Welcome back to Country Music 4 Ever! Sadly, we lost another country legend. David Allan Coe passed away in the intensive care unit at age 86. The cause of death has not been reported. Today, I want to take a minute to look over the life and career David had.

David was born in Akron, Ohio on September 6, 1939. He had a rough childhood, and at age nine, he was sent to a reform school in Michigan. He was in and out of correctional institutions for years and was convicted of crimes including auto theft. However, this lifestyle led him to becoming one of the most loved outlaws in country music.

While behind bars, David took up songwriting after being inspired by a fellow inmate, Screamin' Jay Hawkins. In 1967, David got out of prison and moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music.

David lived in his car and occasionally camped outside of the Ryman Auditorium, hoping he might get noticed. His early music was mostly blues and R&B. When he signed his first record deal, he released a blues album inspired by his time behind bars. His sound soon evolved into a honky tonk country sound.

David then signed a contract with a Nashville publishing house, and his songwriting career took off when Tanya Tucker recorded his song, "Would You Lay with Me (In a Field of Stone)." David began appearing on the country charts with songs like "Longhaired Redneck" and "Waylon, Willie, and Me." He also wrote the song "Take This Job and Shove It" which Johnny Paycheck had a huge hit with.

By this time, David was becoming a fan favorite outlaw and continued having success throughout the 80s and 90s. Even by the 2000s, The name David Allan Coe wasn't forgotten. He was still a favorite in the outlaw scene. He will always be a favorite and it's heartbreaking that he's not with us anymore. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Thanks for reading. I'll be back soon!