One of Texas music’s most original and independent voices has passed away, leaving a lasting impact on country, rock, and Americana. Often described as Austin’s musical apostle of change, he died on December 15 following a prolonged illness that included complications from Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and pneumonia. Born in Amarillo in 1947 and raised in Lubbock, he emerged from a rich West Texas creative environment that shaped generations of influential songwriters. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he became known as a genuine troubadour—deeply committed to his craft, respectful of tradition, and never driven by the pursuit of mainstream recognition.
His journey began far from the spotlight. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, he traveled across the country performing folk songs on street corners, in small clubs, and wherever listeners could be found. A major turning point came in 1971 when he joined fellow Lubbock musicians Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock to form The Flatlanders. The group blended country, folk, and rock with a rare chemistry that later earned them comparisons to the Beatles of West Texas. Although their early recordings went largely unnoticed, their music gained renewed appreciation decades later, leading to reunions and continued performances that highlighted their enduring influence.
As a solo performer, he released 16 albums and earned respect well beyond traditional country audiences. He toured with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, collaborated with The Clash, and later worked with artists such as Bruce Springsteen. Despite these high-profile connections, his music often defied commercial expectations, with a sound that was sometimes described as too raw or unconventional for mainstream formats. Rather than adjust his style, he chose to remain outside the media spotlight, valuing artistic independence and authenticity over mass exposure.
His creativity extended beyond music into other ventures, including helping develop Stubb’s Bar-B-Q sauce alongside his wife Sharon and founder C.B. “Stubb” Stubblefield, contributing to the product’s early growth and identity. In his final years, declining health limited his activities, but his influence continued to resonate. His last solo album, Love and Freedom, was released in early 2025, only months before he passed away at his home in Taos, New Mexico, surrounded by family. His legacy—defined by honesty, independence, and a deep respect for American roots music—will continue to inspire future generations, and his name will long be remembered: Joe Ely.