
Joe Ely Faces Down Medical Problems While Being Honored By Springsteen
Joe Ely's wife and manger posted a lengthy update about him that is both a little concerning and a bit heartwarming.
Lubbock's Own!
To me, Joe Ely was Lubbock. I only say "was" because he moved. In the late 70's-early 80's no one did a better job of representing the Hub City than Joe. Ely palled around with the Clash, The Eagles, and others that we may never even know about. Wherever Ely was playing was the hottest spot in town that night.
The Artist
In a perfect world Joe Ely would be one of the biggest artists on the planet, but he has always had that Lubbock stubbornness in him that made him to rock for country, to country for rock, and too proud to make a change. Ely's exploits are legendary to folks who were here "back in the day". I was a particular fan of the time he spent jumping trains with our own Eddie Beethoven that resulted in a lot of the album "Hi-Res", his most commercially successful album.
Travels
I moved to Austin for a couple of years and Joe Ely was my anchor there as well. He killed it by bringing his bike up on stage for our New Year's Bash, and Joe and family were nice enough to give us bit parts in his Don't Mess with Texas video. That's how Joe is, if he's at the party, his friends are invited. I feel like I could write about Joe for days and days, but his legend requires a proper biography by someone far more talented than me.
An Update
Ely's wife posted that they are combing through some of his archives while trying to over come cerebral amyloid angiopathy, which is bleeding in the brain. She remains hopeful through the message, and it's encouraging to hear about Joe putting some work in. She also mentioned that Ely got a call from his friend Bruce Springsteen that he would be honored by "The Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music’s American Music Honors".
He's Built Tough
Things seem hopeful but tough for Joe right now. Joe's music was always hopeful but tough. If anybody can come out of the other side of this, it would be Joe. I hope everybody from Lubbock who is able will send him well wishes, and I'd like to personally thank him for all the good times and bringing me closer to my friends and neighbors in the Hub City.
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