they see you in concert?
They will see a man who loves music and
loves God. I record and perform songs that speak to me in hopes
they’ll speak to others. It’s all about glorifying God and his
Son, Jesus the Christ.
- Many music fans today get their
information about artists online. Do you have your own website and
what will fans find there?
Yes, I do. johnrbowman.com. They will
see my schedule and upcoming events. They will read my story and see
photos of my family. Plus, updates on current events happening in the
ministry.
- What message would you like to
send to your European fans?
That God is the same yesterday, today,
and forever. His Son, Jesus, is the answer to all of life’s
problems. That my message doesn’t change, no matter what state or
country I’m in: Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and sits at the
right hand of the Father making intercession for you and I. There is
nothing impossible with God. He has all things in his hands!