David Allen Coe Net Worth

David Allen Coe's Net Worth and Career Highlights

David Allen Coe, an acclaimed American songwriter, singer, and guitarist, has a net worth of $1.5 million. Born in Akron, Ohio, in September 1939, Coe gained significant popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. His notable hits include 'The Ride', 'Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile', 'You Never Even Called Me by My Name', 'Longhaired Redneck', and 'She Used to Love Me a Lot'. Coe composed the #1 hit songs 'Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)', covered by Tanya Tucker, and 'Take This Job and Shove It', covered by Johnny Paycheck.

Early Life and Musical Journey

David Coe's journey to songwriting began during his time in prison, where he was encouraged to write songs. After his release, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he lived in a hearse. Coe released his debut album, 'Penitentiary Blues', in 1970. Over the years, he has released a total of 41 studio albums, with 'Country Hit Parade' and 'Early Years' being his most recent releases in 2007. Beyond music, Coe is also an author of six books, including his autobiography.

Personal Challenges and Bankruptcy

Like fellow musicians Jerry Lee Lewis and Willie Nelson, David Coe has faced financial struggles, particularly with the IRS. In 2003, he revealed that all of his songs up to 1984 were sold during a bankruptcy proceeding for merely $25,000. Coe expressed his frustrations:

"All of my songs up to 1984 were sold in a bankruptcy proceeding for, like, $25,000 from the bankruptcy court, because nobody told me they'd been put up for sale! Basically, the IRS claimed I owed them $100,000. I was living at a place and we had a flood and everything was destroyed. They knew I didn't have any records – any proof of what I did have and what I didn't have. So I just filed bankruptcy. Nelson chose to deal with them. I chose not to. I'm totally straight with them now. The only income I have is the money I make on the road performing and from my new songs that I own."

"All the songs on the X-rated albums were sold. I don't own that stuff anymore. I have nothing to do with that stuff. They have to give me credit as the songwriter, but I don't make one cent."

Recent Developments

In 2013, David Coe was involved in a serious automobile accident. Despite the challenges, he continues to perform and write new music, driving his career forward with passion and resilience.