Brian "Nashville" Duckworth, a singer and songwriter for the family country band Taylor Made, has died at the age of 56. He passed away at his home in Clarksburg, West Virginia, according to his obituary, which did not disclose a cause of death.
Duckworth performed alongside his sister Wendy Williams and brother Greg Duckworth as part of Taylor Made, a band built around the trio's three-part sibling harmonies. The siblings grew up singing together on the porch of their home in Taylor County, West Virginia.
Music was "a special part of his life," his obituary stated. He "loved to sing and proudly performed with his family band" and "never passed up an opportunity to share his voice, earning him the affectionate nickname 'Nashville.'"
Discovery and rise with Taylor Made
The band was discovered by Nashville manager Dale Morris while competing in the Colgate Country Showdown, a competition they went on to win. Morris, whose client roster has included country stars Kenny Chesney and the group Alabama, suggested the trio change their name from I-79 to Taylor Made and helped launch their radio career.
Taylor Made released the single "Things You Don't Grow Out Of" in 2012 and was named Independent Artist of the Year the following year by Nashville's MusicRow Magazine, according to Billboard. Duckworth told the outlet at the time that "three kids from the back porch have to have a lot of help to get the exposure," adding that the band was "just excited about each and every step along the way."
The group went on to open for major country acts including Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley.
Life outside music
Alongside his music career, Duckworth worked as a dump truck driver for Wolfe's Excavating. His obituary described him as the "Truck Boss," a role he enjoyed because it let him spend his days outdoors.
"Whether working or relaxing, Brian was happiest surrounded by nature," the obituary read. "Brian's love of family, music, and the outdoors will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him."
Family and tributes
Duckworth is survived by his wife of more than 15 years, Tina Scheuvront Duckworth, along with his six children, Zach Morris, Ashton Goines, Logan Duckworth, Kayla Starkey, Michael Starkey and Matt Starkey. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, five sisters and brothers, and his pets.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis Keith Duckworth, and his father-in-law, Robert "Bob" Lee Scheuvront.
Funeral and fundraiser
A GoFundMe has been launched to help Duckworth's wife cover what organizers described as "the very real burden of funeral expenses, time away from work, and the many bills that continue to come in." The campaign has a goal of $7,500 and had raised $4,445 as of Saturday.
Duckworth will be laid to rest at Floral Hills Memorial Garden in Grafton, West Virginia, on Tuesday, September 15.
