David Allan Coe. Photo: Matthew Woitunski via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Talented country star David Allan Coe has died at age 86.
The charismatic performer was known for recording such hits as “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile”, “The Ride”, “You Never Even Called Me by My Name”, “She Used to Love Me a Lot”, and “Longhaired Redneck.” He notched 63 singles on the Billboard charts.
Coe was a talented songwriter, with artists including Johnny Cash, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, The Oak Ridge Boys and many more recording his songs. His biggest hits as a songwriter were “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone),” recorded by Tanya Tucker, and Johnny Paycheck’s iconic rendition of “Take This Job and Shove It,” which later inspired a movie of the same name.
Coe often spurred controversy with lyrics, with frequent profanities, tales of drug use and sexually explicit material. His rebellious attitude and image garnered him the title of the ‘outlaw’s outlaw.’
Coe was born in Akron, Ohio on Sept. 6, 1939. As a boy, he was sent to the Starr Commonwealth For Boys reform school. Coe would spend the next 20 years in correctional facilities, including three years at the Ohio Penitentiary.
After ending a prison term in 1967, Coe moved to Nashville where he reportedly lived in a hearse which he parked in front of the Ryman Auditorium. While street performing, he caught the attention of the owner of the independent record label Plantation Records, Shelby Singleton, who signed him.
In 1970 Coe released his debut album Penitentiary Blues. In 1971 he signed to Pete and Rose Drake’s publishing company Windows Publishing Company, and when Tanya Tucker’s recording of his “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)” went to the top of the charts, Coe was signed to Columbia Records. He cut his own version of the song for his second Columbia album, Once Upon a Rhyme, released in 1975.
Once Upon A Rhyme also contained Coe’s biggest hit, “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” written by John Prine and Steve Goodman.
His third album, The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy, was named for the rhinestones suit and a Lone Ranger mask he wore to perform.
Coe would go on to release a handful of more albums throughout the ’70s, including Longhaired Redneck (1976), Human Emotions (1978), Family Album (1978), Compass Point (1979) and Spectrum VII (1979).
In 1980 Coe enlisted producer Billy Sherrill for I’ve Got Something to Say, which included featured vocals from Guy Clark, Bill Anderson, Dickey Betts (of The Allman Brothers Band), Kris Kristofferson, Larry Jon Wilson, and George Jones.
Coe’s 1983 album Castles in the Sand would prove to be a mainstream success for Coe, peaking at No. 8 on the country albums chart. Its success was spurred on by “The Ride,” which spent 19 weeks on the Billboard country singles charts, reaching a peak of No. 4. The song tells the story of a hitchhiker’s encounter with the ghost of Hank Williams, Sr. in a ride from Montgomery, Alabama to Nashville.
1984’s Just Divorced contains Coe’s second biggest chart hit, “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile”, which rose to No. 2 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Coe’s 1986 album Son of the South featured contributions from fellow country outlaws Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Jessie Colter. His final album for Columbia, a concept album A Matter of Life…and Death, was released in 1987.
Throughout the 1990s, Coe toured throughout the United States and Europe. In 1990 he reissued his independent albums Nothing Sacred and Underground Album on CD, as well as the compilation 18 X-Rated Hits–which were very controversial for racist, misogynist and homophobic lyrics.
In 2003, Coe wrote a song for Kid Rock, “Single Father,” which appeared on Kid Rock’s self-titled album, and was released as a single. He released Rebel Meets Rebel, with Dimebag Darrell, Vinnie Paul, and Rex Brown, in 2006, two years after Darrell’s murder.
Coe is survived by his son Tyler Mahan Coe, who created the country music podcast Cocaine & Rhinestones and the podcast Your Favorite Band Sucks. He is also survived by his daughter, Shelli Coe Mackie. He is preceded in death by his son-in-law, the late Michael Mackie, formerly of Texas band Thunderosa.
Jason Aldean & Luke Bryan Announce Additional Stadium Headline Dates
/by Lauryn SinkJason Aldean & Luke Bryan. Photo: Matthew Paskert
Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan will embark on a run of co-headlining stadium dates set to kick off this August.
The “Double Down 2026 Tour” will make stops in Montana, California, Washington, DC, and Nevada. Gavin Adcock, Dasha, Chase Matthew, Jon Pardi, Dylan Scott and Lauren Watkins will serve as support across select dates. Dee Jay Silver and DJ Rock will join on all dates.
Both artists’ fan clubs can access ticket presales starting May 6. Tickets to the public go on sale May 8, and are available on both artists’ websites.
The announcement follows their first co-headline show last week at the University of Georgia.
“If our time in Georgia was a barometric measurement of what’s ahead, these shows with Jason will make it one of the best touring years of my life. And the fans will hopefully feel the same way,” says Bryan.
“Luke and I have each been at this, career-wise and as friends, for over twenty years, and have gotten to hit a lot of milestones along the way. We’ve gotten to share the stage plenty of times over the years, and playing UGA was just a preview of what’s coming for the rest of these shows,” adds Aldean.
“Double Down 2026 Tour” Dates:
August 1 – Missoula, MT – Washington-Grizzly Stadium + =+
August 16 – San Diego, CA – PETCO Park * +
August 20 – Washington, DC – Nationals Park = **
December 11 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium xx +
Openers include:
*Gavin Adcock
**Dasha
+Chase Matthew
xxJon Pardi
=Dylan Scott
=+Lauren Watkins
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kassi Ashton ‘Has Never Sounded Better’
/by Robert K OermannThe country stars are swinging into spring in wildly diverse ways.
In this edition of DISClaimer, you’ll find flavors ranging from hip-hop to reggae, from rockabilly to pop.
You might think that one of the big star contenders would rule the listening session — Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Lee Brice or Dylan Scott. But you would be wrong. The Disc of the Day belongs to Kassi Ashton. She’s been musically all over the map during the past five years, but it sounds like with “Bitches” she has found her groove.
The DISCovery Award goes to Kelli Belles, who is billed with her last name only. She’s an old-school country singer duet-ing with a Living Legend. More power to her.
THE HEATHERLYS / “Maybe Baby”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: American Love Affair
– What a complete and utter blast. Merriment simply leaps out of the speakers as Eric and Lindsey strut their stuff on this deliciously retro rockabilly tune. Everly harmonies, stinging guitar, slappin’ bass, rollicking rhythm. What more could you want from a springtime single?
LEE BRICE / “Truck Bed Mixtape”
Writers: Andy Sheridan/Brian Davis/Lee Brice; Producers: none listed; Label: Curb Records
– He vows to make love to her in his truck all night. Which doesn’t sound all that comfy. The production of this love anthem is somewhat muddy.
LAUREN LUCAS / “Bringing Me Home”
Writer: Lauren Lucas; Producer: none listed; Label: LL
– Moody and contemplative. She has been wandering lost, but now she has found her way, thanks to the power of love. Lucas dips into her low alto range here, which adds to the languid atmosphere.
JASON ALDEAN / “Don’t Tell on Me”
Writers: John Morgan/Kurt Allison/Lydia Vaughan/Tully Kennedy; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Broken Bow Records
– The track rocks mightily as he wails. His well-hidden secret is that he’s still in love with his ex. No one knows, but he’s afraid his heart will give him away. The new album is Songs About Us, and the title tune is a duet with Luke Bryan.
KASSI ASHTON / “Bitches”
Writers: Bryan Simpson/Kassi Ashton/Oscar Charles/Ryan Tyndell; Producers: Kassi Ashton, Oscar Charles; Label: MCA
– This is a wonderfully cool sound. A spare, thumping rhythm track features twang guitar and a splendidly drawled lyric. Ashton has never sounded better as she lays on the sass and admits that every gal in her family is as big a spitfire as she is. This delightfully refreshing track deserves massive exposure.
KEITH URBAN & MICHAEL McDONALD / “We Go Back”
Writers: BRELAND/Keith Urban/Sam Sumser/Sean Small; Producers: Dann Huff, Keith Urban; Label: MCA
– Urban’s forthcoming album is a collection of yacht-rock oldies (”Summer Breeze,” “How Much I Feel,” “Baby Come Back,” “I Just Wanna Stop,” etc.). Its lone original song is this collaboration with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer McDonald. The breezy ode appropriately recalls an old love from the 1970s. McDonald’s velvety voice shines on the choruses.
SMOKIN’ OTIS / “Trail Ride”
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Label: TS
– Also known as Tennessee Slick, handsome Smokin’ Otis is a Clarksville, TN native who stirs together his country raps, cowboy imagery and gang-sung choruses on this stoner anthem. Hooky and listenable.
DYLAN SCOTT / “Slow Down Ol’ Son”
Writers: Dylan Scott/Matt Alderman/Will Weatherly; Producers: Andrew Baylis, Will Weatherly; Label: Curb Records
– The inevitable passage of time and the fleeting hours we have to live are the themes of this powerfully delivered, thoughtful power ballad. Heartily recommended.
RAY BENSON / “Highway 61 Revisited”
Writer: Bob Dylan; Producer: none listed; Label: Tafari Records
– And now for something completely different. Durable Asleep at the Wheel leader Ray Benson is releasing a collection titled Swingin’ and Skankin’ that fuses western swing with reggae. Guitarist Warren Haynes joins him on this funky reworking of the Dylan classic. Believe it or not, the musical melange works. Also on board on the album are Willie Nelson, jazz legend Stanley Jordan and reggae superstar Sly Dunbar. Ear opening.
BELLES & DOLLY PARTON / “Son of Jolene”
Writers: Dolly Parton/Dan Harrison/Kelli Belles/Tyler Bank; Producers: Austin Luther, Johnny Gates, Kent Wells; Label: East Music Row Records
– The song that answers the musical question, “What would happen if Dolly’s jezebel Jolene had a child?” No surprise: He’s a wicked heartbreaker. The scampering track and Dolly’s pinpoint harmony singing are tingling delights.
BELLAH MAE / “Salt and Sugar”
Writer: Bellah Mae; Producers: Brett Truitt, JANEVA; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– In this pop-country ditty, she regrets her romantic decisions. He seemed like a nice guy, but then she got to know what he was really like. So she goofed, but can you blame her? After all, “salt and sugar both look the same.’
THE BELLAMY BROTHERS / “50 Years On”
Writer: David Bellamy; Producers: Randy Hiebert, The Bellamy Brothers; Label: Bellamy Brothers Records
– The legendary duo is marking its golden anniversary with this lilting, swaying reflection of music and memories. They’ve accomplished so much, so a little name-dropping in the lyric is only natural. Loggins & Messina, Merle Haggard, The Rolling Stones, George Jones, Queen and Conway Twitty are name checked, and the video shows many other compatriots who have passed on. Their innumerable international tours, Opry appearances, war-zone USO shows, youthful pop stardom and country classics are referenced, in case you need any reminders about Howard and David’s extraordinary career.
ALEX MILLER / “Just a Mom”
Writers: Steve Williams/Wood Newton; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– Just in time for Mother’s Day (coming on May 10), Alex lists the multitude of multi-tasking jobs that being a mom entails. She’s embarrassed to be applying for work when her only experience is being “just a mom.” But she gets the gig anyhow. As usual, Alex delivers the goods as an expressive vocalist. Also as usual, Salley’s production is understated perfection.
Opry NextStage Live To Showcase Class of 2026 During CMA Fest
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Grand Ole Opry’s next “Opry NextStage Live” showcase is set for June 3 at Category 10 in Nashville during CMA Fest.
The one-night-only event will highlight country music’s top emerging talent from the Opry NextStage Class of 2026, and the lineup features several members of this year’s NextStage class, including Willow Avalon, Graham Barham, Tyler Braden, Carter Faith, Alexandra Kay, Emily Ann Roberts, and Jake Worthington.
Tickets are now on sale here. A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to the CMA Foundation to benefit music education. The event’s host and additional performers will be announced at a later date.
Since its launch in 2019, Opry NextStage alumni have gone on to chart 43 No. 1 singles, headline arena tours, earn CMA, ACM, and Grammy awards, and more. NextStage alum Lainey Wilson’s name now hangs on the Opry member wall.
Marcus King, Jackson Dean, More Among Lineup For SkyDog: The Shoals Experience
/by Lorie HollabaughMarcus King & Jackson Dean
SkyDog: The Shoals Experience, a new music festival celebrating the spirit of Muscle Shoals, will take place Aug. 28-30 in Florence, Alabama.
SkyDog, the endearing nickname of Duane Allman, honors The Shoals as the birthplace of Southern rock, and celebrates the genre as one of Southern culture’s most enduring music forms. SkyDog Shoals will bring highly curated live music, food, film, and storytelling to the Renaissance Shoals Resort and Convention Center.
Artists currently on tap for SkyDog Shoals include Jackson Dean, Wet Willie featuring Jimmy Hall, Maggie Rose, Marcus King, The FAME Gang, Mike Farris, Gary Nichols, Spooner Oldham, Scott Sharrard of Little Feat, Peter Levin of the Gregg Allman Band, and Sons of Legion, along with a collective of legendary Muscle Shoals session players who helped create some of the biggest hits in history.
“This is the fruition of a dream I’ve talked about for a long time,” says Rodney Hall, Co-Owner and President, FAME Publishing and FAME Studios. “I’ve always wanted to create something that shines a light on this region as the birthplace of Southern rock and as a place where music history still lives. My father, Rick Hall, was part of building that foundation, and Duane Allman earned the name SkyDog within that story. When Duane talked Wilson Pickett and Rick Hall into laying down those legendary tracks on ‘Hey Jude’ at FAME, it marked one of those moments that changed music. This event is about honoring that legacy and giving people an elevated way to experience The Shoals.”
SkyDog Shoals is built around the creative legacy of Muscle Shoals: the songs, players, studios, and cultural pull that made the region one of the most influential music centers in the country. Organizers describe the concept as a “cruise ship on land,” with the hotel, convention center, outdoor stages, and surrounding experiences designed to function as one immersive weekend. Beyond the music, SkyDog Shoals will feature regional food, books, film, storytelling, and other programming across the property. VIP offerings will include experiences tied to the celebrated onsite Caution! Stones Ahead Rolling Stones Museum, and the weekend will close with an intimate Sunday brunch.
Tickets are available now.
Ole Red To Open New Location In Indianapolis
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of Ole Red
Ole Red, the bar, restaurant and live music venue inspired by Opry member Blake Shelton, will open a new location in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The new 37,000 square foot multi-level location is found in the Fieldhouse District at 231-235 S. Meridian Street. The venue is set to open in late 2027.
The new location follows the venue’s existing locations in Nashville, Las Vegas, Orlando, Gatlinburg, and in Shelton’s hometown of Tishomingo, Oklahoma.
“Man, the energy in this place is just unreal,” shares Shelton. “Every time I come through, I catch myself thinking up reasons to hang around a little longer. You put a city together that loves sports and country music this much, well, that’s about as good as it gets for me. Here we come Indy!”
“Indianapolis is a market we have admired for some time, and we are thrilled to have a like-minded partner who shares our vision and is helping lead the continued evolution of the downtown entertainment district,” adds Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Opry Entertainment Group (OEG) parent company Ryman Hospitality Properties. “We look forward to expanding the Ole Red brand and creating a best-in-class entertainment and hospitality destination for the Indianapolis community.”
Construction will begin later this year. Partners on the project include Woolpert Architects, Gilliatte General Contractors, T.M. Crowley & Associates, Lake City Bank, and the City of Indianapolis.
Musicians On Call To Honor Reba McEntire
/by Lauryn SinkReba McEntire.
Musicians On Call will honor Reba McEntire with the Music Heals Golden Ukulele at the inaugural Music Heals Live! at The Pinnacle.
Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), will also be honored, receiving the Leadership in Music Golden Ukulele. Glazier serves as Chairman Emeritus of the MOC Board of Directors, helping the organization launch MOC in Washington, D.C. and raising millions of dollars to support its programs.
The night will feature performances from Vince Gill, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, and appearances by Martina McBride and more.
“This is Musicians On Call’s grandest celebration yet, and with it we have the opportunity to showcase our national impact in our home base of Nashville, while honoring the devoted volunteers and partners who have helped us reach more than 1.25 million people with live music,” says Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “It means a great deal to recognize the leadership of Reba McEntire and Mitch Glazier, whose dedication has helped bring comfort and connection to patients, families, and caregivers—and the volunteers who create moments of joy and healing.”
Stan Garrison from Chicago, and Daisy Perez and Dianna Perez from Los Angeles will receive the Vivek J. Tiwary Volunteer Guide Golden Ukulele, while Jeff Scornavacca from Boston and Keenan Kamae from Chicago will receive the Michael Solomon Volunteer Musician Golden Ukulele.
Anyone interested in attending this exclusive event can bid their way in for a VIP experience and walk the red carpet with actor and singer/songwriter Charles Esten.
Music Heals Live! Host Committee members include Michele Ballantyne (RIAA), Jackie Jones (RIAA), Marcel Pariseau (True Public Relations), Diane Pearson (City National Bank), Deb Reiner (HCA Healthcare), Joe Riccitelli (Golden Retriever Entertainment), Rondal Richardson (Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee), Todd Rubin (Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics), Michael Solomon (10x Management) and Rick Whetsel (G7 Entertainment Marketing).
Drew Baldridge Plots ‘Farm Faith Family Tour’
/by Madison HahnenDrew Baldridge. Photo: Riley Mays
Drew Baldridge will kick off his “Farm Faith Family Tour” on June 11 in Omaha.
The 14-date journey will make stops in Cincinnati, Louisville, Indianapolis and more before wrapping on Oct. 18 in Newport Beach. Alyssa Flaherty and Chase Wright will join as support on select dates.
Tickets for all dates are available now.
Alongside the tour announcement, Baldridge has revealed he will release his new song “Love Needs You” tomorrow (May 1). Baldridge co-penned the tune with Josh Thompson and Matt Dragstrem and is a look back on memories early in his relationship with his wife, Katie.
“We’d drive the backroads past the farm, windows down, listening to country songs like Randy Travis’ ‘Deeper Than the Holler’ and Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s ‘I Need You,’” says Baldridge. “This song feels like a perfect blend of those two influences. It was in those honest, unfiltered moments that the foundation of our life together was built.”
“Farm Faith Family Tour” Dates:
June 11 — Omaha, NE — Barnato ^
July 9 — Cincinnati, OH — Ludlow Garage *
July 19 — Newberry, SC — Newberry Opera House *
July 23 — El Dorado, AR — Murphy Arts District *
July 24 — Houston, TX — Heights Theatre *
August 2 — Louisville, KY — Headliners Music Hall *
August 13 — Birmingham, AL — Workplay Theatre *
August 15 — Philadelphia, MS — Ellis Theater *
August 20 — Sanford, FL — Tuffy’s *
August 21 — Isle of Palms, SC — Windjammer *
September 10 — Indianapolis, IN — Hi-Fi *
September 24 — Greensboro, NC — The Pyrle *
October 9 — Little Rock, AR — Sticky Fingerz ^
October 18 — Newport Beach, CA — VEA Hotel ^
^ Alyssa Flaherty
* Chase Wright
Thomas Rhett Surprises Fans With Secret Set In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett performs onstage for Summer of Live: Secret Set at Odie’s on April 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Live Nation
Thomas Rhett surprised fans with an intimate “Secret Set” pop-up performance at Odie’s in Nashville last night (April 29) transforming the venue into a one-night-only live experience to kick off Live Nation’s “Summer of Live” celebration featuring a week of $30 tickets to shows across the U.S. and Canada.
The show was teased across social media in the days leading up to it, and the pop-up drew a line around the block and became standing-room-only inside. Rhett delivered a high-energy acoustic set of fan favorites, and standout moments included stripped-down performances of “Make Me Wanna,” “Look What God Gave Her,” “After All The Bars Are Closed,” “T-Shirt,” and “Die A Happy Man.” Jordan Davis also made a surprise appearance for the first-ever live performance of “Ain’t A Bad Life,” Rhett’s 25th career No. 1. Rhett also debuted a brand-new, unreleased track to the crowd.
The Nashville pop-up marks the first of a series of exclusive “Secret Set” performances tied to “Summer of Live.”.
The event builds on the momentum for Thomas Rhett’s upcoming “Soundtrack to Life Tour,” which kicks off July 7 in Nashville at GEODIS Park for a co-headline date with Niall Horan and continues throughout the summer.
Thomas Rhett performs onstage for Summer of Live: Secret Set at Odie’s on April 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Live Nation
Thomas Rhett performs onstage for Summer of Live: Secret Set at Odie’s on April 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Live Nation
Thomas Rhett performs onstage for Summer of Live: Secret Set at Odie’s on April 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Live Nation
Jordan Davis and Thomas Rhett perform onstage for Summer of Live: Secret Set at Odie’s on April 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Live Nation
Jordan Davis and Thomas Rhett perform onstage for Summer of Live: Secret Set at Odie’s on April 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Live Nation
Thomas Rhett performs onstage for Summer of Live: Secret Set at Odie’s on April 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Live Nation
Thomas Rhett performs onstage for Summer of Live: Secret Set at Odie’s on April 29, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Live Nation.
Backstage Access Presents Unites Talent, Industry Leaders, & Tastemakers At Inaugural Napa Valley Event
/by Lorie HollabaughParker McCollum connects with music supervisors and radio programmers at the 2026 Backstage Access Presents: Napa Valley. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Alexander Rubin
Backstage Access Presents recently wrapped its inaugural Napa Valley experience, a multi-format gathering that brought together artists, industry leaders, brand partners, and tastemakers for an immersive celebration of music, culture, and connection.
Set against the backdrop of Napa Valley’s world-renowned wineries and estates, the event featured performances and appearances from Parker McCollum, Shinedown, Ty Myers, The 502s, Grace Potter, George Birge, Thelma & James, Maggie Rose, Liam St. John, Hannah Dasher, Ian Flanigan, Jacob Hackworth, Jake Hoot, Brett Kissel, Emily Ann Roberts, Matt Stell, and many more.
Throughout the three-day event, attendees participated in a series of curated experiences, including intimate performances at Napa Valley wineries and industry-focused gatherings. The format allowed artists to be experienced beyond a single stage, giving industry professionals and tastemakers a view of each artist’s voice and story.
“In a time where the lines between genres, platforms, and audiences continue to blur, creating space for real connection is more important than ever,” says Bobbii Jacobs, Founder of Backstage Access Presents. “What we experienced in Napa was exactly that…artists connecting with new audiences, industry discovering new talent, and relationships forming in a way that simply doesn’t happen in traditional settings.”
Garrett Bradford, Erica Fosse (YouTube). Charly Reynolds and Ian Flanigan. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Ryan Waneka
Morgan Myles. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Ryan Waneka
Jacob Hackworth. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Ryan Waneka
Alex Lambert, Liam St. John and The Kruse Brothers. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Ryan Waneka
Bobbii Jacobs, Julia Cole and Maggie Rose. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Ryan Waneka
Hannah Dasher. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Ryan Waneka
Thelma & James. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Ryan Waneka
Madeleine O’Connell (Country Now), Amber Anderson and Joyce Rizer (Amazon Country Heat/Y’all Access/WSM) and Hanley Riggs (iHeartMedia). Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Will Bucquoy
The Kruse Brothers. Photo: Backstage Access Presents/Alexander Rubin
Country Outlaw David Allan Coe Dies At 86
/by LB CantrellDavid Allan Coe. Photo: Matthew Woitunski via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Talented country star David Allan Coe has died at age 86.
The charismatic performer was known for recording such hits as “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile”, “The Ride”, “You Never Even Called Me by My Name”, “She Used to Love Me a Lot”, and “Longhaired Redneck.” He notched 63 singles on the Billboard charts.
Coe was a talented songwriter, with artists including Johnny Cash, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, The Oak Ridge Boys and many more recording his songs. His biggest hits as a songwriter were “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone),” recorded by Tanya Tucker, and Johnny Paycheck’s iconic rendition of “Take This Job and Shove It,” which later inspired a movie of the same name.
Coe often spurred controversy with lyrics, with frequent profanities, tales of drug use and sexually explicit material. His rebellious attitude and image garnered him the title of the ‘outlaw’s outlaw.’
Coe was born in Akron, Ohio on Sept. 6, 1939. As a boy, he was sent to the Starr Commonwealth For Boys reform school. Coe would spend the next 20 years in correctional facilities, including three years at the Ohio Penitentiary.
After ending a prison term in 1967, Coe moved to Nashville where he reportedly lived in a hearse which he parked in front of the Ryman Auditorium. While street performing, he caught the attention of the owner of the independent record label Plantation Records, Shelby Singleton, who signed him.
In 1970 Coe released his debut album Penitentiary Blues. In 1971 he signed to Pete and Rose Drake’s publishing company Windows Publishing Company, and when Tanya Tucker’s recording of his “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)” went to the top of the charts, Coe was signed to Columbia Records. He cut his own version of the song for his second Columbia album, Once Upon a Rhyme, released in 1975.
Once Upon A Rhyme also contained Coe’s biggest hit, “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” written by John Prine and Steve Goodman.
His third album, The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy, was named for the rhinestones suit and a Lone Ranger mask he wore to perform.
Coe would go on to release a handful of more albums throughout the ’70s, including Longhaired Redneck (1976), Human Emotions (1978), Family Album (1978), Compass Point (1979) and Spectrum VII (1979).
In 1980 Coe enlisted producer Billy Sherrill for I’ve Got Something to Say, which included featured vocals from Guy Clark, Bill Anderson, Dickey Betts (of The Allman Brothers Band), Kris Kristofferson, Larry Jon Wilson, and George Jones.
Coe’s 1983 album Castles in the Sand would prove to be a mainstream success for Coe, peaking at No. 8 on the country albums chart. Its success was spurred on by “The Ride,” which spent 19 weeks on the Billboard country singles charts, reaching a peak of No. 4. The song tells the story of a hitchhiker’s encounter with the ghost of Hank Williams, Sr. in a ride from Montgomery, Alabama to Nashville.
1984’s Just Divorced contains Coe’s second biggest chart hit, “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile”, which rose to No. 2 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Coe’s 1986 album Son of the South featured contributions from fellow country outlaws Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Jessie Colter. His final album for Columbia, a concept album A Matter of Life…and Death, was released in 1987.
Throughout the 1990s, Coe toured throughout the United States and Europe. In 1990 he reissued his independent albums Nothing Sacred and Underground Album on CD, as well as the compilation 18 X-Rated Hits–which were very controversial for racist, misogynist and homophobic lyrics.
In 2003, Coe wrote a song for Kid Rock, “Single Father,” which appeared on Kid Rock’s self-titled album, and was released as a single. He released Rebel Meets Rebel, with Dimebag Darrell, Vinnie Paul, and Rex Brown, in 2006, two years after Darrell’s murder.
Coe is survived by his son Tyler Mahan Coe, who created the country music podcast Cocaine & Rhinestones and the podcast Your Favorite Band Sucks. He is also survived by his daughter, Shelli Coe Mackie. He is preceded in death by his son-in-law, the late Michael Mackie, formerly of Texas band Thunderosa.