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We have now unhappy information to report from the world of music at this time.
Joe Ely — the nation and rock star who helped put the Austin music scene on the map within the Sixties and ’70s — has handed away.
He was 78 years previous.
Information of Ely’s loss of life comes courtesy of an announcement posted on his Instagram web page on Tuesday.
“Legendary songwriter, singer, and raconteur Joe Ely died at this time from problems of Lewy Physique Dementia, Parkinson’s and pneumonia,” the assertion reads.
“His beloved spouse Sharon and daughter Marie had been at his aspect at their residence in Taos, New Mexico. Ely was born February 9, 1947 in Amarillo, Texas.
“He was a frontrunner of the extraordinary parade of artists raised in Lubbock who later settled within the stay music capital of Austin,” the submit continued.
“Ely signed with MCA Data within the Seventies and spent greater than 5 a long time recording and performing all over the world.”
The assertion promised that “a full obituary” and extra data could be offered shortly.
After establishing himself as a touring musician within the late ’60s, Ely shaped the nation trio The Flatlanders in 1972.
Following a virtually 20-year hiatus throughout which their fame solely grew, the Flatlanders reassembled in 1998 to document a music for Robert Redford’s movie The Horse Whisperer.
Ely continued touring and recording within the years that adopted, releasing his last album, Love and Freedom, in February 2025.
A musician whose affect and fandom stretched nicely past the world of nation music, Ely caught the eye of legendary punk band the Conflict in 1978 and was later requested to tour with the band.
“I had lecturers inform me I wouldn’t make it to 21 once I was going to highschool, so I beat the chances,” the long-lasting musician famously quipped in a 2011 interview.
Ely is survived by his spouse and daughter.
Our ideas exit to his family members throughout this extremely tough one.
