David Allan Coe, a controversial country music outlaw and singer, has died at the age of 86.
The singer-songer scored his biggest hits in the 1980s with songs like The Ride and Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile, but was heavily criticised for using racial slurs in his music and for his habit of displaying the Confederate flag.
Coe died at 5.08pm local time on Wednesday, his representative confirmed to People Magazine, adding: ‘David was a country music treasure and loved his fans.
‘Most importantly, he was a true outlaw and a great singer, songwriter, and performer.’
No cause of death has not yet been confirmed, although Page Six reported that Coe was in an intensive care unit after ‘years of declining health’.
The musician, who boasted a near 60-year career, was born in Akron, Ohio in 1939, spending much of his childhood and the next two decades of his life in reform school and then correctional facilities, where he developed his interest in music.
After heading to Nashville in 1967 upon release, he busked on the street to support his career before releasing his first album in 1970, Penitentiary Blues.
In the 1970s he also wrote hit songs for others, including number one coutry singles Would You Lay with Me (In a Field of Stone), which Tanya Tucker covered, and Take This Job and Shove It for Johnny Paycheck.
More to follow.
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