Joe Ely, a legendary Texas singer-songwriter whose career spanned more than five decades, has died, according to a statement released Tuesday.
Ely died from complications of Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s disease and pneumonia. He was at his home in Taos, New Mexico, with his wife, Sharon, and daughter, Marie, at his side.
Born Feb. 9, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas, Ely emerged as a key figure among a generation of influential musicians raised in Lubbock who later helped shape the live music scene in Austin. He signed with MCA Records in the 1970s and went on to record and perform music around the world for more than 50 years.
Known as a songwriter, singer and storyteller, Ely earned widespread respect for his contributions to Texas and Americana music.
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