Beloved country and rock star Joe Ely has died at 78, leaving fans mourning a pioneer of the Austin music scene. The news was shared via a heartfelt statement on his Instagram, revealing he passed from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s, and pneumonia. He was surrounded by his wife Sharon and daughter Marie at their home in Taos, New Mexico.
Oh, the music world just lost a true trailblazer. Joe Ely, the raconteur who helped skyrocket Austin's live music vibe back in the '60s and '70s, slipped away on Tuesday at the age of 78. According to the official statement posted on his Instagram page, "Legendary songwriter, singer, and raconteur Joe Ely died today from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s and pneumonia." 💔
Born on February 9, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas, Ely was part of that iconic wave of Lubbock-raised artists who made Austin the live music capital we know and love. He kicked off his journey as a traveling musician in the late '60s before forming the country trio The Flatlanders in 1972. By the '70s, he signed with MCA Records and spent over five decades recording and touring the globe—talk about a legacy! His influence even crossed genres; in 1978, he caught the eye of punk legends The Clash and joined them on tour. Iconic crossover moment, right?
Ely's death hits hard for anyone who's ever two-stepped to Texas sounds. The statement notes his wife Sharon and daughter Marie were by his side in Taos, New Mexico, proving family was his rock till the end. A full obituary and more details are promised soon, so stay tuned—because Joe's stories deserve every bit of the spotlight. Our hearts go out to his loved ones; the stage feels a little emptier without him. Who's spinning 'Musta Notta Gotta Lotta' in tribute tonight?
