Country music legend David Allan Coe, known for outlaw hits like You Never Even Called Me by My Name, has reportedly died at 86. His passing was confirmed by Rolling Stone, though no cause of death was announced.
Born in Akron in 1939, Coe’s troubled early life and time in correctional facilities helped shape his rebellious image and music. After moving to Nashville, he first found success as a songwriter, including writing Would You Lay with Me (In a Field of Stone) for Tanya Tucker.
Coe rose to fame in the 1970s with albums like The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy and songs such as “Longhaired Redneck,” “The Ride,” and “Take This Job and Shove It,” recorded by Johnny Paycheck.
Though widely influential in country music, Coe’s legacy remained controversial due to offensive material in some albums and later legal troubles. He continued performing into later life and is survived by his wife and children.