BMI Remembers Joe Ely

Posted in News on December 16, 2025

BMI was saddened to learn of the passing of renowned GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Joe Ely, whose death at age 78 was announced on Monday.

A formidable presence on the progressive country scene, Ely was born in Amarillo, TX before relocating to Lubbock in his teenage years. Forming The Flatlanders in the early `70’s with Jimmie Dale Gilmour and Butch Hancock, the trio fused their respective interests in Country, folk and rock ’n’ roll to forge a distinctive sound that bucked convention and inspired countless artists in the following decades. After The Flatlanders initially broke up in 1973, Ely launched a prolific solo career, frequently performing and collaborating with artists from other genres, including Bruce Springsteen, Uncle Tupelo, Irish folk ensemble The Chieftans, Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Guy Clark, and The Clash.

Ely received a GRAMMY in 1998 for his contributions to Los Super Seven, a supergroup of musicians whose debut eponymous album won the GRAMMY Award for Best Mexican/Mexican American album. That same year, Ely reunited with The Flatlanders, later contributing music to director Robert Redford’s The Horse Whisperer. The reunion saw the band releasing further music and earning induction into the Austin Music Awards Hall of Fame in 2016.

Ely continued to make music through the end of his life. His most recent album, Love and Freedom, was his 29th solo record, which was released this past February.

Joe Ely will be greatly missed by his friends, fans and family at BMI.

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