Kid Rock says he knew a side of David Allan Coe that "most people never got to see."
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The "All Summer Long" singer took to social media to pay tribute to outlaw country artist, known for hits like "You Never Even Called Me by My Name." Coe's widow, Kimberly, confirmed his death on Wednesday, April 29, at the age of 86.
What Did Kid Rock Say About David Allan Coe?
Kimberly said that Coe was "one of the best singers, songwriters, and performers of our time [and] never to be forgotten."
Judging from his online tribute to the singer-songwriter, Kid Rock shares that sentiment. Posting a link to Coe's song "Only God Knows Why," Kid Rock talked about the time he spent with the "Take This Job and Shove It" songwriter.
"I knew a side of Dave most people never got to see. He was such a deep thinker, kind and about as real as an outlaw can get! He did not give a damn what anyone thought of him," he wrote.
Kid Rock then talked about writing songs with Coe.
"He also wrote 'Single Father' for me after spending a few days at my Ortonville MI home YEARS ago with me and my son," he shared. "I still have piles of songs I need to dig up we wrote together. Rock on David. Love ya brotha."
What Happened to David Allan Coe?
Coe was born in 1939 in Akron, Ohio. After spending much of his early life in reform schools and prison, he began writing songs and busking in Nashville. His time behind bars inspired his 1970 debut, Penitentiary Blues.
No official cause of death has yet been released for Coe. His wife revealed he died in an intensive care unit around 5 p.m. local time on Wednesday.
The singer had several health issues over the years. A semi-truck hit his Suburban one night in 2013. The singer ran a red light. Rescue crews spent several hours cutting him from the wreckage. The accident caused several broken ribs, bruised kidneys, and 48 stitches to his head.
Back in 2021, Coe tested positive for COVID-19 and spent a month in the hospital.
In addition to writing the Tanya Tucker hit "Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)" and "Take This Job and Shove It," made popular by Johnny Paycheck, Coe released 42 studio albums and more than 50 singles across his long career.
