Joe Ely, who worked with Bruce Springsteen, dead at 78…
Joe Ely, the nation music rocker best recognized for his work with Bruce Springsteen, the Clash and more, has died. He was 78.
The “Honky Tonk Masquerade” singer’s household announced the devastating news in a Facebook put up on Monday.
He died at his residence in Taos, New Mexico, from problems of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and pneumonia, per the put up.
Joe Ely in Berwyn, Illinois, on Nov. 2, 1995. Getty Images
Ely during the 52nd annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on May 7, 2023. WireImage
His spouse, Sharon, and daughter, Marie, have been said to be by his facet.
“He was a leader of the extraordinary parade of artists raised in Lubbock who later settled in the live music capital of Austin,” the late Texas native’s family members wrote.
“Ely signed with MCA Records in the 1970s and spent more than five decades recording and performing around the world,” they added, noting that a “full obituary and more information will follow in the coming days.”
Ely during the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Oct. 27, 2022. Getty Images
Born in Amarillo, Texas, on Feb. 9, 1947, the “She Never Spoke Spanish to Me” crooner based the nation band The Flatlanders with fellow Lubbock musicians Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock in 1972.
The trio launched their first album, “All American Music,” that same yr, before breaking up shortly after to pursue solo careers.
Ely went on to release his first, self-titled album in 1977, then traveled to London, the place he crossed paths with the Clash.
He would later tour round the US and the UK with the punk rockers – made up of Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Nicky “Topper” Headon – and even sing backing vocals on their 1982 hit single “Should I Stay or Should I Go.”
Joe Strummer and Ely backstage during a music pageant in Monterey, California, on Sept. 8, 1979. Corbis/VCG by way of Getty Images
Ely and the Clash playing together in Monterey, California, on Sept. 8, 1979. Getty Images
“Playing with the Clash definitely kicked my band up a notch,” Ely told the Austin Chronicle in 2000. “Growing up in Lubbock, I always hung around with the rock and roll guys, so I came from a rockin’ background.”
“We were playing their venues with them – the Electric Ballroom, Hammersmith Odeon – wild, steamy, crazy shows that were unbelievable,” the hardcore honky tonk legend added.
Springsteen, meanwhile, teamed up with the progressive nation music star for Ely’s 1995 album “Letter to Laredo” and again for his 2024 document “Driven to Drive.”
Ely and Bruce Springsteen after performing together at the Austin Music Awards on March 14, 2012. FilmMagic
“If the world was a fairer place, Joe Ely would have been huge! I mean huge!” Springsteen, 76, said while presenting the nation icon with a particular American Music Honors award at Monmouth University this past April.
“He had, and has, got it all,” the Boss continued. “He’s a great songwriter, he looks dead cool, he’s a fabulous stage performer always with a great band, and he’s got that voice. The voice I wish I had.”
Springsteen then took to social media to recollect the (*78*)-winning Texas troubadour after the news of his tragic dying broke this week.
Ely during a performance in Nashville, Tennessee, on Aug. 16, 2016. Getty Images
Ely in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1981. Getty Images
“Over here, we’re deeply saddened by the loss of Joe Ely, a singular American singer, great musician and great artist,” the “Glory Days” singer wrote on Instagram Tuesday.
“I was lucky enough to count Joe as a true friend and I will miss that voice and his companionship,” he added. “Our hearts go out to his wonderful wife Sharon and the family. We’ve lost an American classic.”
Ely’s final album, “Love and Freedom,” was launched in February.
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