Joe Ely, a central determine in Texas’ progressive nation scene through the Seventies, has died aged 78.
Picture: Retna/Avalon
His consultant confirmed to Rolling Stone that Ely handed away on Monday (15.12.25) at his dwelling in New Mexico following problems from Lewy Physique Dementia, Parkinson’s illness, and pneumonia.
Ely co-founded the Flatlanders with Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock. Though the trio’s early recordings initially went unnoticed, the group later gained recognition as an influential power in Texas music. Ely launched his solo profession in 1977 with a self‑titled debut album, adopted by Honky Tonk Masquerade, which cemented his popularity as a particular voice in nation and roots music.
Within the late Seventies, Ely developed a friendship with Joe Strummer of The Conflict. The punk band invited him to open their London Calling tour, and Ely later contributed backing vocals to their 1982 single Ought to I Keep or Ought to I Go, ultimately recording his personal model of the monitor.
Throughout the next a long time, Ely labored with main artists together with Linda Ronstadt, Sir Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen, who inducted him into the Austin Metropolis Limits Corridor of Fame in 2016. He additionally grew to become a part of the Grammy‑profitable collective Los Tremendous Seven and maintained a gentle touring and recording schedule.
Regardless of well being struggles in later years, Ely continued to make music. His last album, Love and Freedom, was launched earlier in 2025.