A iconic county singer has died months after announcing his crippling heath struggles.
Joe Ely, who toured with both The Clash and The Rolling Stones whilst being at the forefront of the 1970s progressive country music movement, has died at the age of 78, it has been announced. His family released a statement revealing the pioneer had passed away with his loved ones by his side.
“Legendary songwriter, singer, and raconteur Joe Ely died today from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s and pneumonia,” it read. “His beloved wife Sharon and daughter Marie were at his side at their home in Taos, New Mexico. Ely was born February 9, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas.
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FilmMagic)
“He was a leader of the extraordinary parade of artists raised in Lubbock who later settled in the live music capital of Austin. Ely signed with MCA Records in the 1970s and spent more than five decades recording and performing around the world. A full obituary and more information will follow in the coming days.”
The musician died with his wife and manager, Sharon, and daughter, Marie, at this side. He had only announced his Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia diagnosis in September this year.
Alongside his work with greats the Stones and the Clash, he also performed with Bruce Springsteen, Uncle Tupelo, Los Super Seven, The Chieftains, James McMurtry, Lyle Lovett, and Guy Clark.
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His heartbroken fans raced to social media to remember Joe and pay their respects. One wrote: “When I was deep in the Texas music scene in the 80s and early 90s, Joe Ely’s influence on everyone was just a given. The music he inspired is immeasurable. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.”
Another posted on X: “”Rest in peace and light with the angels Joe. Condolences to his family and all those whom loved him. It was such a privilege seeing him play in Australia with The Flatlanders at a small intimate show in Melbourne. He was everything I thought he’d be, a gentleman, an incredible storyteller and musician. Thank you for the music.”
As the tributes flooded in, a third fan said: “He was such an amazing singer and songwriter. I loved his music and had the pleasure of watching him perform many times. I’m sending much love to Sharon and Marie…I’ll miss you Joe, and I like to think that you are up there with Joe Strummer and all of your musician friends in Heaven. Rest In Peace Sweet Joe. You were so special.”
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Source: Mirror
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