Country Legend Johnny Paycheck Dies at 64

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On February 19, 2003, country music legend Johnny Paycheck died at the age of 64 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. Paycheck was known for his outlaw country hits like "Take This Job and Shove It" and "She's All I Got", as well as his work as a session musician and member of George Jones' band earlier in his career.

Why it matters

Paycheck's signature song "Take This Job and Shove It" became a cultural phenomenon, helping inspire countless workers to quit their jobs in a memorable fashion. The song also led to a 1981 film adaptation of the same name. Paycheck's legacy as an influential outlaw country artist and songwriter continues to resonate with fans.

The details

Paycheck began playing guitar at age 6 and was competing in talent shows by age 9. At 15, he ran away from home and started hitchhiking, hopping trains, and singing in clubs around the country. After a brief stint in the Navy that ended in a court martial, Paycheck moved to Nashville to pursue his music career. He struggled to find success as a solo artist at first, but eventually joined George Jones' band The Jones Boys, where he sang harmony and played bass on classics like "The Race Is On" and "Love Bug". Paycheck's solo career took off in the 1970s, with hits like "She's All I Got" and his signature song "Take This Job and Shove It".

• On February 19, 2003, Johnny Paycheck died at the age of 64 in Nashville.
• Paycheck began playing guitar at age 6 and was competing in talent shows by age 9.
• At age 15, Paycheck ran away from home and started hitchhiking, hopping trains, and singing in clubs around the country.
• Paycheck joined George Jones' band The Jones Boys in the 1960s, where he sang harmony and played bass.
• Paycheck's biggest hit, "Take This Job and Shove It", reached #1 on the country charts in 1977.