RIP Joe Ely

 

Legendary Texas singer-songwriter Joe Ely dead at 78

FOX 34

By KCBD Staff

December 15, 2025

 

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - Legendary singer-songwriter Joe Ely died today from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s and pneumonia.

According to a Facebook post, Ely was at his family’s home in Taos, New Mexico, with his wife, Sharon, and daughter, Marie, by his side.

Ely, who was born in Amarillo, was raised in Lubbock and left his mark on the music scene before moving to Austin and influencing artists like the Clash and Bruce Springsteen, according to Rolling Stone. Ely signed a deal with MCA Records in the 1970s, leading to a lengthy career touring around the world and recording.

He was inducted into the West Texas Walk of Fame in 1989 alongside Roy Orbison. In 2016, Ely was again inducted with the group The Flatlanders.

Music staples in Lubbock and organizations, like The Blue Light Live, reacted to Ely’s death on Monday night.

In a social media post, Civic Lubbock Inc. said Ely “will be sorely missed and our sincere condolences go out to his wife, Sharon, and his family, friends and fellow musicians.”

Ely was 78 years old.

ELY, Joe (Earl Rewell Ely Jr.)

Born: 2/9/1947, Amarillo, Texas, U.S.A.

Died: 12/15/2025, Taos, New Mexico, U.S.A.

 

Joe Ely’s westerns – actor:

South of Heaven, West of Hell – 2000 (Petrified Paul)

Blood Trail – 2005 (Dave Robertson)