Dan Brian Bowden

Dan Bowden, 69; finger-pickin' and bottleneck slidin' from Flint to Berklee

Dan Bowden, guitarist, professor, and author, died of cancer on January 11, 2025 in Boston at age 69. Born March 25, 1955, in Flint, Michigan, he was a Berklee College of Music graduate who joined its faculty in 1989. Known for his mastery of blues and slide guitar, Dan taught across styles from rock and jazz to R&B, remembered by students as patient, passionate, and inspiring.

With more than a dozen instructional books to his credit, Dan reached guitarists worldwide. His best-selling titles include: "Wes Montgomery: The Early Years," "Mel Bay's Complete Accompaniment Method For Guitar," and "Electric Blues Guitar Workout."

While teaching at Berklee, Dan played with the blues and roots band Stingy Brimm. His solo album "No Better Time Than Now," released in 2011, featured original compositions including "Talking 'Bout the Weather" and "Unbrace Your Face." He was also an early contributor to Berklee Online, developing courses that expanded access to guitar education.

Dan is survived by his wife Caroline, children Calum and Chloe, and dog Einstein.

A memorial service will be held Friday, February 7, 2025, from 2-4 pm at Story Chapel, Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.