1 of 1
Story summary
- Joe Ely, a West Texas country-rock pioneer, died at 78 after battling Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
- He blended country, rock, Tex-Mex, and folk music to shape a distinctive sound that left a lasting impact.
- Ely began in Lubbock, forming the Flatlanders with Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock.
- He collaborated with Bruce Springsteen.
- He toured with the Clash and the Kinks and released Love and Freedom in 2025.
