Renowned Texas singer-songwriter Joe Ely passed away on Dec. 15, 2025, in Taos, New Mexico. Ely, aged 78, was a pivotal figure in the Texas music scene, famed for his unique fusion of honky-tonk, rock, and roadhouse blues.
The cause of death was complications from Lewy body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and pneumonia.
Ely, born on Feb. 9, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas, played a significant role in the progressive country music movement originating from Lubbock, Texas. In 1971, he established The Flatlanders with fellow musicians Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock. The band later gained recognition as a cornerstone of the Texas country-rock sound.
After signing a contract with MCA Records in the 1970s, Ely launched his solo career with his self-titled debut album in 1977. His career spanned over five decades, during which he released more than 20 albums. His final record, “Love and Freedom,” was released in February 2025.
Ely’s music appealed to a wide audience, transcending genre boundaries. His captivating live performances led to him opening for major music acts, including the Rolling Stones. However, his collaboration with The Clash highlighted his crossover appeal most significantly.
After meeting The Clash in London in 1978, Ely toured with them in 1979 across Texas and in 1980 throughout the United Kingdom. This unexpected partnership bridged Texas country and British punk rock. In 1982, Ely provided backup vocals on the band’s hit single “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” securing his place in rock history.
Among Ely’s notable admirers and collaborators was Bruce Springsteen. The two musicians collaborated on Ely’s 1995 album “Letter to Laredo,” and later reunited for 2024’s “Driven to Drive.”
“If the world was a fairer place, Joe Ely would have been huge! I mean huge!” commented Springsteen while presenting Ely with a special American Music Honors award at Monmouth University.
Ely’s musical range extended beyond the boundaries of country and rock. He became a member of the musical group the Tex-Mex collective Los Super Seven, earning a Grammy in 1999 for best Mexican-American music performance.
Ely received the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Live Performance in 2007. Later, in 2016, he was named Texas State Musician and inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association Hall of Fame. Ely resided in Austin, Texas, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant live music scene.
“Over here, we’re deeply saddened by the loss of Joe Ely, a singular American singer, great musician and great artist,” wrote Springsteen. “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.”
In 2022, Ely’s contributions to American music were formally honored when he was inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame. Terry Lickona, executive producer of Austin City Limits, described Ely as a “superstar,” stating that Ely “came out of West Texas like a rocket and shook the Austin City Limits stage like nobody before or since.”
Joe Ely is survived by his wife, Sharon, and their daughter, Marie.