Bruce Springsteen has long spoken openly about his admiration for Joe Ely, the forward thinking Texas country figure who blended roots music with rock across records like Honky Tonk Masquerade, helped shape the cult favorite group the Flatlanders, and even spent time touring with the Clash. Ely passed away on Monday at the age of 78 following a lengthy 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 Tuesday as he reflected on Ely’s passing. “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.”
A representative for Ely confirmed that 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 took time to celebrate Ely’s influence and career during a ceremony at the Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music, where he 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 at the event. “It’s got the depth and emotion of Johnny Cash and it’s as deeply authentic as his Texas roots.”
The two artists also collaborated directly, teaming up on the song “Odds of the Blues” from Ely’s 2024 album Driven to Drive, and they shared the stage together on multiple occasions. One notable moment came in 2014, when Springsteen and the E Street Band brought Ely out during a Houston show to perform “Great Balls of Fire” and “Lucille.”
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