Influential country-rock star dies months after being diagnosed with two incurable diseases

WorldMusic
17 Dec 2025 • 3:45 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Country artist Joe Ely has died at the age of 78 at his home in Taos, New Mexico.
  • His family announced he passed away from complications related to Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and pneumonia.
  • Ely was renowned for blending rock and country genres, touring with major rock acts such as The Clash and The Rolling Stones.
  • He released 17 studio albums and was a member of The Flatlanders and Grammy-winning supergroup Los Super Seven.
  • Ely was inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame in 2022, with his live performances praised for their dynamic intensity.

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