About David Allan Coe:

David Allan Coe was an American singer-songwriter whose career spanned more than five decades and whose music became closely associated with the outlaw country movement of the 1970s. Born in Akron, Ohio, Coe began releasing music in the early 1970s, establishing himself as both a recording artist and songwriter. His debut album, Penitentiary Blues, was released in 1970.

As a songwriter, Coe wrote songs recorded by numerous country artists, including Tanya Tucker’s No. 1 country hit “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)” and Johnny Paycheck’s “Take This Job and Shove It.” As a recording artist, Coe became best known for songs including “You Never Even Called Me By My Name,” “Longhaired Redneck,” “The Ride” and “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile.”

Coe’s prolific recording career included dozens of studio albums, along with live recordings, collaborations and other releases. His 1975 album Once Upon a Rhyme featured “You Never Even Called Me By My Name,” which became his first Top 10 country single, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard country chart.

Throughout his career, Coe maintained a distinctive identity outside Nashville’s traditional establishment and became a prominent figure in outlaw country. His songwriting and recordings earned him a lasting following among country music audiences and influenced generations of artists.

David Allan Coe died on April 29, 2026, at age 86.