Overview

David Allan Coe is an American songwriter, singer, and guitarist, known for his contributions to the country music genre. He was most popular in the 1970s and 1980s. His biggest hits included “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)” which was covered by Tanya Tucker and “Take This Job and Shove It” which was covered by Johnny Paycheck. David was encouraged to start writing songs while serving time in prison. He lived in a hearse in Nashville, Tennessee. In 2003 he revealed that all of his songs up to 1984 were sold in a bankruptcy proceeding for just $25,000.

What Is David Allan Coe’s Net Worth?

David Allan Coe, the American songwriter, singer, and guitarist, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $1.5 million throughout his career. This figure reflects his earnings from decades of recording, performing, and songwriting, adjusted for reported financial challenges, including a significant bankruptcy event.

David Allan Coe’s Early Career and Musical Success

Born in Akron, Ohio, in September 1939, David Allan Coe’s journey into music was unconventional. While specific details about his early life, such as his exact address or school attended, are not readily available in the provided sources, it’s known that his time spent incarcerated significantly influenced his songwriting. He was encouraged to write songs while serving time in prison, which later became a cornerstone of his career. During the 1970s and 1980s, Coe achieved his peak popularity, releasing numerous albums and charting several hit songs. Some of his most notable tracks 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.” Additionally, Coe penned the #1 hit songs “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone),” famously covered by Tanya Tucker, and “Take This Job and Shove It,” which became a signature song for Johnny Paycheck.

Coe’s discography comprises 41 studio albums, commencing with his debut, “Penitentiary Blues,” in 1970. His most recent albums, “Country Hit Parade” and “Early Years,” were both released in 2007. The income derived from these albums and the associated royalties contributed significantly to his overall earnings. However, specific sales figures for each album and detailed streaming data are not available within the provided information.

Beyond recording and performance, Coe also ventured into writing, authoring six books, including his autobiography. The earnings from book sales, while likely less substantial than his music revenue, contributed to his income streams. The exact sales figures for his books are not specified.

Financial Challenges and Bankruptcy

Coe’s financial history is marked by significant challenges, notably his battle with the IRS. In 2003, he disclosed that all of his songs up to 1984 were sold during a bankruptcy proceeding for a mere $25,000. He stated that he was not informed about the sale and, therefore, did not have the opportunity to bid on his own catalog. This sale encompassed the rights to a substantial portion of his early work, impacting his long-term royalty income. Coe explained that the IRS claimed he owed $100,000. Due to a flood destroying his financial records and limited ability to prove his assets, he filed for bankruptcy. This situation highlights the complexities of managing finances in the music industry and the potential for significant financial setbacks.

Coe also mentioned that “All the songs on the X-rated albums were sold.” He clarified that while he still receives credit as the songwriter, he no longer earns any income from that material. This further illustrates how the bankruptcy affected his revenue streams, as he lost ownership and associated royalties from a specific category of his work.

Coe stated that his primary income now comes from touring and performing, as well as from his new songs that he owns. The specific details of his touring contracts, such as the revenue split with promoters, are not available. However, it is understood that live performances constitute a major part of his current income. Given his net worth of $1.5 million, it is reasonable to assume that a considerable part of this wealth comes from his income after 1984, when his songs were sold.

Other Ventures and Personal Life

While the primary source details the musical career and financial struggles of David Allan Coe, it does not provide insights into other potential ventures, investments, or real estate holdings. Information regarding any endorsements, commercial investments, or specific details about his personal life, such as his residence or vehicle collection, are not included.

Similarly, there is no mention of philanthropic activities, personal collections, or other assets that could contribute to or detract from his net worth. The focus remains on his music career, songwriting, and the financial setbacks he faced. The details of his serious automobile accident in 2013 are not expanded upon in terms of financial impact or insurance settlements. The article does not contain information related to specific figures regarding each year’s income, real estate assets with addresses, types and models of private planes or luxury cars, or any information about personal investments.

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