This story has been updated. He was a metalhead through all of his teenage years and he could play, like, Pantera, Cobb says. RIP Rowdy, JAMAL CEPHAS Kevin Smith What do you most want people to take away from this album? A cold beer, hot grill and the great outdoors. Huntermc6 Man!! You will be missed. Besides this being Rowdys story of what he went through, and what you guys all went through as a band, and just the general idea. And he shared it with anyone willing to learn. Jason Cope, "Rowdy" r.i.p. We are writing this still in a state of shock and kindly ask for your prayers for the family, friends and band at this time.Nashville Police Department Public Affairs Manager Don Aaron tells Saving Country Music that Jason Copes passing is currently considered an unclassified death, pending an autopsy by the local Medical Examiner. Both albums mixed elements of outlaw country and Southern rock with a blast of hard rock the group covered Black Sabbaths Hole in the Sky on Straw in the Wind and Changes on Old News. He was on top of that.. Hed meet these patrons and theyd be like, Yall are the real thing, arent ya? Jason was sooo cool. Rowdy, you are irreplaceable, and to say you are missed is a massive understatement. Hes a Telecaster man, but hes not a clone of Don Rich. - 2 years ago @amandacannon: RT @JoniKni56808241: Jason Cope - 2 years ago He would get a little frustrated with his playing and I knew that once he got frustrated, he was focused, Johnson says. I dont know how superstitious I am, but Rowdy was.. Maybe thats one that gets looked over sometimes, but I know thats the right answer to that question all the time. After knocking on the door repeatedly and receiving no response, the friend forced entry where he found Jason Cope unresponsive, and called 911. 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The two met at a one-off gig in Nashville, and after a fishing retreat together, decided to give a new band a shot, hitting it off despite a 13-year age difference. January 20, 2021 @ January 16, 2021 @ January 16, 2021 @ I had the pleasure of meeting him after a JJ show in Wabash. The Steel Woods ' sophomore Thirty Tigers album, Old News, represents a creative leap for the southern roots rock songwriting team of Alabama native Wes Bayliss and his North Carolina partner Jason "Rowdy" Cope, who completed their first recordings barely months after they first met. So the last three years with Jason were, he just felt so free and truly healed.. A lifestyle so perfectly captured by the country greats of yesterday, but still alive and well today in artists who truly get it. Please watch the full video to know more about Jason Rowdy's cause of death, age,. April 8, 2021 @ Please watch the full video to know more about Jason Rowdys cause of death, age, net worth, short bio.Jason Cope, the guitar player for the Southern rock band the Steel Woods and a collaborator with artists like Jamey Johnson and Brent Cobb, has died. Country is more than just a steel guitar. Its made from all the stones people threw at us. I had tickets to see Steel Woods with Whiskey Myers last October in Idaho Falls Required fields are marked *. The Steel Woods got off the ground six years ago, when Cope whose death was attributed to a complication of diabetes was playing guitar for outlaw country star Jamey Johnson. And, stylistically, he had the complete package, he could go from flat out hard core honky-tonk twang, to southern rock slide, with all the requisite nasty growling distortion and fast rock licks. I seen you conquer giants Jason and I watched you become one of the greatest forces in country music. The groups publicist confirmed Copes death to Rolling Stone. January 24, 2021 @ Everytime I sat down, I told myself it was He gave me an education you cant teach unless you lived it. January 17, 2021 @ Jason Rowdy Copes Death Currently Ruled Unclassified, Family Bible Singer, The Tall Texan Claude Gray Has Died, Tyler Childers Opens Up 2023 Tour By Closing Out Two Step Inn, Alan Jackson Helps Jon Pardi Make History as New Grand Ole Opry Pick, Newest Adds to Saving Country Musics Top 25 Current Playlist (#118), Country Fans Arent Unwitting Pawns (a Response to Ketch Secor & NYT). So youve heard the phrase People in glass houses shouldnt throw stones, right? In his honor, a memorial fund was started and has since brought in several thousands of dollars. He played guitar with the heart and soul of a virtuoso and the passion of a freedom fighter, Jamey Johnson says of Rowdy. ' Johnson says, laughing. I was shocked and greatly saddened when I heard this news. Trigger Heres what really grabbed me about his playing. We want to hear it. Sign up to receive exclusive discounts from Whiskey Riff Shop and breaking news. This is a huge loss for the music community. One of the best country, outlaw, honky tonk bands and sound Ive ever heard. January 18, 2021 @ We were the last two cars in the garage. 7:38 pm. Ellen Foster The death of guitar player and songwriter Jason Rowdy Cope for the country and Southern rock band The Steel Woods sent shockwaves throughout the independent country community when it was announced on Saturday evening, January 16th. He was 42. They are my favorite band, one of my favorite artists, and I hope that they will put out new music again. I read that you guys were influenced by Southern rock, your stage shows and your music is inspired by like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. They never stopped playing for their fans, who many have become like family. Hed always say the secret to success was keeping irons in the fire. He was the real damn deal. Although we never met . 9:17 pm, Moondog Americana/southern rock/hard country band The Steel Woods, performing at The Loud this weekend, also began 2021 with a loss in the death of their founding guitarist Jason "Rowdy" Cope in. "You name it . Big loss for country music. Bayliss is also a fierce guitarist and the interplay between him and Cope, pushed along by the chugging, sometimes sludgy rhythm of bassist Johnny Stanton and drummer Isaac Senty, made for epic moments of tension and release. This is a profound loss to music and humanity. Jason Cope and I once got stuck in the same parking garage together. 7:35 am. BELL COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - For country music artist Jason Rowdy Cope, a lifelong mission for him began with addressing a problem. Pictured: Rowdy (far right) with The Steel Woods. January 17, 2021 @ January 19, 2021 @ . in Nashville Saturday morning, January 16th, to check on him. Cope dealt with post-traumatic stress disorder throughout his life. The Steel Woods are carrying on in Copes memory and have already played shows with new guitarist Tyler Powers, who first stepped in when Cope was in rehab. There may be one or two names on there that people didnt think were, but I think one thing that its easy to go to, you know, like Willie Nelson or Merle Haggard when Im asked that question. Trigger He taught me how to grow up, really. Our house isnt glass anymore. This sucks, what a shit last few years. Formed in 2016 after guitarist Jason "Rowdy" Cope, who played in Jamey Johnson's band for many years, met lead singer Wes Bayliss at a music venue in Nashville, The Steel Woods have been growing their grassroots following out on the road while opening for the likes of Miranda Lambert, Blackberry Smoke, Jamey Johnson, Whiskey Myers, Cody Jinks, and more. His bandmates shared the sad news on social media on Saturday (Jan. 16). The Steel Woods are the real deal- was lucky to see them in a small venue in London. Prayers go out to all of his friends and family, Trigger Previous albums had been recorded in between tour stops, but COVID-19 gave the Nashville band the opportunity to really spend their time in the studio working through material and trying out different takes on songs. Nuance, thats what struck me, he coaxed pedal steel sounds out of that guitar by doing volume knob swells. Formed in 2016 after guitarist Jason Rowdy Cope, who played in Jamey Johnsons band for many years, met lead singer Wes Bayliss at a music venue in Nashville, The Steel Woods have been growing their grassroots following out on the road while opening for the likes of Miranda Lambert, Blackberry Smoke, Jamey Johnson, Whiskey Myers, Cody Jinks, and more. Wishing some peace and comfort to all who knew him. I was honored to have him help out with my album East Tennessee, loved the work he did on so many great records, and was so proud to see the success he had with his new band, The Steel Woods. We want to hear it. 9 Comments. The group released their debut album, Straw in the Wind, in 2017, and followed it up with 2019s Old News. He would eat his meals correctly and he wasnt drinking. The dude was like clockwork, Cobb says. Johnson pauses to collect himself and goes on to explain, in a near soliloquy that dramatically rises and falls, how All of Your Stones is a testament to how he and Cope overcame respective bouts of self-sabotage. And he would just be a freak about his volume pedal to give it that steel swell. On the Steel Woods 2017 debut, Straw in the Wind, he persuaded the band to cover Black Sabbaths Hole in the Sky. For 2019s Old News, Cope had them record the British metal pioneers Changes. They tackle one of Baylisss favorites, Skynyrds I Need You, on All of Your Stones, reimagining it as a duet with Ashley Monroe. Mindfulness can help you manage anxiety and other negative emotions by . norrie There might have been 100 people in that tiny room, but those boys played like it was a packed stadium. Most importantly, Cope found a use for all of those stones. 7:23 pm, I am so sad to hear this I met Rowdy back around 2014-ish in Nashville. He was an extremely kind, funny, smart, and talented individual. He had a lot of pent-up creativity that he wanted to get out there., At the time, Cope was still playing with Johnson and he gingerly approached his boss with news of his departure. 2023 Music Row Enterprises, LLC All rights reserved. I had the pleasure of hearing the Steel Woods open up for Whiskey Myers in Michigan in Jan of 2020 & it was a show I shall never forget since both bands rocked it! 2023 Rolling Stone, LLC. Despite the unexpected death in January of his bandmate Jason "Rowdy" Cope, who made up the other half of The Steel Woods, which pulls into The Shed in Maryville for a two-night stand starting Friday he's made his peace with it, he told The Daily Times this week. Thought this dying crap would slow down after 2020. The guitarist died in January, leaving behind a sturdy legacy. He was 42 years old. "Out of the Blue" is an autobiographical song written by the group's late co-founder, co-songwriter, and guitarist Jason "Rowdy" Cope, who passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on January 16 th following the completion of the album. Are there any influences that you think maybe people wouldnt expect or wouldnt necessarily notice? He seemed to like arpeggios as well, and did a lot of interesting sounds and textures with unusual chord changes. Through the release of their first two albums,Straw In The WindandOld News, theyve solidified their sound as a mix of traditional honky-tonk, country, and southern rock with lead singer Wes Bayliss strong and soulful vocals. Its a lifestyle. Laying it down in the studio this week. Rest in peace. Jamey is still one of the best, but that sound of the original band hasnt been duplicated. Breaks Down His Killer White House Correspondents Dinner Set, Bernie Sanders: Many GOP Leaders 'Don't Even Believe in Democracy'. Anyone who saw Jameys band immediately after lonesome song was released, knows the deal. Together theyd take requests and fire off covers of The Devil Went Down to Georgia. Proud of his Southern bona fides and determined to prove he wasnt an actor playing a part, Cope would sell customers moonshine that he bootlegged from North Carolina to California in his grandmothers car, disguising the white lightning in water bottles. Breaks Down His Killer White House Correspondents Dinner Set, Bernie Sanders: Many GOP Leaders 'Don't Even Believe in Democracy'. He tested it out while Cope was wrestling with the solo for Macon., Hed play a pass, and wed let him know if it was a strike or a ball or a foul. While his bandmates couldn't offer further details about his death, they marked the tragic news "with a broken and heavy heart.". The first time I met Jason, it was on a tour bus (when he was with Jamey) and we had the best sit down conversation about history and the education system. As a guitarist he was a force, as a songwriter he was an emotion with a pen, as a friend he was loyal and dependable to the end and as for me, he was my brother.Brent Cobb said upon Rowdys passing, He schooled me on everything. Time slips away call a friend you havent talked to in a while and tell them you love them.. Its one of those things, man, that I just didnt believe it for a couple of days, Bayliss says. News January 16, 2021 @ We did a few co writes, went fishin a couple times, and I still have a cookbook he gave me, white trash cookin 6:22 pm. January 24, 2021 @ Well, I think just that, that its really about even, you know, after, after the loss of Rowdy and everything, the one thing that Ive said every time is that bad things happen, and theres only one thing that we know to do, and thats to press on. If you think talking about artists like Jason Rowdy Cope results in large numbers of clicks beyond a very small niche of dialed-in independent fans, you dont know anything about how journalism and clickbait works. 11:17 pm, We had a few good times together after numerous concerts..he always remembered me and treated me like a pal..gonna miss ya brother!, Truth5 Ill never forget Jason Cope. A mindset. The band made the devastating announcement this evening on their social media: My heart goes out the guys in the band, Jasons friends, his family, everybody that had the chance to meet him along the way, and the die-hard fans of this great band. RIP Rowdy, you will be forever and greatly missed., A post shared by The Steel Woods (@thesteelwoods), Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. I lost a friend today, Lindi Ortega said at the news. January 16, 2021 @ When he died, Cope was working to help military veterans that suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which he also struggled with. He played with Johnson for nine years, as well as on albums by The Secret Sisters, Lindi Ortega, The Oak Ridge Boys and more. The album was nominated for Saving Country Musics Album of the Year. It was so smooth. : 2021 sucks already. January 17, 2021 @ 6:21 pm. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and all who knew him. It was something he was proud of and he earned it, Johnson says he petitioned guitarist Leroy Powell to delete a series of old YouTube videos in which he and Powell pretended to be feuding pro-wrestlers. Whether its Waylon, Willie and legends of the past, or superstars in the making like Zach Bryan, our finger is always on the pulse of true country music. 2:25 am, Stood about a yard away from him at a gig in Glasgow could see his strings vibrate I was that close. And with only a handful of years and a couple albums under their belt, theyre still in the early stages of their career. Kenny Dubman 7:02 pm, Daniel Miller Johnson echoes Bayliss sentiment. Rowdy brought that same energy to the Steel Woods and really enjoyed seeing them live over the years. HankThrilliams RIP Rowdy, you will be forever and greatly missed., In his own Instagram post, Brent Cobb recalled crashing on Copes couch in Los Angeles and listening to music like it was the only thing in life that mattered. He came to me one evening and broke out a pint of whiskey. In this video, we are sharing the sad news of Jason Rowdys death. Rowdy was an amazing talent, but even more than that he was a great human being. He played on multiple albums for Lindi Ortega, and produced her 2017 EP Til The Goin Gets Gone. 28 subscribers 1.2K views 2 years ago In this video, we are sharing the sad news of Jason Rowdy's death. I am 1, of 25 People Who Ordered, and Received The double Autographed TEST PRESSINGS of Old News, + an Autographed copy of the Original Artwork ! 8:46 am, Daniele He really was the un-Rowdy for the last couple of years, being sober and making sure that everybody else was in line, Bayliss says. Very very sad From an Australian fan R.I.P Jamey, Joseph Robson It seems like he prepared everybody to go on without him, Cobb says. The Steel Woods had always planned on recording a new album in 2020 but didnt realize theyd get a year to work on it. ? Shortly thereafter, I was able to see them play at Songbirds in Chattanooga. Jamey Johnson Joins Dave McMurray for Expansive Cover of Grateful Dead's 'To Lay Me Down' Man, were not even three weeks into 2021 and its already picking up where 2020 left off taking beloved members of the country music community from us. It is with a broken and heavy heart that we share the news that our brother, friend and the founder of The Steel Woods, Jason Cope, has passed away, the band said in part. 8:55 am, RIP ROWDY, so sad you were called home. Jason Cope made his name and became a familiar face to many country fans after touring in Jamey Johnsons backing band for nearly 10 years. I found it to be a task that was going to prove to be impossible to accomplish. January 17, 2021 @ Lexi Len So very sad . Unbelievable loss to the world of music. He schooled me on everything.. Obviously my heart goes out to the family. Cope was a cult hero in outlaw country and Southern rock circles, playing with artists like Jamey Johnson. Required fields are marked *. Jason Cope, affectionately known as ' Rowdy ' and founder of Southern rock band The Steel Woods, has passed away at 42. Im saddened every time I look at that signed CD handing on my wall , Christina The band announced Copes death on social media with the statement:We are writing this still in a state of shock and kindly ask for your prayers for the family, friends and band at this time. 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Launches Emerging Artists Program With Lainey Wilson, Jimmie Allen, More, Sara Evans To Celebrate 20th Anniversary Of Restless With Special Ryman Show, Parker McCollum Shares Title, Cover Of Upcoming Album Never Enough, Chrissy Metz, Bradley Collins Release Inspirational New Childrens Book, Luke Combs Returns To No. Brent Cobb, Dave Cobb, Jamey Johnson, Jason "Rowdy" Cope, Jason Cope, Lindi Ortega, Nikki Lane, Ted Russell Kamp, The Secret Sisters, The Steel Woods, Wes Bayliss, Trigger January 18, 2021 @ Jason "Rowdy" Cope onstage with the Steel Woods in Nashville in 2018. 9:01 am. And one of the things we both kind of marveled at is the idea that even through that, God used us. But either way, we were somehow able to make something good out of it.. The thing he reached for, he obtained, he says. January 17, 2021 @ The Steel Woods were cofounded by Wes Bayliss, Jason "Rowdy" Cope, and business partner Derek Stanley. Following his death in January, Copes group made visiting Eastern Kentucky a priority as they hosted events for the Jason Rowdy Cope Memorial Fund. Still can't believe it. The North Carolina native played on Johnsons albums That Lonesome Song and The Guitar Song,co-wrote The Guitar Song track Cant Cash My Checks, and worked with artists like Brent Cobb as well. One of my favorite live bands because of Rowdys stage presence and talent. The Steel Woods' Jason "Rowdy" Cope died in January, but his power-chord-meets-chicken-pickin' guitar style lives on with a posthumous album. 1 On MusicRow Chart For Third Time With Going, Going, Gone, Nashville SC Teams Up With Johnny Cash Estate For Man In Black Alternate Jersey. Ive seen them over 30 times and was at the first show after that band split up, that hardcore southern country energy was not in full force. Cope began his musical career when he started playing guitar and writing songs as a kid. By not really paying attention to the things we should have been paying attention to, Johnson says. January 16, 2021 @ We take comfort in knowing he is in a better place now and his passion for music and art will live forever in the work he has left behind. It was like he was forcing it all out at one time. In early 2019 they released their latest record Old News to much critical acclaim. After recording the album, guitarist and songwriter Jason "Rowdy" Cope passed away in his sleep at the beginning of 2021 before the band could go out on tour to promote All Of Your Stones. January 17, 2021 @ All rights reserved. Honest songwriting, always trying to push the boundaries of our musicianship and keeping it really close to our roots when it comes to our influences., The Steel Woods announced Copes death on social media, writing in part on Instagram, We are writing this still in a state of shock and kindly ask for your prayers for the family, friends and band at this time. Bought both records on vinyl that night, saw them a year later at the same place and bought two shirts. Rob Wilson Shawn Hernandez He was a real good person. And a third album was scheduled to be on the way sometime this year. Though mostly know for their Southern rock style, the writing of both Jason Cope and Wes Bayliss is well respected within the country music community. I was teaching at the time and his Mom was a teacher in NC, he had great insight on how to improve curriculum at the secondary school level. His cause of death was linked to his Type II diabetes, diagnosed in late. I lost a friend today, Lindi Ortega wrote in a stament. It was this idea of us being the umpire. I mean people are really excited to be back out and seeing live music, and, and as are we to be out and playing it. Some of it due and some of it probably undue. Hell be very sorely missed.Jason Cope started The Steel Woods with lead singer/guitar player Wes Bayliss. In addition to his work with Johnson and the Steel Woods, Cope also collaborated with other artists. I had never heard of Steel Woods, and I come here all the time! I dont think so. Even though its just him pretending to be wild and crazy, he cared about that stuff, Cobb says. So sad to hear this news. It had been snowing hard all day, and the garage attendants had all gone home with the gates down. 2023 Music Row Enterprises, LLC All rights reserved. This story will be updated as further information becomes available. His music will always mean a lot to me. After recording the album, guitarist and songwriter Jason "Rowdy" Cope passed away in his sleep at the beginning of 2021 before the band could go out on tour to promote All Of Your Stones. Your email address will not be published. You know, some people, they work on technique all the time and then when they play, you kind of feel like somebodys been doing a bunch of math. The Steel Woods were finishing work on their third studio album. In early 2019 they released their latest record Old News to much critical acclaim. Got to see him twice, my heart goes out to Steel Woods and Jasons family. Following the untimely death of the band's co-founder, songwriter, and guitarist Jason "Rowdy" Cope on Jan. 16 at the age of 42, The Steel Woods' surviving members, singer Wes Bayliss . In his final years, however, he began to use his musical talent and experience to help others. The death of the guitarist, songwriter and founding member of The Steel Woods Jason "Rowdy" Cope on January 16th sent shock waves across the independent country and southern rock world. Jason was always nice. One of the nicest musicians I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Having collaborated with so many artists in his career leaves a long list of friends and collaborators morning Rowdys loss, including the family of country artist Wayne Mills, who was murdered in November of 2013. All rights reserved. We got several pictures with him. He was 42. He killed the dragon. The best playlists in country musicperiod. Photo: Courtesy All Eyes Media. Whether Cope truly felt his time was coming or not, he consciously dedicated his remaining years to living down his nickname. Jason Cope, the guitar player for the Southern rock band the Steel Woods and a collaborator with artists like Jamey Johnson and Brent Cobb, has died. A RIFF on what makes the great outdoorsgreat. Kristy Pruitt RIP, JB-Chicago After a decade of working in Los Angeles, he packed up and moved to Nashville in 2007. It is an absolutely irresponsible, ludicrous, and aggressively insulting assertion to make, and its embarrassing I even have to address it. 6:15 am. All material 2023 LEO Weekly, Louisville, KY. All rights reserved. This is a gut punch for me. 1:36 pm, What a devastating loss to the revitalization of Southern Rock music. Not sure if they are still on youtube, but the band was good enough to put on plenty of shows (not just a couple of songs) during lockdown, and always would put a great big smile on my face. Coming out via Woods Music/Thirty Tigers, the bands third release is expected to be their strongest and most substantive work to date. You will truly be missed. 8:52 pm. He knew thousands of songs.. Jason Rowdy Cope, co-founder and guitar player of country rock band The Steel Woods, passed away. Steel Woods, Jamey Johnson Guitarist Jason Rowdy Cope Has Died, https://www.facebook.com/countryrebelclothing/videos/1171901902855487/, Family Bible Singer, The Tall Texan Claude Gray Has Died, Tyler Childers Opens Up 2023 Tour By Closing Out Two Step Inn, Alan Jackson Helps Jon Pardi Make History as New Grand Ole Opry Pick, Newest Adds to Saving Country Musics Top 25 Current Playlist (#118), Country Fans Arent Unwitting Pawns (a Response to Ketch Secor & NYT). Ron kilmer I was privileged to see Rowdy play live with both Jamey Johnson and with Steel Woods.