Peter Rowan & Tony Rice

While in high school in 1956, Rowan formed the Tex-Mex group The Cupids, which became locally famous, self-releasing a single. In college he discovered bluegrass after hearing The Country Gentlemen and The Stanley Brothers. In 1963, he joined the Mother Bay State Entertainers and played mandolin on their record, The String Band Project. In late 1965, the 23-year-old Rowan became a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys and recorded a total of fourteen songs with Monroe before forming Earth Opera with David Grisman in 1967. Earth Opera frequently opened for The Doors.

In 1963, he joined the Mother Bay State Entertainers and played mandolin on their record, The String Band Project.

In late 1965, the 23-year-old Rowan became a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys and recorded a total of fourteen songs with Monroe before forming Earth Opera with David Grisman in 1967. Earth Opera frequently opened for The Doors.

In 1969, Rowan joined Seatrain, along with Richard Greene. In 1973, Rowan and Grisman formed Old and in the Way with Vassar Clements, Jerry Garcia and John Kahn. The same year, Rowan, Greene, Grisman and Kahn joined Bill Keith, Clarence White and John Guerin to briefly perform as the group Muleskinner.

Rowan has recorded and performed with his brothers, Lorin and Chris, at various times, starting in 1972. Since then, he has been involved in many group and solo projects, including Peter Rowan and the Free Mexican Airforce, and continues to tour.

Rowan composed songs performed by New Riders of the Purple Sage, including "Panama Red," "Midnight Moonlight" and "Lonesome L.A. Cowboy."

Rowan's most recent recording is Quartet (2007), the second collaboration with guitarist and bluegrass musician Tony Rice.