‘We’ve Lost an American Classic’

Ely, a legend of Texas music, died Monday at 78

Bruce Springsteen has always been a vocal fan of Joe Ely, the progressive Texas country legend who mixed country music with rock on albums like Honky Tonk Masquerade, was a member of the cult favorite band the Flatlanders, and even toured with the Clash. Ely died Monday at 78 after a long illness.

“Over here, we’re deeply saddened by the loss of Joe Ely, a singular American singer, great musician and great artist,” Springsteen wrote on social media on Tuesday, paying tribute to Ely. “I was lucky enough to count Joe as a true friend and I will miss that voice and his companionship. Our hearts go out to his wonderful wife Sharon and the family. We’ve lost an American classic.”

According to a rep for Ely, the songwriter died “from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s and pneumonia. His beloved wife Sharon and daughter Marie were at his side at their home in Taos, New Mexico.”

Earlier this year, Springsteen spoke at length about Ely and his contributions to music during a ceremony at the Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music where Springsteen presented Ely with a special American Music Honors award. “It’s got that slight Southern country twang, it’s got a hint of rockabilly,” Springsteen said. “It’s got the depth and emotion of Johnny Cash and it’s as deeply authentic as his Texas roots.”

Ely and Springsteen teamed up for the song “Odds of the Blues” for Ely’s 2024 album Driven to Drive and have shared the stage together numerous times. In 2014, Springsteen and the E Street Band welcomed Ely to their show in Houston to perform “Great Balls of Fire” and “Lucille.”

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