Beloved country music legend Joe Ely passed away at his home in Laos, New Mexico, his family confirmed on Monday, December 15.
“Legendary songwriter, singer, and raconteur Joe Ely died today from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s and pneumonia,” the statement, which was shared via Ely’s official Facebook page, read. “His beloved wife Sharon and daughter Marie were at his side at their home in Taos, New Mexico. Ely was born February 9, 1947 in Amarillo, Texas. He was a leader of the extraordinary parade of artists raised in Lubbock who later settled in the live music capital of Austin.”
The statement continued, “Ely signed with MCA Records in the 1970s and spent more than five decades recording and performing around the world. A full obituary and more information will follow in the coming days.”
He was 78 years old.
Joe Ely Had a Storied Career
Ely grew up in North Texas before relocating to Austin to pursue his music career.
Along with fellow Lubbock, Texas, musicians Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, Ely formed The Flatlanders in 1971. Shortly after releasing their first album the following year, the band split up.
His solo career took off throughout the 1970s, leading him to collaborate with music legends such as The Clash, Bruce Springsteen, Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, and Guy Clark, to name a few.
The Clash honored the beloved musician with the line, “Well there ain’t no better blend than Joe Ely and his Texas Men,” in their song “If Music Could Talk.”
Ely’s genre-defying career led to a 1999 Grammy Award win for Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album.
Tributes Poured In for Joe Ely
The music industry was rattled by the news of Ely’s passing, with many sharing public condolences and memories of the beloved musician.
“To us here at Austin City Limits as well as far beyond our stage, Ely was recognized as an icon – a maverick, genre-agnostic songwriter who gave performances that alternated between touching our hearts and melting down our cameras,” Austin City Limits shared after news broke.
Bruce Springsteen wrote, “Over here, we’re deeply saddened by the loss of Joe Ely, a singular American singer, great musician and great artist. I was lucky enough to count Joe as a true friend and I will miss that voice and his companionship. Our hearts go out to his wonderful wife Sharon and the family. We’ve lost an American classic.”
