We have learned that John Cowan suffered a heart attack earlier in the week, and is recuperating at home in Nashville. He has cancelled his scheduled performance in Chattanooga tonight, following a serious bout of weakness and shortness of breath on stage in Kentucky last night.
Fortunately, John is expected to fully recover and will be able to go out with The Doobie Brothers later in February.
Bluegrass fans will always recall John for his groundbreaking days with New Grass Revival where his soaring vocals opened up a new sound in bluegrass.
Cowan’s manager, Brian Smith, shared this statement about John’s condition.
“Last Tuesday in the early evening John suffered a mild heart attack. He was hospitalized after it was determined he had a significant blockage in one artery. Angioplasty the following day and 2 stints later he was home after a day in the hospital. He also lost his recovery sponsor to a long battle with cancer early last week and courageously sang at his funeral on Friday, a mere day after returning home from his heart scare.
Not one to let his fans down, with his doctors approval he played a sold out show at The City Winery in Nashville and unbeknownst to the crowd, was very winded after the show.
After a week’s rest, we felt he was getting stronger so the decision was made to travel to Frankfort, KY tonight and Chattanooga, TN tomorrow to play scheduled dates. John went out tonight and after the first song couldn’t catch his breath. The decision was made to end the show early and see a doctor. Tests were negative and he is at the hotel tonight resting and will return home tomorrow. We felt it best to cancel tomorrows show in Chattanooga and focus on getting stronger.
Our plan is to reschedule both shows as soon as the calendar allows and we wish to express our regret for the cancellations and appreciate the concern and well wishes John has received tonight, both from those that were at the show and those at home who love him.
I know I speak for John when I say ‘Thank you’ and we love you. John will be fine in no time and back on the road in short order.”
Whew… great news. Get better quickly!
