David Allan Coe, the iconic outlaw country singer-songwriter known for hits like 'Take This Job and Shove It' and 'You Never Even Called Me By My Name,' has passed away at 86. A true outsider with a checkered past and controversial lyrics, Coe left an indelible mark on music despite his many legal and personal struggles.
David Allan Coe, the influential and often controversial country singer-songwriter, has died at the age of 86. Known for penning the working-class anthem 'Take This Job and Shove It' (a hit for Johnny Paycheck) and recording his own hits such as 'You Never Even Called Me By My Name' and 'The Ride,' Coe was a quintessential outsider in Nashville. His representative confirmed his death around 5 p.m. Wednesday, though the cause was not disclosed. Coe had been hospitalized with COVID-19 in September 2021 and made few public appearances since. Born in Akron, Ohio, Coe's early life included time in reformatories and an Ohio prison from 1963 to 1967 for possession of burglary tools, experiences he credited with shaping his music. He recorded his debut, 'Penitentiary Blues,' with songs written during his incarceration. He later became known as 'The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy' and was a central figure in the outlaw country movement, touring with artists like Willie Nelson and Kid Rock, and appearing in the documentary 'Heartworn Highways.' He was also the first country singer to record 'Tennessee Whiskey.' Despite his successes, Coe's career was marked by controversy. He released two R-rated albums, 'Nothing Sacred' and 'Underground Album,' via biker magazines, which contained lyrics criticized as racist, homophobic, and sexually explicit. He later expressed regret, stating these songs were meant for private gatherings. Coe also faced legal troubles, including a 2016 order to pay the IRS over $980,000 for tax obstruction, leading to three years' probation. Throughout his life, Coe cultivated a diverse fanbase, drawn to his raw honesty and rebellious spirit, solidifying his legacy as a true outlaw of country music.
