Legendary Outlaw Country Singer David Allan Coe Dies at 86

SAN ANGELO, TX — Legendary country singer-songwriter David Allan Coe, known as the “outlaw’s outlaw,” has died at 86.

Coe died Wednesday while in intensive care, according to his representative. His widow, Kimberly Coe, confirmed his death to Rolling Stone. A cause of death was not immediately released.

“One of the best singers, songwriters, and performers of our time (and) never to be forgotten,” she said. “My husband, my friend, my confidant and my life for many years. I’ll never forget him and I don’t want anyone else to ever forget him either.”

A representative described Coe as “a musical treasure” who appreciated his fans.

Born Sept. 6, 1939, in Akron, Ohio, Coe had a troubled youth that included time in correctional facilities, according to his website biography. After his release, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a music career and released his debut album, “Penitentiary Blues,” in 1970.

Coe gained early recognition as a songwriter, penning Tanya Tucker’s 1973 No. 1 hit, “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone).” 

He later found solo success with songs including the 1975 top 10 hit “You Never Even Called Me By My Name and 1977 single, “Take This Job and Shove It.”

He released several albums over the following decades, including “Nothing Sacred” in 1978 and “Underground Album” in 1982. His popularity continued into the 1980s with hits such as “The Ride” and “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile.”

He continued working in the music business well into his 80s.