Joe Ely, the Texas country-rock legend whose collaborations spanned from Bruce Springsteen to The Clash, died Monday at his home in Taos, New Mexico. He was 78 years old.
Ely died from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and pneumonia on December 15, 2025. His wife, Sharon, and daughter, Marie, were at his side.
Born February 9, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas, Ely became a foundational figure in progressive country music. He founded The Flatlanders in 1972 alongside Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, creating a sound that would influence generations of musicians blending country, rock and punk sensibilities.
After signing with MCA Records in the 1970s, Ely released his first solo album in 1977. His career would span more than five decades of recording and performing around the world, establishing him as a bridge between traditional country music and rock’s harder edges.
Ely’s friendship with The Clash led to one of music’s most unlikely collaborations. He toured extensively with the British punk band and sang backup vocals on their 1982 hit “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” The partnership showcased Ely’s ability to transcend genre boundaries, bringing his Texas honky-tonk sound to punk rock audiences across the United States and United Kingdom.
His collaboration with Bruce Springsteen proved equally significant. The Boss inducted Ely into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame in 2016 and appeared on his 2022 album “Driven to Drive.” Following news of Ely’s death, Springsteen said: “We’ve lost an American classic.”
Ely also opened for the Rolling Stones, demonstrating his versatility and appeal across rock’s various subgenres. His ability to command stages alongside punk rockers, heartland rock legends and country traditionalists alike made him a unique figure in American music.
In 1999, Ely won a Grammy for his work with Los Super Seven, a collective that celebrated Mexican-American musical traditions. The collaboration showcased another dimension of his artistic range and his deep connection to the cultural landscape of the Southwest.
His artistic partnerships extended beyond Springsteen and The Clash. Ely worked with John Mellencamp, Dwight Yoakam and John Prine, all of whom recognized his singular talent and authentic voice within American roots music.
Throughout his career, Ely maintained strong ties to his Lubbock, Texas, roots. He was part of an extraordinary generation of artists from the West Texas city. His connection to the Texas landscape informed his songwriting and performance style throughout his life.
Ely released his album “Love and Freedom” in February 2025, demonstrating his continued creative output even as he battled illness. The album, released just months before his death, capped a recording career that produced decades of music.
His most recent full-length release before that was “Driven to Drive” in 2022, which featured his collaboration with Springsteen. The album showed Ely’s voice remained powerful and his songwriting sharp well into his seventh decade.
Ely’s live performances were legendary for their intensity and energy. He could hold his ground on stages with rock icons and punk revolutionaries alike, bringing a raw authenticity that transcended musical categories. His dynamic stage presence made him a sought-after touring partner for acts looking to add genuine Texas grit to their shows.
The Flatlanders became recognized as pioneers of the alternative country movement. The band’s influence grew as each member established solo careers, with their collaborative work eventually receiving the recognition it deserved decades after its creation.
Ely’s induction into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame recognized his role in shaping Texas music and his contributions to the program that became synonymous with the Austin sound. The honor placed him among the most important figures in the city’s rich musical history.
His artistic legacy extends beyond albums and awards. Ely represented a particular strain of American music that refused to be confined by genre boundaries, instead drawing from country, rock, punk and folk traditions to create something distinctly his own. His willingness to collaborate across musical styles influenced countless artists who followed.
