Joe Ely, the country‑rock legend best known for his collaborations with Bruce Springsteen, the Clash and others, passed away at the age of 78. His family announced the heartbreaking news on Facebook this past Monday.
Ely died at his home in Taos, New Mexico, after suffering complications from Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and pneumonia, the post noted. He was surrounded by his wife, Sharon, and daughter, Marie.
The late Texas native, hailed as a leader of the remarkable wave of artists hailing from Lubbock who moved to Austin’s vibrant music scene, had been with MCA Records since the 1970s and spent more than five decades recording and performing across the globe. A full obituary and additional details are expected to appear in the coming days.
Born in Amarillo, Texas, on February 9, 1947, Ely was a founding member of the country trio The Flatlanders, formed with fellow Lubbock musicians Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock in 1972. Their debut album, “All American Music,” came out that same year before the group disbanded to pursue solo projects.
Ely’s own self‑titled debut was released in 1977, after which he moved to London and crossed paths with the Clash. He later toured the U.S. and U.K. with Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Nicky “Topper” Headon, even providing backing vocals on the band’s 1982 hit “Should I Stay or Should I Go.”
“Playing with the Clash definitely lifted my band to the next level,” Ely told the Austin Chronicle in 2000. “Growing up in Lubbock, I was always around rock‑and‑roll guys, so I came from a rockin’ background.” He remembered the electric shows at venues like the Electric Ballroom and Hammersmith Odeon as “wild, steamy, crazy shows that were unbelievable.”
Ely and Bruce Springsteen teamed up for the 1995 album “Letter to Laredo” and again for his 2024 release “Driven to Drive.” “If the world had been a bit fairer, Joe Ely would have been a huge star,” Springsteen said at the 2025 American Music Honors ceremony in Monmouth, New Jersey.
“He had, and still has, everything—great songwriting, a dead‑cool look, an amazing stage presence, and the voice I wish I had.” The legendary rocker later posted a tribute on social media after hearing the news of Ely’s passing.
The “Glory Days” icon commented on Instagram, “We’re deeply saddened by the loss of Joe Ely, a singular American singer, great musician, and great artist. I was lucky enough to count Joe as a true friend and I will miss that voice and his companionship.
Our hearts go out to his wonderful wife Sharon and the family. We’ve lost an American classic.” Ely’s final studio album, “Love and Freedom,” had been released earlier in February.
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