Country rock icon Joe Ely dead at age 78

Country rock icon Joe Ely has died at age 78.

Known for mixing rock-and-roll with hardcore honky tonk, Texas-born Ely earned a Grammy in his widely-successful career and also collaborated with musicians outside his own genre such as Bruce Springsteen, Lyle Lovett, The Clash, and more.  

Ely passed at his New Mexico home on Monday with his wife Sharon and daughter Marie by his side, his Facebook page announced. 

According to their announcement, Ely died as a result of complications of Lewy Body dementia, Parkinson's and pneumonia.

'Legendary songwriter, singer, and raconteur Joe Ely died today 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. Ely was born February 9, 1947 in Amarillo, Texas. 

'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. 

Bruce Springsteen, who collaborated with Ely, paid tribute to the late star: 'Over here we're deeply saddened by the loss of Joe Ely, a singular American singer, great musician and great artist. 

'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.'

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Kyle Young, the CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame, also issued a statement remembering the music icon. 

'Joe Ely performed American roots music with the fervor of a true believer who knew music could transport souls. His distinctive musical style could only have emerged from Texas, with its southwestern blend of honky-tonk, rock & roll, roadhouse blues, western swing, and conjunto. 

'He began his career in the Flatlanders, with fellow Lubbock natives Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, and he would mix their songs with his through fifty years of critically acclaimed recordings. 

'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.'

Ely's solo artist work and part founding the country-rock band The Flatlands has made him regarded as an instrumental part in the progressive country music movement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

According to his website, he has been 'at the forefront of outlaw country, alt-country, Texas country and Americana, and has been recognized as one of the best songwriters of his generation.'  

 His career saw him open for The Clash on multiple occasions and even provided back-up vocals on their hit track, Should I Stay or Should I Go?

He was awarded the Grammy for Best Mexican-American Music Performance with Los Super Seven in 1999.

In January, Ely's wife Sharon Ely shed light on her husband's health woes, revealing he was diagnosed with cerebral amyloid angiopathy last year while recovering from pneumonia.

At the time of the post, they were seeking a second opinion about his diagnosis and were also planning on releasing unreleased recordings Ely had made throughout his career.

Those recordings would ultimately become his 29th studio album, Love & Freedom, which was released in February. 

'As we are working with Joe's health, he and I have listened to files and files and files of music that he recorded in his studio in Austin over the years. We have discovered and unearthed treasures of brilliant recordings. Some are coming together as complete albums.

'The latest album Joe wanted to release as soon as possible is Love & Freedom. As we listened to these recordings we discovered that they are related to the times we are living today. 

'Joe wanted people to hear these songs and think about what they mean. For those asking, we are working to get CDs made of the new album and should have news shortly.'

His Texas roots also resonate with his music.

'There’s no mistaking a Joe Ely album,'  Dallas Morning News critic Mario Tarradell once wrote, according to Ely's website.. 'His stinging, road-hued voice commands lyrics about life, love and the wandering spirit. When you listen to his music, you’re enjoying the essence of Joe Ely. That’s the essence of Texas Music.'