Joe Ely was a Texas country-rock legend who helped shape Americana, roots and outlaw country. He toured with Bruce Springsteen, the Clash, Lyle Lovett, Guy Clark and many more greats.

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

Joe Ely, the Lubbock-bred singer-songwriter who grew his country fan base into a broader one with big cosigns from the Clash and others, died at 78.

Joe Ely, the Texas singer, songwriter, and member of the Flatlanders, who influenced the Clash and Bruce Springsteen, has died at 78.

Celebrating Joe Ely's incredible journey in rock and country music.

Joe Ely, the influential Texas-born singer-songwriter whose blend of honky-tonk, rock, roadhouse blues, led to collaborations with Bruce Springsteen and the Clash, has died.

Me and Billy the Kid singer, Joe Ely, was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was "one of the main movers" of Austin, Texas' progressive country scene in the 1970s and 1980s. The singer's contribution to the musical world is undeniable, making his death come as a massive loss to the industry. The singer passed away on December 15, 2025, (ET).