Texan country hero and The Clash collaborator, Joe Ely, dead at 78
The Texas country star Joe Ely has died, following a battle with health complications, aged 78.
The singer sadly died on December 15th, per Rolling Stone. His representative told the publication that he passed away at his home in New Mexico from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s, and pneumonia.
Ely enjoyed an eclectic life, and although he never achieved a mainstream career, he garnered acclaim among fellow singers and songwriters who revered him and his cult following.
Having formed the underground country band The Flatlanders in the 1970s, alongside musicians Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, Ely went on to perform in a number of other jobs as the group’s music went unreleased.
From there, he joined a circus where he cared for animals for a time, before eventually being swayed to return to music by being befriended by Joe Strummer. After releasing his debut solo album, he was enlisted by the iconic frontman to open for The Clash on their London Calling tour.
The pair subsequently struck up a prolific partnership over the years, with the band paying tribute to him with the lyric: “Well there ain’t no better blend/ Than Joe Ely and his Texas men,” on the song ‘If Music Could Talk’, taken from their 1980 album Sandinista!.
Ely also went on to sing backing vocals on the iconic Clash hit ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go’, eventually also recording his own cover version of the song.
His original group, The Flatlanders, then reunited throughout the 1990s and 2000s, going on to be an essential part of the West Texas country music scene.
In his status as a musician’s musician, Ely crossed paths with and gained the approval of many stars in his time, including Paul McCartney, Linda Ronstadt, and Bruce Springsteen.
Indeed, the latter, who performed with the country star numerous times and as recently as 2024, previously said of his style: “It’s got that slight Southern country twang, it’s got a hint of rockabilly,” adding, “It’s got the depth and emotion of Johnny Cash and it’s as deeply authentic as his Texas roots.”
Ely is survived by his wife, Sharon and his daughter, Marie.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.