Steel Woods, Jamey Johnson Guitarist Jason “Rowdy” Cope Has Died
This story has been updated.
Founding guitarist for fast-rising and critically-acclaimed country and Southern rock band The Steel Woods, and long time session guitarist and touring member of Jamey Johnson’s backing band Jason “Rowdy” Cope has died according to the band. He was 42 years old. The Steel Woods shared the news Saturday evening (1-16) to many shocked fans.
“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 says. “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. 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. RIP Rowdy, you will be forever and greatly missed.”
Jason Cope made his name and became a familiar face to many country fans after touring in Jamey Johnson’s backing band for nearly 10 years. Taking up guitar at age 11, he grew up listening to Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, as well as rock bands like Led Zepplin. Cope worked in the Los Angeles area for eight years before moving to Nashville in 2007 where he soon joined Jamey Johnson’s backing outfit on lead guitar. Cope also co-wrote one of Johnson’s signature songs, “Can’t Cash My Checks.”
Through this time period, Cope also worked as an in-demand session guitar player, performing on records from artists such as Brent Cobb, The Secret Sisters, The Oak Ridge Boys, Pure Ed, Ted Russell Kamp, Nikki Lane, and for Jamey Johnson as well. He played on multiple albums for Lindi Ortega, and produced her 2017 EP ‘Til The Goin’ Gets Gone.
“I lost a friend today,” Lindi Ortega said at the news. “It serves to remind me that we should never take our friends for granted and we should reach out while we can. Time slips away… call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while and tell them you love them.”
Jason Cope started The Steel Woods with lead singer/guitar player Wes Bayliss. 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. Jason Cope was the wily veteran, while Wes Bayliss was the promising up-and comer. The two comprised the primary songwriters of The Steel Woods, with bass player Johnny Stanton, and drummer Jay Tooke filling out the roster.
After releasing their debut album Straw in the Wind in 2017 via Thirty Tigers, The Steel Woods immediately shot up the country and Southern Rock depth charts, aided by big opportunities opening for Blackberry Smoke, Miranda Lambert, Cody Jinks, Jamey Johnson, and Dwight Yoakam. In early 2019 they released their latest record Old News to much critical acclaim. The album was nominated for Saving Country Music’s Album of the 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. Having collaborated with so many artists in his career leaves a long list of friends and collaborators morning Rowdy’s loss, including the family of country artist Wayne Mills, who was murdered in November of 2013. After the incident, Cope stepped up to offer emotional support to Wayne’s wife Carol, and his son Jack.
“He was one of the kindest, funniest most talented people I ever knew,” producer Dave Cobb said at the news. Cobb had worked with Rowdy on numerous projects.
The word is that The Steel Woods had a new album finished, and ready for release in 2021. Now it will be a posthumous release for Jason “Rowdy” Cope.
At the moment there is no information on the cause of death for Jason “Rowdy” Cope. This story will be updated as further information becomes available.
Trigger
January 16, 2021 @ 6:22 pm
Jason Cope and I once got stuck in the same parking garage together. It was during the murder trial of Wayne Mills in Nashville. It had been snowing hard all day, and the garage attendants had all gone home with the gates down. We were the last two cars in the garage. Jason lifted one of the gates and we scurried out, hoping we weren’t breaking any laws. If we did, they never caught us.
J. Bair
January 16, 2021 @ 6:30 pm
I know that Jack Mills, son of Wayne, was really close to Jason and the Steel Woods. Prayers go out to all of his friends and family????
Trigger
January 16, 2021 @ 6:39 pm
Rowdy was there every day of the trial for support for Wayne’s family, even when it snowed probably 12 inches on one of the days and the whole city shut down.
george
January 16, 2021 @ 6:24 pm
Talented man . Sad. RIP.
Britton Tremain
January 16, 2021 @ 6:25 pm
This is a gut punch for me. Obviously my heart goes out to the family. I got into The Steel Woods right before I move to Hawaii in 2018. I have been looking forward to going to see them in concert for years. Hopefully I still will. His music will always mean a lot to me. I discovered him through you Trig and I appreciate all the hard work you put in to put out the word about artists like them. They are my favorite band, one of my favorite artists, and I hope that they will put out new music again. He will be missed.
Rob Wilson
January 16, 2021 @ 6:30 pm
Man!! Heart broken doesn’t even touch the feelings inside me. Rowdy was an amazing talent, but even more than that he was a great human being. I will truly miss hearing him ripping up the soundwaves. This is a profound loss to music and humanity. Go rest high on that mountain. Take the love of your family, friends and fans. We will all miss you. Rest in peace.
HankThrilliams
January 16, 2021 @ 7:02 pm
Fuck. FUCK.
Daniel Miller
January 16, 2021 @ 7:17 pm
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. 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.
A few hours later he took the stage and showed everyone in the crowd why he was one of the best young guitar players in country music. 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.
I was shocked to hear that Jason passed away today. He was an extremely kind, funny, smart, and talented individual. This is a huge loss for the music community. Rest In Peace, Rowdy.
Lexi Len
January 16, 2021 @ 7:23 pm
I am so sad to hear this … I met Rowdy back around 2014-ish in Nashville. We did a few co writes, went fishin a couple times, and I still have a cookbook he gave me, “white trash cookin”
I will miss him.
Rest Peaceful, Rowdy ????
Jim L.
January 16, 2021 @ 7:38 pm
Thought this dying crap would slow down after 2020. Guess not. This sucks big time. One of my favorite bands of the past few years. Was lucky enough to catch an awesome Steel Woods concert 2 summers ago. Wishing some peace and comfort to all who knew him.
Shawn Hernandez
January 17, 2021 @ 9:39 pm
I’m a huge fan . I had tickets to see Steel Woods with Whiskey Myers last October in Idaho Falls
of course cancelled due to covid . I was very upset . God rest his soul . He was a huge influence in my life . Although we never met .
Angela
January 16, 2021 @ 7:46 pm
Unbelievable loss to the world of music. Such a talented soul. Heaven will be rocking to his guitar solos.
Huntermc6
January 16, 2021 @ 7:53 pm
Can’t Cash My Checks is one of my favorite Jamey Johnson tunes! This sucks, what a shit last few years.
Ellen Foster
January 16, 2021 @ 9:17 pm
Wow, just wow…
Moondog
January 16, 2021 @ 9:49 pm
Last live show I seen at The Ranch in Ft Myers before the Rona shit went down….Steel Woods……Rowdy….RIP
John Lowe
January 16, 2021 @ 10:39 pm
Discovered the Steel Woods when they opened for Cody Jinks in Dubuque IA a couple of years ago, they quickly became one of my favorite bands. It was like a gut punch when my wife ( a huge SW fan also) told me of Rowdy’s passing this afternoon. May his family and friends find comfort in knowing that Jason touched many lives in a positive way through his music. RIP
JB-Chicago
January 16, 2021 @ 11:27 pm
Ohhh man I’m fuckin heart broken……. I saw em headline dive bar Carol’s, then Fitzgerald’s patio, and open a sold out show for Cody in Madison in front of 2500 and the crowd went crazy!!! Very sad……. 🙁
Rob
January 16, 2021 @ 11:29 pm
Saw The Steel Woods in a small venue in FL and he was a hell of a guitar player. Big loss for country music.
norrie
January 17, 2021 @ 2:25 am
Stood about a yard away from him at a gig in Glasgow could see his strings vibrate I was that close.
I bought their debut album on vinyl at the merch table and got him to sign it.As I approached him before I could say anything he said “wow man,cool t shirt” It was a Merle Haggard shirt.I was well chuffed.
RIP Rowdy
JAMAL CEPHAS
January 17, 2021 @ 3:52 am
Met my friend I considered a brother at the tender age of 15 or so and during that time he would play that guitar every day for hours upon hours practicing and practicing… at the time I never knew why he would rather go home and practice guitar runs, notes, chords, and bends….versus hanging out but later he would attend college for music in LA. and the experiences he spoke of were beautiful and full of a book of dreams…Over time we would speak here and there and during we never missed a beat but very few people knew just how close we were. I seen you conquer giants Jason and I watched you become one of the greatest forces in country music. To me you was big as anybody and on your way beyond what is the Top… It’s with a sad heart and tears that i tell you I Love You Brother and to RIP…May God be with your family friends and Your Band Family “The Steel Woods” Respect from Jamal Cephas aka Jamroc3000
Jaimito
January 17, 2021 @ 6:15 am
I remember hearing “Rock That Says My Name” on Outlaw and thinking “Who the hell is THIS??” Shortly thereafter, I was able to see them play at Songbirds in Chattanooga. There might have been 100 people in that tiny room, but those boys played like it was a packed stadium. Bought both records on vinyl that night, saw them a year later at the same place and bought two shirts. This is truly a tragic loss for music in general, and the Southern Rock revivalist movement (among which, I think The Steel Woods do it best), specifically. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Kevin Smith
January 17, 2021 @ 7:35 am
I was privileged to see Rowdy play live with both Jamey Johnson and with Steel Woods. Heres what really grabbed me about his playing. Hes a Telecaster man, but hes not a clone of Don Rich. Nuance, that’s what struck me, he coaxed pedal steel sounds out of that guitar by doing volume knob swells. He seemed to like arpeggios as well, and did a lot of interesting sounds and textures with unusual chord changes. And of course he loved those haunted ringing minor chords and used them to maximum effect behind Wes Bayliss voice. 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. He was George Jones and Skynyrd and Sabbath all rolled into one magnificent musical beast. Rowdy, you are irreplaceable, and to say you are missed is a massive understatement.
Daniele
January 17, 2021 @ 8:19 am
Man, sad sad news, how old was he? R.I.P. another great country musician.
P.S.: 2021 sucks already.
Trigger
January 17, 2021 @ 8:46 am
42 years old.
Daniele
January 17, 2021 @ 9:01 am
thanks Trigger.
So young, it hurts more. R.I.P.
Dennis Williams
January 17, 2021 @ 8:55 am
RIP ROWDY, so sad you were called home. You will truly be missed. You were a stand guy and one helluva guitar playing man
Steele Jarrell
January 17, 2021 @ 9:15 am
Such sad news. He was such a passionate musician. I had the pleasure of meeting him after a JJ show in Wabash. You will be missed. RIP
Angie Peoples
January 17, 2021 @ 1:36 pm
What a devastating loss to the revitalization of Southern Rock music. May you Rest In Peace, Rowdy and Fly High with the Angels. My condolences to your family, friends, and band mates. ????????
Todd Pottinger
January 17, 2021 @ 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
January 17, 2021 @ 8:09 pm
Anyone who saw Jameys band immediately after lonesome song was released, knows the deal. One of the best country, outlaw, honky tonk bands and sound I’ve ever heard. I’ve 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. Jamey is still one of the best, but that sound of the original band hasn’t been duplicated. Rowdy brought that same energy to the Steel Woods and really enjoyed seeing them live over the years. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
kadodd1
January 17, 2021 @ 8:52 pm
So very sad ????. 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!
Brad
January 17, 2021 @ 9:24 pm
Very very sad From an Australian fan R.I.P Jamey
Joseph Robson
January 18, 2021 @ 3:06 am
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 ! The Test Pressings are Numbered and Dated 17/25, 10-01-2018…..What kills me is Friday Night, I turned 61 Yrs old, and “The LAST” Record I listened to, Was “Straw in The Wind”…..I am STUNNED Beyond Grief….I have NOT Liked a Bands Music Like these Guys in a LONG Time to Go Out and Spend that Kind of Money, Because I believed They Were (ARE !) Gonna be a force in Music for a while !
Danny Cleary
January 18, 2021 @ 3:59 am
This is horrible. Ill never forget Jason Cope. He grew up in Black Mountain, NC. Jason was always nice. He was a real good person. My condolences to his friends and family. Knaw. R.I.P
Hans Rosen
January 18, 2021 @ 6:56 am
He was so cool: https://www.facebook.com/countryrebelclothing/videos/1171901902855487/ Rowdy will be deeply missed!
Cary
January 18, 2021 @ 7:03 am
Heartbroken. Last concert we saw before everyone went to shit.
RIP Brother ????
Jimmy
January 19, 2021 @ 3:33 pm
I had never heard of Steel Woods, and I come here all the time! Guess I missed Trigger’s writing on them. What an amazing band. Sad to have found them under such sad circumstances. RIP Mr. Cope.
Kristy Pruitt
January 20, 2021 @ 4:06 pm
No one could bend those strings like Jason, he was brilliant. Got to see him twice, my heart goes out to Steel Woods and Jason’s family.
Ron kilmer
January 24, 2021 @ 7:30 am
Rest in peace brother.
Paul
January 25, 2021 @ 9:42 am
WOW. Only just seen this and truly gutted. The Steel Woods are the real deal- was lucky to see them in a small venue in London. 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. Thoughts with the family and band. RIP.
Randy
January 1, 2022 @ 4:53 pm
Did he have the jab?
Trigger
January 1, 2022 @ 5:25 pm
Rowdy died from complications from diabetes. Not sure of his vaccination status.