David Allan Coe, country music outlaw, dies at 86

David Allan Coe, one of the most influential and controversial artists in the history of country music, has died at the age of 86. According to a report by 'Rolling Stone', he died on Wednesday.

Born in Ohio in 1939, the artist gained worldwide recognition in the 1970s for his 'rebellious style' outside the mainstream of country music. In particular, songs such as 'The Ride', 'You Never Even Called Me by My Name' and 'Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile' have made him a permanent place in music history.

His career began in the 1960s in Nashville by writing songs for other artists. He first came to the fore as a songwriter when his song 'Would You Lay With Me', sung by Tanya Tucker, reached the top of the country charts in 1973. He then signed with Columbia Records and released his first studio album, The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy, in 1974. In 1975, he released his second studio album, Once Upon a Rhyme. In addition, his song "Take This Job and Shove It" was recorded by Johnny Paycheck and became a hit in 1977.

However, despite his success, his career was surrounded by controversy. He faced severe criticism for using racist and misogynistic language in two albums released in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Controversy did not leave him even towards the end of his life. In 2015, he was convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to three years of probation and a fine of nearly $1 million to the tax authorities.

David Allan Coe will remain a complex chapter in music history from both sides, with his extraordinary musical talent and controversial personal life. Source: Variety