Country singer Brian Duckworth was known as ‘Truck Boss' before his death at 56: Here's why

Country singer Brian “Nashville” Duckworth, who died this week at the age of 56, had a very different life when he wasn't performing on stage with his family band.

Duckworth was a member of West Virginia country group Taylor Made alongside his brother Greg and sister Wendy, but music wasn't his full-time job.

Away from the stage, he drove a dump truck for Wolfe's Excavating.

In fact, Duckworth enjoyed the job so much that his colleagues knew him as the “Truck Boss,” according to his obituary.

The outdoor job suited him. His family said Duckworth was happiest when he was outside, whether he was working or simply spending time in nature.

Music, however, was never far away.

Duckworth grew up singing with his siblings on the back porch of their family home in Taylor County, West Virginia. Their mother taught them to sing and neighbours would even call out songs they wanted the children to perform.

Years later, Brian, Greg and Wendy formed a trio called I-79 just days before entering the Colgate Country Showdown.

The siblings soon realised they were better together and eventually became Taylor Made, building their sound around their three-part family harmony.

The group went on to release several songs, with “Things You Don't Grow Out Of” reaching No. 36 on the Billboard Indicator chart. Taylor Made was also named MusicRow Magazine's Independent Artist of the Year in 2012.

Despite that success, Duckworth continued with the ordinary working life that earned him his “Truck Boss” nickname.

Duckworth died at his home in Clarksburg on Monday, September 7. He leaves behind his wife Tina, six children and four grandchildren, with another granddaughter on the way.