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David Allan Coe, Controversial Outlaw Country Star, Dead at 86

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30.04.2026

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David Allan Coe, Controversial Outlaw Country Star, Dead at 86

Coe was famous for songs like ‘The Ride’, and infamous for more controverisal tracks.

By Stephen Andrew Galiher

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Legendary outlaw country music star David Allan Coe has died. The controversial singer-songwriter was 86. No cause of death has been disclosed, but USA Today reports that a representative for Coe confirmed the news.

Born in Akron, Ohio, in 1939, Coe was well-known for performing iconic country songs such as “You Never Even Called Me by My Name“. Some of his other biggest hits include: “The Ride”, “Longhaired Redneck”, “She Used to Love Me a Lot”, and “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile”.

David Allen Coe’s cause of death is unclear at this time

The songwriter also had a couple of songs that were wildly popular when covered by other artists. “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)” performed by Tanya Tucker is one example. Johnny Paycheck’s take on “Take This Job and Shove It” is another.

It’s also notable that Coe was the first artist to record “Tennessee Whiskey“. Dean Dillon and Linda........

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