David Allan Coe was born in Akron, Ohio in 1939, and spent much of his early life in reform schools and correctional facilities. After concluding a prison stint in 1967, he moved to Nashville to pursue a music career, busking outside the Ryman Auditorium (where the Grand Ole Opry was then located) and sleeping in a hearse that he parked on the street outside the venue. He signed to Plantation Records, putting out his first two albums -- 'Penitentiary Blues' and 'Requiem for a Harlem' -- on the label before moving to Columbia Records, where he remained for much of the '70s and '80s. Among his biggest hits are "Longhaired Redneck," "She Used to Love Me a Lot" and "You Never Even Called Me by My Name," the latter of which was written by Steve Goodman and John Prine. Coe also wrote "Take This Job and Shove It," which was popularized by Johnny Paycheck. Coe's alternative lifestyle and outlaw style and both earned him a cult following and alienated him from the music industry's mainstream.
David Allan Coe
Watch Peyton Manning Sing David Allan Coe Karaoke After the CMAs
After co-hosting the CMA Awards, Peyton Manning tried his hand at singing some classic country music.
Country Artists Who Share Your Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Got a birthday coming up? So do these country artists!
Country Stars Charged With Felonies
Including several delinquent youths, at least two singers battling addiction and one jealous rage that ended in murder.
Dontrell Briggs' 'Tennessee Whiskey' Cover Wins Luke Bryan Over
His first audition wasn't a winner. His second try? That got him through.
David Allan Coe Discharged From Hospital After Battling COVID-19
The outlaw country icon is 82 years old.
David Allan Coe Hospitalized After Testing Positive for COVID-19
The country legend is 81 years old.
Reports That DAC Suffered a Stroke Are False, Says His Guitarist
Amidst stroke rumors and cancelled shows, guitarist Beebe Lee speaks out.
David Allan Coe: $1 Million Fine, Probation for Income Tax Evasion
Country singer-songwriter David Allan Coe has been charged a nearly $1 million fine and given probation after pleading guilty to income tax evasion.
David Allan Coe Charged With Income Tax Evasion, Pleads Guilty
Singer-songwriter David Allan Coe has pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing the due administration of the IRS (aka, income tax evasion). According to officials, he owes the IRS more than $466,000 in taxes from as far back as 1993.
David Allan Coe's Son Says He Did Not Abandon His Father
David Allan Coe's son, Tyler, played in his famous father's band for more than a dozen years, beginning when he was just a 15-year-old teenager. Now, as Tyler Coe celebrates his 29th birthday, he is speaking out about his father's behavior, and what he blames for the demise of their relationship.