Sad news, our heroes are dropping like flies. I listened to a couple of his albums today, a pity it takes a death to remind one at times of just how good he was. The first two albums are excellent and Live Shots is one of the best live albums. In fact, there isn't a bad Ely album.

I was very sorry to hear this news when it was reported in December. I have been listening to Joe Ely's music since the 1980s, and have seen him play live many times, both here and in the US. He was one of the good guys - we all owe him a lot.

I was pleased, at least, that a couple of well-written obituaries for Joe appeared in the press. The New York Times ran a very good piece written by someone who clearly knows his stuff:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/15/obituaries/joe-ely-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.9U8.2pxF.k-HXJenU-cvz&smid=url-share

And, in this country, The Guardian also ran a piece:

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/dec/22/joe-ely-obituary

As an obituary, the latter is more formulaic - but, still, I was pleased to see Joe's legacy recognized in the UK press.

I should mention that the person who turned me on to Joe in the first place was Hank Wangford, through his TV series 'The A-Z of C&W.' So - thanks Hank.

RIP Joe - and thanks for the brilliant music.

As a PS: I notice that a documentary is being made about Joe, by the filmmaker Patrick Heaphy. It will be entitled 'All Just To Get To You', and should appear in Autumn 2026. Keep an eye out for it.

@durks Thanks, Durks. I will definitely keep an eye out for the documentary. I've always had a soft spot for Hank Wangford over the years.