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Joe Ely, legendary singer-songwriter known for his trailblazing work in the genre in the 1970s, has died. He was 78.
Ely was born on February 9, 1947 in Amarillo, Texas. He died on Monday (December 15) in Taos, New Mexico, following “complications of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s and pneumonia,” per a statement posted on the late artist’s Facebook page. The full statement reads: “Legendary songwriter, singer, and raconteur Joe Ely died today from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s and pneumonia. His beloved wife Sharon and daughter Marie were at his side at their home in Taos, New Mexico. Ely was born February 9, 1947 in Amarillo, Texas. He was a leader of the extraordinary parade of artists raised in Lubbock who later settled in the live music capital of Austin. Ely signed with MCA Records in the 1970s and spent more than five decades recording and performing around the world. A full obituary and more information will follow in the coming days.”
Ely’s website states that he and his wife wanted to open up about his diagnosis with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’ disease in hopes of raising awareness and cultivating hope. Sharon said, “our story is about how music continues to lift us up. revisiting Joe’s recordings and hearing them brought to life again has given him so much joy, and we want others to feel that same joy, too.”
Ely started playing music in local venues, and when he began releasing music in the 70s, he blended rock and roll with “hardcore honky tonk,” becoming “one of the most recognizable and respected artists to hail from the Lonestar State,” per his bio. Over the course of his decades-long career, the singer-songwriter has “been at the forefront of outlaw country, alt-country, Texas country and Americana, and has been recognized as one of the best songwriters of his generation.” Ely’s songs included “Dallas,” “She Never Spoke Spanish to Me,” “Honky Tonk Masquerade,” and more. Find his music on iHeartRadio here.