Country singer Brian 'Nashville' Duckworth, voice behind family band Taylor Made, dies at 56

Country Singer Brian “Nashville” Duckworth, 56, Dies at Home

Maine—Country music fan and local truck driver Brian “Nashville” Duckworth died at his residence on September 7, 2023, at the age of 56. An obituary released by his family noted that the cause of death was not disclosed. Duckworth, best known for his work with the family‑run band Taylor Made, was laid to rest Monday at Floral Hills Memorial Garden.

A proud Maine native, Duckworth balanced two demanding careers. By day he hauled gravel and earth for Wolfe’s Excavating, earning his coworkers the affectionate nickname “Truck Boss.” “He truly enjoyed the job because it allowed him to spend his days outdoors,” the obituary said, underscoring the way the work kept him close to nature.

In his spare time, Duckworth was a devoted musician. “He loved to sing and proudly performed with his family band, Taylor Made,” the obituary continued, noting that he never missed a chance to share his voice. It is this dedication that earned him the stage name “Nashville,” a nod to his ambition to become a country‑music star.

A Family Legacy on Stage

Duckworth’s musical roots run deep in the family tree. Growing up with brother Greg and sister Wendy Williams, the trio formed the band I‑79 in 2008. They debuted at the Colgate Country Showdown, later rebranding as Taylor Made. The group gained regional acclaim, with the single “Things You Don’t Grow Out Of” reaching No. 36 on the Billboard Indicator chart.

The obituary reflected on Duckworth’s devotion to his relatives, writing, “Above all, Brian treasured his family and the special memories they created together.” He is survived by his wife of almost sixteen years, Tina, and their six children—Zach, Ashton, Logan, Kayla, Michael, and Matt—as well as four grandchildren. He also leaves behind five siblings and a host of cousins.

Niece’s Tribute

Brianna Duckworth Kazner, a niece of Brian and a rising musician herself, posted a heartfelt video on Facebook from her wedding day, expressing disbelief that Taylor Made’s final performance might be their last. “I’m having a hard time believing this is the last time Taylor Made sang together,” she said. The video includes a clip of the family band performing at local fairs and festivals, a tradition that shaped her own musical path.

Kazner recalled, “I grew up watching my dad, Aunt Wendy, and Uncle Brian perform at fairs and festivals until I was finally old enough to join them on a few occasions. 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 added, “I can’t count the number of times we got to sing together but it will have never been enough.”

A Life Rooted in Music, Family, and the Outdoors

In his final days, Duckworth continued to find solace in his passions. “He also dearly loved his faithful fur family, who were constant companions and brought him great comfort and happiness,” the obituary noted. The combination of music, family, and nature, the family said, will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at Floral Hills Memorial Garden on Monday, where friends, family, and fans will gather to celebrate a man who left an indelible mark on Maine’s music scene and the hearts of his loved ones.