A Song Built For DAC
When it comes to the “outlaw” label, David Allan Coe fits it completely. Known as one of the leading stars of the outlaw country movement, Coe made a name for himself with his rebellious attitude and equally rowdy songs.
No song better captures the essence of what Coe is all about than his 1975 hit “You Never Even Called Me By My Name.” Although the song wasn’t written by Coe, it seems like it was specifically crafted for him…and that’s because it sort of was!
One Unforgettable Song
Songwriter Steve Goodman crafted the song as a dismissive message to the music industry in Nashville at the time. He felt that Coe would be the ideal person to deliver that message, since he was quite open about his distaste for mainstream country music.
The fit turned out to be a perfect one, and Coe took the song to the eighth spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It did even better in Canada, where it peaked at the fourth position on the country tracks chart.
Even with the passage of decades, “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” remains just as popular as ever. We’re sure you’re guilty of singing the song at the top of your lungs a time or two!
A Can’t-Miss Cover
Modern country artists share the love for the song, and many have performed it during their own concerts. One artist who is fairly well-known for their rendition of the song is the Zac Brown Band.
There are several videos out there of the Zac Brown Band singing “You Never Even Called My By My Name,” but we think the best comes from their 2014 concert in Eugene, Oregon. Seated in a semicircle with all of their instruments in hand, the group unleashed their version of the song, which carried their distinct “homegrown” style.
You could barely hear the band above the crowd, which was proudly singing along. We’d say that the Zac Brown Band’s performance was a hit with all of them!
Time to place yourself in that audience so you can enjoy the group’s cover of this classic outlaw hit! Let us know what you think of it when you’re done!