Brian "Nashville" Duckworth, a beloved figure in the country music world and a cherished member of the family band Taylor Made, died at his home in Clarksburg, West Virginia, on Monday, September 7, 2026. He was 56. The news, announced by his family, has resonated deeply with fans, friends, and fellow musicians alike, who remember Duckworth not only for his musical achievements but also for his unwavering devotion to family, the outdoors, and the everyday joys of life.
Duckworth’s death, which occurred peacefully at home, came as a shock to many. The family has chosen not to disclose the cause, but their heartfelt tributes paint a vivid portrait of a man whose life was rich with music, hard work, and love. Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, September 14, at Floral Hills Memorial Garden, following visitation at Bartlett Funeral Home in Grafton, West Virginia. Pastor Baron Claypool will officiate the ceremony, as Duckworth is laid to rest among the hills he so dearly loved.
Born and raised in West Virginia, Brian Duckworth’s musical journey began in 2008, when he joined his brother Greg and sister Wendy Williams to form the trio I-79. Their debut came at the Colgate Country Showdown, a launching pad for many aspiring country artists. Soon after, the group rebranded as Taylor Made, a name that would become synonymous with heartfelt, family-driven country music across the region and beyond. Their 2012 single, “Things You Don’t Grow Out Of,” marked a turning point, reaching No. 36 on the Billboard Indicator chart and earning them national recognition. In 2013, the group was honored as Independent Artist of the Year by Nashville’s MusicRow Magazine, a testament to their talent and perseverance.
Despite the growing success of Taylor Made, Duckworth remained grounded. He kept his day job as a dump truck operator for Wolfe’s Excavating, a role that earned him the affectionate workplace nickname “Truck Boss.” According to the family’s obituary, “he truly enjoyed” this work “because it allowed him to spend his days outdoors.” Whether hauling loads down winding country roads or relaxing in the open air, Duckworth found happiness surrounded by nature. His family wrote, “Whether working or relaxing, Brian was happiest surrounded by nature.”
Music, however, was never far from his heart. Duckworth’s family shared that “he loved to sing and proudly performed with his family band, Taylor Made. Brian never passed up an opportunity to share his voice, earning him the affectionate nickname ‘Nashville.’” That nickname stuck, not just because of his talent, but because of his passion for sharing music with anyone willing to listen. His performances, whether on stage opening for country stars like Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley or at local fairs and festivals, were marked by warmth and authenticity.
Duckworth’s impact extended well beyond the stage. He was a devoted husband to Tina Scheuvront Duckworth, whom he married in 2010, and a loving father to six children: Zach, Ashton, Logan, Kayla, Michael, and Matt. He was also a proud grandfather to four grandchildren and a loyal brother to five siblings. For Duckworth, family came first. “Above all, Brian treasured his family and the special memories they created together,” his obituary read. He also dearly loved his pets, who were “constant companions and brought him great comfort and happiness.”
The outpouring of tributes following Duckworth’s passing has been nothing short of extraordinary. “I only wish he could see the outpouring of love,” wrote his wife Tina in her first public statement. She described Brian as someone with “a huge heart” who “truly would have given you the shirt off his back.” Fans and friends echoed these sentiments, with industry organizations such as Born & Bred posting on social media, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Brian Duckworth who made up 1/3 of the trio of Taylor Made. Brian was a kind and generous man as well as a talented musician. He will be missed.”
Perhaps the most poignant tributes came from within the family itself. Duckworth’s niece, Brianna Duckworth Kazner, shared memories of growing up surrounded by music, watching her father, Aunt Wendy, and Uncle Brian perform at fairs and festivals. “As I’ve gotten older and started writing my own music, I knew the guy to call whenever I got creatively ‘stuck.’ He truly had such a way with song lyrics that I knew without a doubt Uncle Brian would pull me out of the songwriter’s slump,” she wrote. Kazner recalled countless evenings spent singing together, phone calls filled with jokes, and recent discussions about new song ideas. “Just last week, he called me about a song idea he had. Guess I should get to work on that. Uncle ‘Bert,’ I can’t count the number of times we got to sing together but it will have never been enough.”
The legacy of Taylor Made, and Duckworth’s role in it, is woven deeply into the fabric of West Virginia’s country music scene. The band’s ability to open for major acts while maintaining a strong local presence speaks volumes about their versatility and commitment. Yet, Duckworth never sought the limelight for its own sake. According to his family, “Brian’s love of family, music, and the outdoors will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.”
His story is a reminder that greatness often lies in the balance between ambition and humility. Duckworth’s dual identity as both a musician and a “Truck Boss” is emblematic of the working-class roots that define so much of American country music. He managed to pursue his dreams while staying true to the values of hard work, loyalty, and kinship.
Duckworth’s passing has left a void not only in his family but also in the broader community of fans and musicians who admired his talent and character. Yet, his memory endures—in the music he made, the lives he touched, and the stories his loved ones continue to share. As his niece Brianna so aptly put it, “If we can please go back to this day and have them sing a few more.”
Brian “Nashville” Duckworth’s life was a song—full of harmony, heart, and the unmistakable spirit of West Virginia. His voice may be gone, but the echoes of his music and his love will linger for generations.