David Allan Coe, an iconic and often controversial figure in country music’s outlaw movement of the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 86. Known for cultivating a loyal following that eventually reached cult status, Coe marched to the beat of his own drum, crafting a distinctive sound that seamlessly blended country, rock, and blues. While not a prolific mainstream hitmaker, his unique artistry led to eight singles charting in the Top 40 on the Country Singles chart, with memorable songs including “You Never Even Called Me By My Name,” “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile,” “The Ride,” and “Take This Job and Shove It,” the latter of which became a major hit for Johnny Paycheck and inspired a 1981 film.

Coe’s life was marked by a checkered past that frequently made headlines. Born in Akron in 1939, he endured a broken home and was sent to a reform school by age nine, setting the stage for a life described by Sun Records as “full of bad luck and misadventure.” He spent two decades in and out of various correctional institutions, including the Ohio Penitentiary, for offenses such as possession of burglary tools and auto theft. It was during these periods of incarceration that Coe discovered his passion for music. Upon his release in 1967, he journeyed to Nashville, determined to pursue a career in the industry.

In Nashville, Coe quickly earned a reputation as one of the genre’s more enigmatic artists. A gifted songwriter and charismatic performer, his throaty baritone delivery often featured profanities and vivid tales of excess. Beyond his own recordings, Coe was a highly sought-after songwriter, penning tunes for notable artists like Billie Joe Spears and Tanya Tucker. His composition “Take This Job and Shove It” not only became a smash hit for Johnny Paycheck in 1977 but also solidified Coe’s legacy as a voice for the working class and rebellious spirit.

Despite his undeniable talent, Coe’s career was often overshadowed by controversy. The release of his infamous X-rated albums, Nothing Sacred and Underground Album, drew severe criticism, with some denouncing him as a racist and misogynist—accusations he consistently and strongly denied. His personal life also remained a subject of public fascination, from his marriages to his unconventional living arrangements, including a period spent in a hearse parked outside the Ryman Auditorium.

As his solo hits dwindled over time, Coe remained a constant presence on the road and a source of colorful stories in the press. In the 2010s, he faced legal challenges, including an IRS order to pay over $980,000 in restitution for obstructing the tax agency, which, according to an unverified story, led him to sell his house and live in a cave. In March 2013, he was involved in a serious vehicle crash in Florida, his adopted home, but resiliently shrugged off internal injuries and broken bones to return to touring after several months.

Coe’s rebel spirit and enduring influence spanned generations and genres, leading to remarkable collaborations. In the late 1990s, he formed an unlikely tandem with Dimebag Darrell, the late guitarist of metal legends Pantera, along with bassist Rex Brown and drummer Vinnie Paul. Their collaborative album, Rebel Meets Rebel, was eventually released in 2006, after Dimebag’s tragic murder. Kid Rock, who namechecked Coe in his song “American Badass,” invited the veteran musician to open his 2000 concert tour, fostering a friendship that blossomed into a collaboration on the song “Single Father” for Rock’s 2003 self-titled album. More recently, in 2017, Coe appeared in both the song and music video for The Moonshine Bandits’ release of “Take This Job,” a song he originally wrote. For the video, Coe notably returned to the very penitentiary where he had once been incarcerated, an experience the Bandits described as “just cool” and a testament to the meaningful relationship they had built with him.

David Allan Coe’s passing was confirmed by his representative, who stated that he died just after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29. His representative hailed him as a “Country Music treasure,” adding, “Most importantly, he was a true outlaw and A great singer, songwriter, and performer.” His unique voice and uncompromising spirit left an indelible mark on music history.