David Allan Coe Convicted of Tax Evasion
David Allan Coe, one of the more infamous characters of the Outlaw Movement, has been sentenced to three years probation for tax evasion. In addition, a federal court in Cincinnati has ordered the 76-year-old Ohio native to pay close to $1 million in back taxes to the IRS. In 2015, Coe pleaded guilty to impeding and obstructing the administration of tax laws.
According to federal prosecutors, Coe earned income from touring from 2008 through 2013, but didn’t pay taxes or, in some cases, even file his income tax. In a 2015 story about Coe’s tax woes, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” singer would only accept payment for his concerts in cash, and never fifties — he thought the Grant-stamped bills were “bad luck and would not gamble with them.”
Coe, who is set to perform Tuesday in Connecticut, is known for country and Southern rock songs like “Longhaired Redneck,” “Willie, Waylon and Me” and the Hank Williams tribute “The Ride.” He also penned Johnny Paycheck’s signature hit “Take This Job and Shove It,” and recorded and released a series of X-rated — and often racist — underground songs.
Coe must now pay $980,911.86 for the years in question.