Joe Ely, a central figure in Texas’ progressive country scene during the 1970s, has died aged 78.
His representative confirmed to Rolling Stone that Ely passed away on Monday (15.12.25) at his home in New Mexico following complications from Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and pneumonia.
Ely co-founded the Flatlanders with Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock. Although the trio’s early recordings initially went unnoticed, the group later gained recognition as an influential force in Texas music. Ely launched his solo career in 1977 with a self-titled debut album, followed by Honky Tonk Masquerade, which cemented his reputation as a distinctive voice in country and roots music.
In the late 1970s, Ely developed a friendship with Joe Strummer of The Clash. The punk band invited him to open their London Calling tour, and Ely later contributed backing vocals to their 1982 single Should I Stay or Should I Go, eventually recording his own version of the track.
Across the following decades, Ely worked with major artists including Linda Ronstadt, Sir Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen, who inducted him into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame in 2016. He also became part of the Grammy-winning collective Los Super Seven and maintained a steady touring and recording schedule.
Despite health struggles in later years, Ely continued to make music. His final album, Love and Freedom, was released earlier in 2025.
