Joe Ely
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Biography
Joe Ely, born Joe Ely on 9 February 1947 in Amarillo, Texas, began his musical journey with classical violin before switching to electric guitar at age 13. His first major breakthrough came in 1977 with the MCA debut Joe Ely, which received critical acclaim and was named Country Album of the Year by Melody Maker. Subsequent releases such as Honky Tonk Masquerade (1978) and Down on the Drag (1979) solidified his reputation as a versatile performer blending country, rock, and TexâMex influences. Ely signed with Hightone in 1987 for Lord of the Highway (1987) and Dig All Night (1988), before returning to MCA for Love and Danger (1992). His later albums, including Letter to Laredo (1996) and Panhandle Rambler (2015), showcased collaborations with artists like Bruce Springsteen and Lyle Lovett. Joe Ely continued touring and recording until his death on 15 December 2025 in Taos, New Mexico, after complications from Lewy body dementia, Parkinsonâs disease, and pneumonia.
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Albums
Top Tracks
- Track Popularity
- Me And Billy The Kid
- Sittin' on Top of the World featuring Jimmie Dale Gilmore
- Dallas
- Love & Danger
- Dig All Night
- Jazz Street
- Rich Man, Poor Boy
- I Didn't Even Do It
- For Your Love
- My Eyes Got Lucky
- Drivin' Man
- Boxcars
- Moanin' of the Midnight Train featuring Jimmie Dale Gilmore
- He'll Be Dead Before He Hits the Ground featuring Joe Ely
- Honky Tonk Masquerade
- Magdalene
- White Line Fever
- Saint Valentine
- Run Preciosa
- Gallo Del Cielo
- That Ain't Enough
- I Ain't Been Here Long
- She Finally Spoke Spanish To Me
- I Saw It In You
