Influential singer-songwriter leaves behind a lasting legacy in American roots music
The music world is mourning the loss of Joe Ely, the acclaimed Texas singer-songwriter and trailblazer of Americana music, who died Monday, December 15, 2025, at the age of 78. Ely passed away at his home in Taos, New Mexico, due to complications from Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and pneumonia, according to his family. His wife, Sharon, and daughter, Marie, were at his side when he died.
Born and raised in West Texas, Ely became one of the most influential voices to emerge from the region’s rich musical landscape. His work blended country, rock, folk, and Tex-Mex influences into a sound that was both deeply traditional and boldly innovative. Over a career that spanned more than five decades, Ely earned a reputation for electrifying live performances, vivid storytelling, and a fierce commitment to artistic independence.
Ely first gained national attention in the early 1970s as a founding member of The Flatlanders, alongside Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock. While the group’s early recordings received little notice at the time, they were later hailed as seminal works that helped shape the Texas music movement and the broader Americana genre.
As a solo artist, Ely pushed beyond the boundaries of conventional country music. His genre-defying approach led to rare and influential collaborations, including touring with punk rock band The Clash and sharing stages with the Rolling Stones. He also performed with Bruce Springsteen and contributed backing vocals to The Clash’s hit song “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” underscoring his wide-ranging musical reach.
Throughout his career, Ely received numerous accolades. In 1999, he won a Grammy Award as part of Los Super Seven, whose debut album earned Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album honors. In 2022, he was inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame, recognizing his enduring impact on Texas music and culture.
Despite declining health in recent years, Ely continued to create music. His final album, Love and Freedom, released in February 2025, reflected on resilience, humanity, and the power of song. Later that year, Ely publicly disclosed his diagnoses of Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease, addressing his illness with candor and dignity.
Joe Ely is remembered as a fearless innovator, a master storyteller, and a cornerstone of American roots music. His influence will continue to be felt across generations, as his songs and spirit remain woven into the fabric of Texas music and beyond.