Country Rocker Who Worked with Bruce Springsteen and the Clash Dead at 78
Joe Ely, the influential Texas country-rock singer-songwriter known for his boundary-blurring musical vision and collaborations with major rock artists including Bruce Springsteen and The Clash, has died at the age of 78. His family confirmed that he passed away on December 15, 2025, at his home in Taos, New Mexico, surrounded by loved ones, after battling complications from Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and pneumonia.
Ely’s music career spanned more than five decades, and his energetic fusion of honky-tonk, rock, blues, and Texas roots music helped shape the progressive country and Americana movements. Born in Amarillo, Texas, in 1947, he first gained attention in the early 1970s as a founding member of the influential group The Flatlanders, alongside Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock. The trio’s blend of folk and country laid the groundwork for Ely’s long and varied career.
After launching a solo career with his self-titled debut album in 1977, Ely quickly became a charismatic live performer and a favorite among fellow musicians. His band’s London shows brought him into contact with The Clash, a meeting of musical minds that led to tours together and Ely singing backing vocals on the band’s classic hit “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” The Clash even referenced Ely in their lyrics, testifying to the mutual respect between the punk outfit and the Texas rocker.
Ely’s influence wasn’t limited to punk audiences. He built a deep creative bond with Springsteen over the years, resulting in collaborative recordings that bridged country and rock sensibilities. Springsteen, in mourning Ely’s death, hailed him as an “American classic” and a dear friend, praising his songwriting, stage presence, and singular voice.
Though he never achieved the commercial fame of some of his peers, Ely’s legacy is evident in the artists he inspired and the diversity of his collaborations. From opening shows for the Rolling Stones and Tom Petty to working with Springsteen on albums as recent as 2024, his career remained vibrant until the end. His final album, Love and Freedom, was released earlier in 2025.
Ely is survived by his wife, Sharon, and daughter, Marie. Tributes from fans and fellow musicians alike have poured in, celebrating a life spent pushing the boundaries of American roots music and forging connections across genres.
Legacy:
Joe Ely’s work stands as a testament to the power of musical blending—country’s storytelling traditions energized by rock’s restless spirit and punk’s defiant edge. His enduring influence and collaborations with icons across musical spectrums ensured his place not just in Texas music lore, but in the wider narrative of American music history.
