Ames, Ia.-Jonathon Yodder, the rebellious Amish rocker, died in a fiery carriage crash early Saturday morning after a night of hard living. He had just turned 27 last week and had been celebrating the release of his new album, "Raisin' Barn". It was his fifth platinum album.
Yodder first burst on the scene with his album "Hell's Buggy Ride". A chart topping album with the hit singles "Milkin' Cows" and "Butter Churn". That was quickly followed by two more hit albums, a live album and a concept album featuring towering bass and lively acoustical guitar riffs.
His outlandish behavior and quirky personality combined with his colorful gray waist coat and wide brim hat made him a hit with Amish youth yearning to get out from under the yoke of conventional Old German morals.
"Jonathon had it all, fast horses, slow women and plenty of baked beans!" said friend and confidant, Jebadiah Miller. "He even had a cell phone at the end of his driveway!"
The performer died just blocks from his home after his carriage failed to negotiate a turn. Witnesses report seeing numerous empty root beer bottles scattered about the scene. The cause of the fire was unknown, but it was thought that the kerosene lanterns attached to the carriage for illumination may have played a part. The two horses pulling the carriage escaped injury.
