Paul English, Willie Nelson’s longtime drummer, has died

A publicist for Willie Nelson says Paul English, Nelson’s longtime drummer and inspiration for Nelson’s song “Me and Paul,” has died. He was 87.

Elaine Schock h or details on English’s death as of Wednesday.

English joined Nelson’s band, nicknamed Family, in 1966 and continued with him for most of his long career. English earned a reputation for brandishing a firearm and engaging in off-st scuffles that me him an outlaw sideman as tough as Nelson himself.

Nelson bragged on ir escapes in song, singing “And at airport in Milwaukee, y refused to let us board plane at all, y said we looked suspicious, But I believe y like to pick on me and Paul.”

English was also kwn for wearing a black cape on st, and one of his capes is currently on display at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in “Outlaws and Armillos” exhibit.