Brian “Nashville” Duckworth, the country singer and songwriter who performed with family band Taylor Made, has died aged 56 at his home in Clarksburg, West Virginia. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
Duckworth was a member of Taylor Made alongside his sister, Wendy Williams, and brother, Greg Duckworth. The group became known for its three-part sibling harmonies after growing up singing together on their porch in Taylor County, West Virginia.
Music was “a special part of his life”, his obituary said. He “loved to sing and proudly performed with his family band” and “never passed up an opportunity to share his voice”, earning the nickname “Nashville”.
The siblings won the Colgate Country Showdown, where they were discovered by Nashville manager Dale Morris. Morris encouraged them to change their name from I-79 to Taylor Made and helped the group begin its radio career.
Taylor Made released the single Things You Don’t Grow Out Of in 2012. The following year, the band was named Independent Artist of the Year by Nashville’s MusicRow Magazine.
Reflecting on the group’s progress, Duckworth said: “Three kids from the back porch have to have a lot of help to get the exposure. We’re just excited about each and every step along the way.”
Taylor Made later opened for performers including Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley.
Alongside music, Duckworth worked as a dump-truck driver for Wolfe’s Excavating. His obituary described him as the “Truck Boss”, saying he enjoyed the job because it allowed him to spend his days outdoors.
“Whether working or relaxing, Brian was happiest surrounded by nature,” the obituary said. “Brian’s love of family, music, and the outdoors will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.”
Duckworth is survived by his wife of more than 15 years, Tina Scheuvront Duckworth, as well as six children, four grandchildren, five siblings and his pets.
A fundraising appeal has been launched to help his wife meet funeral costs, time away from work and continuing bills. It has a target of $7,500 and had raised $4,445 by Saturday.
He was preceded in death by his brother Dennis Keith Duckworth and his father-in-law, Robert “Bob” Lee Scheuvront.
Duckworth will be laid to rest at Floral Hills Memorial Garden in Grafton, West Virginia, on Tuesday, September 15.
