Coy Bowles
Here’s a detailed profile of Coy Bowles — his life, work, impact, and some notable quotes.
Coy Bowles – Life, Career, and Notable Quotes
Coy Bowles is an American musician, songwriter, and children’s author, best known as a member of the Zac Brown Band. Explore his musical journey, creative diversity, and inspiring words.
Introduction
Coy Bowles (full name Coy Lamar Bowles) is a multifaceted American musician, songwriter, and author. He is best known as the guitarist (and sometimes keyboardist/slide guitarist) for the Grammy-award winning Zac Brown Band. Beyond performance, he has also established himself as an author of children’s books, an educator, and creative advocate.
He brings to his art not only musical talent but a heart for storytelling, education, and using creativity as a vehicle for positive change.
Early Life and Family
Coy Bowles was born and raised in Thomaston, Georgia. Betty Doom which performed punk rock / rock-and-roll in local settings (churches, birthday parties) in his hometown.
He initially pursued studies in biology at West Georgia College, where he encountered Zac Brown, but before graduating he decided to shift his focus fully to music. Jazz Studies Program at Georgia State University, while performing in the Atlanta area with jazz and blues acts.
Musical Career & Achievements
Joining Zac Brown Band & Songwriting
Bowles joined the Zac Brown Band in 2007, becoming a key member of their musical and songwriting identity.
He has co-written or contributed to several No. 1 hit songs for the band, including “Knee Deep”, “Colder Weather”, and “Sweet Annie”.
He’s also credited on several of their albums (such as You Get What You Give, Uncaged, Jekyll + Hyde)
Side Projects: Coy Bowles & The Fellowship
Bowles formed his own band, Coy Bowles and The Fellowship, which fuses blues, jazz, gospel, country, and rock.
Their album Into the Distance was released in 2006 (before he formally joined Zac Brown Band) and remains part of his portfolio when he’s not on tour with the larger band.
Writing, Education & Creative Advocacy
In addition to music, Coy Bowles is a published children’s author.
Some of his books include:
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Amy Giggles: Laugh Out Loud (2012) — a story about accepting one’s uniqueness.
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Will Powers: Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way (2016) — emphasizing perseverance and strong work ethic.
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When You’re Feeling Sick (2017) — a comforting, playful book aimed at helping kids navigate illness with positivity.
He also publishes blogs and short stories, integrating narrative creativity with his musical life.
Bowles cares about education, creativity, and giving back. Through his books and public voice, he aims to inspire young minds to embrace music, story, and self-expression.
Style, Influence & Legacy
Bowles is respected for his versatility — comfortable weaving between genres (country, blues, jazz, rock) while maintaining musical integrity.
His work in children’s literature gives him another creative outlet, connecting with youth in ways beyond the stage.
In the Zac Brown Band, his songwriting contributions have helped shape hits that resonate with broad audiences, giving him both popular reach and artistic credibility.
His legacy may continue to grow not just through music, but through the many children and readers his stories reach, combining art and heart.
Notable Quotes by Coy Bowles
Here are a selection of quotes reflecting his outlook:
“I love coming back home and seeing old friends and family. I would say it keeps me grounded.” “Life is short, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t live it to the fullest expression of yourself.” “If you feel like you have no other option in life but to follow your musical path, then do it. If you are talented and focus all your energy on becoming better and furthering your career and never give up, something will happen. … it is guaranteed that you will do more than if you didn’t do all that.” “My father is a very skilled carpenter. He can do just about anything with his hands. He is very artistic with his carpentry.” “I taught guitar lessons for a long time for a living before I got on the road. I really enjoyed hanging out with kids, talking about music with them, and trying to influence them in a positive way.” “I can play in front of 30,000 people at Fenway and not be nervous at all. But I get really nervous in front of kids.” “We never think about how many awards we’ve won. We just want to make the best music we can.”
These quotes reveal his humility, his value of family and roots, his dedication to craft, and his desire to use art positively.
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