Joe Ely, the Texas-born singer-songwriter who helped shape progressive country, passed away at 78 in Taos, New Mexico, after a battle with Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and pneumonia.
Death and Causes
Ely died in Taos, New Mexico, of complications from Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s and pneumonia, with his wife and daughter by his side, according to a post on his Facebook account Monday night and later confirmed by his representatives.
Career Highlights
Ely was a key figure in the progressive country music movement, co-founding the influential country-rock band The Flatlanders with Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock. He released more than 20 albums over his career, including “Love and Freedom” earlier this year, and signed with MCA in 1977 for his first solo album.
Legacy and Collaborations
“Joe Ely performed American roots music with the fervor of a true believer who knew music could transport souls,” said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “But his true measure came through in the dynamic intensity of his powerhouse live performances, where he could stand his ground aside fellow zealots Bruce Springsteen who recorded duets with Ely, and the (Rolling) Stones and the Clash, who took Ely on tour as an opening act,” Young said.
Ely’s collaborations extended to Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, and the Clash. A soundcheck for a show in London led to the collaboration with the Clash, and he later opened for them at several shows and sang backup vocals for their hit “Should I Stay or Should I Go?”.
Born in Amarillo, Texas, Ely remained connected to his roots, saying in 2011 to Texas Monthly, “Every time I start a new album I head up to West Texas and drive around, you know, drive on those old cotton roads and in the wide-open spaces, and every once in a while I’ll come across a place where I’ve spent some time.”
Final Tribute
Ely’s death marks the loss of a musician whose fervor and authenticity resonated with peers and audiences alike.
Key Takeaways
- Joe Ely, 78, died in Taos, New Mexico, after complications from Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s and pneumonia.
- He co-founded The Flatlanders and released more than 20 albums, including “Love and Freedom.”
- Ely collaborated with Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, and the Clash, and performed with them on tour.
