David Allan Coe, Outlaw Country Singer and Songwriter, Dies at 86
David Allan Coe, the influential country singer-songwriter known for songs including “Take This Job and Shove It,” “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” and “The Ride,” has died at the age of 86, according to a representative.
Coe reportedly died in a hospital at around 5 p.m. Wednesday. His manager, David Wade, confirmed his death in a statement, while the cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Known for his rebellious image and unconventional career, Coe became one of the most recognizable figures associated with the outlaw country movement. His music often reflected working-class frustrations, independence, heartbreak, and life on the margins of Nashville’s traditional country establishment.
A Complicated and Unforgettable Career
Coe was never an easy artist to categorize. He developed a reputation as an outsider, both because of his music and because of the larger-than-life persona surrounding him.
Despite the controversy that sometimes followed him, his songwriting ability was widely respected. His songs found audiences far beyond the mainstream country establishment, and his distinctive voice helped establish him as a memorable performer.
His catalog included several songs that became closely associated with country music culture. “Take This Job and Shove It” became particularly famous as an anthem of workplace frustration and was later recorded successfully by Johnny Paycheck.
Coe’s own recordings, meanwhile, helped cement his reputation as an uncompromising artist who rarely appeared interested in fitting neatly into Nashville’s expectations.
