Joe Ely Frans Schellekens/Redferns/Getty Images Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment Joe Ely, the influential Texas-born singer-songwriter whose blend of honky-tonk, rock and roadhouse blues made him a favorite among other musicians and led to collaborations with Bruce Springsteen and the Clash, has died. He was 78. Ely died Monday at his home in Taos, New Mexico, of complications from Lewy Body dementia, Parkinson's and pneumonia, according to a post on his Facebook account and later confirmed by his representatives. Ely was considered a key figure in the progressive country music movement as a founder of the influential country-rock band The Flatlanders with Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock and later as a solo artist. Related Stories TV Anthony Geary, Luke Spencer on 'General Hospital,' Dies at 78 Movies Rob Reiner, 'When Harry Met Sally,' 'The Princess Bride' and 'Stand by Me' Director and 'All in the Family' Actor, Dies at 78 in Apparent Homicide "Joe Ely performed American roots music with the fervor of a true believer who knew music could transport souls," said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. "But his true measure came through in the dynamic intensity of his powerhouse live performances, where he could stand his ground aside fellow zealots Bruce Springsteen - who recorded duets with Ely - and the Stones and the Clash, who took Ely on tour as an opening act." After signing with MCA, Ely released his first solo album in 1977. He would release more than 20 albums during his career, including Love and Freedom this year. Born on Feb. 9, 1947 in Amarillo, Ely stayed connected to his Texas roots through decades of recording and performing that lacked a mainstream breakthrough but made him a favorite of other artists. "Every time I start a new album, I head up to West Texas and drive around, you know, drive on those old cotton roads and in the wide-open spaces, and every once in a while I'll come across a place where I've spent some time," Ely told Texas Monthly in 2011. It was a soundcheck for a show in London that led to the collaboration with the Clash. Ely would open for the British punk band at several shows and sang backup vocals on their "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" Ely also played on the 1998 album Los Super Seven, sharing a Grammy for best Mexican American music performance with members of that collective, including Freddy Fender and Los Lobos' David Hidalgo. Survivors include his wife, Sharon, and his daughter, Marie. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up music K-pop Boy Group Riize Is Ready to Level Up: "We're Constantly Trying New Styles and Reinventing Ourselves" Mariah Carey Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" Is the Longest-Running No. 1 in Billboard History TikTok Ciara to Perform at Inaugural TikTok Awards (Exclusive) theron thomas Theron Thomas and Jeff "Gitty" Gitelman Launch New Label Venture Haven Houzin House Josh Groban Ben Platt Duets With Josh Groban, Covers Addison Rae's "Diet Pepsi" During Los Angeles Concert Selena Quintanilla Abraham Quintanilla Jr., Selena's Father and Manager, Dies at 86 music K-pop Boy Group Riize Is Ready to Level Up: "We're Constantly Trying New Styles and Reinventing Ourselves" Mariah Carey Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" Is the Longest-Running No. 1 in Billboard History TikTok Ciara to Perform at Inaugural TikTok Awards (Exclusive) theron thomas Theron Thomas and Jeff "Gitty" Gitelman Launch New Label Venture Haven Houzin House Josh Groban Ben Platt Duets With Josh Groban, Covers Addison Rae's "Diet Pepsi" During Los Angeles Concert Selena Quintanilla Abraham Quintanilla Jr., Selena's Father and Manager, Dies at 86