Very sad to hear of the passing of Joe Ely today. He was aged 78.
Joe played a huge part in introducing a new generation to Country Music in the late 70s, helped by his friendship with The Clash (including backing vocals on Should I Stay Or Should I Go). Many U.K. musicians were inspired by him after watching him support The Clash on one of their UK tours.
He was originally from Lubbock, Texas where he became one of The Flatlanders band with Butch Hancock and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. After their early efforts proved fruitless Joe went solo and released 4 classic Country Rock albums for MCA. He relied a lot on the songs of his Flatlanders alumni and put together a sensational backing band. Always dynamic live, Ely also acted as an opening act for The Rolling Stones and Tom Petty.
The initial attention faded after a diversion into electronic sounds but he went back to his roots and produced more great albums for independent labels right up until the present day. (One track Odds Of The Blues featured his longtime supporter, Bruce Springsteen)
In later years he enjoyed some success with a reunion of the original Flatlanders.
Adios Joe and thank you for some fantastic memories.
From the OGWT 1981
I have a few of his solo albums – great artist who introduced me to a number of other artists.
I never got further than Lord Of The Highway, which I really like – are there one or two other gems I should investigate?
We seem to be losing an awful lot of top talent from the world recently. I’m sad to hear of his demise. Condolences to all of his family and friends.
“Live Shots” was a rollicking performance from 1980 including steel legend Lloyd Maines in the band. “Letter to Laredo” is from 15 years later and is more reflective and heart felt. Both excellent.
@vulpes-vulpes If you liked the rocking sound of Lord Of The Highway then you would probably enjoy its follow up, Dig All Night, or any of the first four albums – including Musta Notta Gotta Lotta
All the above …and don’t stick with just the solo stuff. The ‘recent’ Flatlanders album “Treasure of Love” is a bit of a gem.
Another vote for Dig All Night, but I’m a fan of the later albums Love and Danger, Letter to Laredo, Twistin’ in the Wind and Streets of Sin. The live set Live at Liberty Lunch is unbeatable.
Letter to Laredo had the wonderful She never spoke Spanish to me and Gallo Del Cielo written by the wonderful Tom Russell.
Would also recommend Panhandle Ranbler.
I thought so too…but we misremember. This thread inspired me to play LTL and in fact “She Never Spoke Spanish to Me” is on his first album – LTL contains the answer song “She Finally Spoke Spanish to Me” .
I’ll get my coat.
Thanks all above!
After I asked the question I realised that I do already have Letter to Laredo as well – how I could have forgotten about a song concerning a fighting cockerel is beyond me.
Anyhow, I’ve grabbed copies of Twistin’, Love & Danger and Dig All Night to keep me going. I’ll go for some live material once they’ve arrived, and maybe look at that Flatlander stuff too. And then there’s the question of more Tom Russell material…
It’s often the death of an artist that prompts me to fill gaps in my collection – shouldn’t be like that, I know. I’ve invested in Down on the Drag, Live at Antone’s and Love in the Midst of Mayhem, all of which were somehow missing in action. Dig All Night is a real stonker, not a duff track on it.
Not my usual fare but I did buy Letter to Laredo back in the day. Gallo del Cielo is one of my favourite story songs with a quite brilliant arrangement. I will play it today in Joe’s honour
Mine too Feedback and desperately trying to find news of Tom Russell. He has disappeared for a couple of years now and I fear he may have ill health.
One of America’s greatest songwriters.
I was a big fan of his early albums, but as is always the way drifted away after a while. A particular favourite was Live Shots, recorded in London in 1979, where he was opening for The Clash. He had a great band – wish I’d been there.