LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Legendary singer-songwriter Joe Ely died today from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s and pneumonia.
According to a Facebook post, Ely was at his family’s home in Taos, New Mexico, with his wife, Sharon, and daughter, Marie, by his side.
Ely, who was born in Amarillo, was raised in Lubbock and left his mark on the music scene before moving to Austin and influencing artists like the Clash and Bruce Springsteen, according to Rolling Stone. Ely signed a deal with MCA Records in the 1970s, leading to a lengthy career touring around the world and recording.
Jimmie Dale Gilmore, left, Joe Ely and Butch Hancock, right, from the band The Flatlanders perform at the Newport Folk Festival on the Fort Adams stage in Newport, R.I., Saturday, Aug. 4, 2001. (AP Photo/Edward Stapel)(EDWARD STAPEL | AP)
He was inducted into the West Texas Walk of Fame in 1989 alongside Roy Orbison. In 2016, Ely was again inducted with the group The Flatlanders.
Music staples in Lubbock and organizations, like The Blue Light Live, reacted to Ely’s death on Monday night.
The Blue Light Live reacts to the death of Joe Ely.(Blue Light Live)
In a social media post, Civic Lubbock Inc. said Ely “will be sorely missed and our sincere condolences go out to his wife, Sharon, and his family, friends and fellow musicians.”
Ely was 78 years old.
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