• Joe Ely, a beloved Texas songwriter and founding member of The Flatlanders, died at 78.
• His family announced he died at home in Taos, N.M., from complications of Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s and pneumonia.
• Ely influenced generations of songwriters, collaborated with The Clash and won a Grammy with Los Super Seven.
• He remained a treasured regional figure despite never breaking fully into the mainstream.
Texas troubadour dies at 78
Joe Ely, the Lubbock-born singer-songwriter admired for blending country, rock and West Texas storytelling, died Monday at his home in Taos, New Mexico. He was 78. The musician’s official Facebook page posted the announcement saying Ely had died from complications of Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s disease and pneumonia.
Early life and musical roots
Born in Amarillo in 1947 and raised in Lubbock, Ely often recalled early musical memories: singing in church, playing violin, then switching to guitar as rock-and-roll and country mingled in West Texas. He credited seeing performers like Jerry Lee Lewis and the legacy of Buddy Holly for shaping his musical ambitions.
Career highlights and collaborations
Ely first gained attention as part of The Flatlanders with Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock. The band’s songs kept a distinct West Texas perspective while remaining musically adventurous. Ely later toured widely, mixing hard-edged rock with country phrasing. He toured with The Clash, sang backing vocals on their hit “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” and opened for the Rolling Stones in the early 1980s.
He also found success in collaborative projects. As a member of the supergroup Los Super Seven, Ely shared a Grammy in 1999 for Best Mexican-American Album, alongside artists such as Freddy Fender, David Hidalgo and Flaco Jiménez. In recognition of his contributions to live American music, Ely was inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame in 2022.
Songwriting that resonated
Ely’s songs used vivid characters and plainspoken detail to create scenes that felt familiar across audiences. Critics and fellow musicians praised his ability to shift tones — from raucous rockers like “Musta Notta Gotta Lotta” to quieter, reflective pieces — while keeping a distinctly Texan voice.
Final years and legacy
Ely continued releasing music into his later years, including the 2020 album Love in the Midst of Mayhem. Even without broad mainstream chart success, he maintained a devoted following and deep respect within the songwriting community.
Embedded post (source):
“Our beloved Joe Ely passed away on Monday at his home in Taos, NM, from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s and pneumonia.” — Joe Ely Band Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/joeelyband/posts/pfbid0BVDgGrDf3bVxm6uoYP4PrheR68vhrRTscfecGfMx3jPKhQ9fXj2k5xPxKkMGNGnSl)
Fans and fellow musicians have posted tributes across social platforms, remembering Ely as a fiery performer, a generous collaborator and a songwriter whose work carried the wind-swept landscapes of West Texas to audiences worldwide.
His recorded legacy and influence on younger artists ensure Joe Ely will remain a touchstone in American roots music and Texas musical history.
Image Referance: https://www.tpr.org/arts-culture/2025-12-16/joe-ely-who-influenced-a-generation-of-songwriters-with-his-music-dies-at-78
