Country music legend Joe Ely died on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, at his home in Taos, New Mexico. The singer-songwriter was 78 years old and had been battling complications from Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and pneumonia. His wife Sharon and daughter Marie were at his side when he passed.
Ely was born on Feb. 9, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas, and was raised in Lubbock before eventually settling in Austin. His unique blend of honky-tonk, rock and roadhouse blues positioned him as a key figure in the progressive country music movement, earning him recognition far beyond the traditional country music scene.
In 1972, Ely founded The Flatlanders alongside fellow Lubbock musicians Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock. The trio released their first album, “All American Music,” that same year before breaking up shortly after to pursue solo careers. Despite its brief initial run, The Flatlanders became an influential force in country-rock music history.
After signing with MCA Records in the 1970s, Ely released his first solo album in 1977. His career spanned more than five decades of recording and performing around the world. His 1978 album “Honky Tonk Masquerade” showcased his ability to merge traditional country sounds with rock sensibilities, establishing him as an artist who defied easy categorization.
Ely’s collaborations extended well beyond the country music world. He toured extensively with British punk rock band The Clash throughout the United States and United Kingdom, even contributing backing vocals to their 1982 hit single “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” This unlikely partnership between a Texas country musician and a punk rock band demonstrated Ely’s versatility and appeal across genres.
His rock credentials were further solidified when he opened for the Rolling Stones during their 1981 tour. These high-profile performances exposed Ely’s music to audiences who might never have encountered traditional country, expanding his influence and reputation.
One of Ely’s most significant musical relationships was with Bruce Springsteen. The two collaborated on Ely’s 1995 album “Letter to Laredo” and again on his 2024 record “Driven to Drive.” Springsteen frequently praised Ely’s talents and inducted him into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame in 2022.
Following news of Ely’s death, Springsteen paid tribute to his friend and collaborator. “Over here, we’re deeply saddened by the loss of Joe Ely, a singular American singer, great musician and great artist,” Springsteen wrote. He added that he was lucky enough to count Ely as a true friend and would miss his voice and companionship, concluding that “we’ve lost an American classic.”
Ely’s musical achievements included winning a Grammy in 1999 with Los Super Seven for Best Mexican-American Music Performance. This recognition highlighted his ability to cross cultural boundaries and work within diverse musical traditions, further cementing his status as an artist who transcended genre limitations.
Throughout his career, Ely recorded and performed over five decades, maintaining a rigorous schedule that took him around the globe. His final album, “Love and Freedom,” was released in February 2025, just months before his death. The record represented the culmination of a lifetime spent creating music that defied categorization.
In 2024, Ely was diagnosed with cerebral amyloid angiopathy while recovering from pneumonia. Despite his health challenges, he continued working on music and reflecting on his extensive catalog of recordings. His wife Sharon helped unearth previously unreleased material from his Austin studio, which eventually became his final album.
Ely’s legacy extends beyond his recorded output to his influence on the broader Americana and alternative country movements. His willingness to collaborate across genres and his dynamic live performances made him a favorite among fellow musicians, even if mainstream commercial success sometimes eluded him.
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, noted that Ely performed American roots music with the fervor of a true believer who knew music could transport souls. Young emphasized that Ely’s true measure came through in the dynamic intensity of his powerhouse live performances, where he could stand his ground alongside zealots like Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones and The Clash.
The Texas native’s family announced his death through a Facebook post, describing him as a leader of the extraordinary parade of artists raised in Lubbock who later settled in Austin, the live music capital. They noted that more information would follow in the coming days.
Ely is survived by his wife Sharon and daughter Marie, who were with him at his Taos home during his final moments. His death marks the end of an era for Texas country music and the progressive country movement that reshaped American roots music for generations of artists who followed.
