Joe Ely, the veteran singer-songwriter who rose to fame with The Flatlanders, announced in a recent health update that he has been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and Parkinson's disease, both of which can have significant impacts on cognition, movement, and daily activities. The announcement was made on Tuesday, Sep. 9, on his Facebook account.
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"Together with his wife Sharon, Joe is sharing their journey—not to dwell in hardship, but to bring understanding, awareness, and hope through the healing power of music," the post reads.
"Our story is about how music continues to lift us up," his wife Sharon added to the announcement. "Revisiting Joe's recordings and hearing them brought to life again has given him so much joy. We want others to feel that same joy too."
The Rise of Joe Ely
Raised in Lubbock, 2016 Texas State Musician Joe Ely was a founding member of the progressive country group The Flatlanders. Featuring Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, the band gained a cult following for this unique mix of rock, folk, and country music.
The band's debut album was released in 1972, but they disbanded the following year. They would reunite in 1998 to contribute a song to the soundtrack of The Horse Whisperer and then again in 2002 for the album Now Again.
Ely then released his first solo album in 1977. While touring in London, he struck up a friendship with punk icons The Clash. In the song, "If Music Could Talk", from the 1980 album, 'Sandinista!,' the band pays tribute to Ely with the lyric: "Well, there ain't no better blend than Joe Ely and his Texas Men." And that's Ely singing backup on The Clash's hit "Should I Stay or Should I Go?"
Ely's gift for storytelling and ear for music earned him a strong fan base. He also counted Bruce Springsteen, Lyle Lovett, Uncle Tupelo, and John Hiatt among his collaborators.
In addition to a string of critically acclaimed albums in the 80s and 90s, Ely earned a reputation as a tremendous live performer. He also wrote a book, titled Bonfire of Roadmaps, which was published in 2007.
What Was Joe Ely Diagnosed With?
Lewy body dementia is a progressive brain disorder that causes cognitive decline, visual hallucinations, movement issues, and sleep disturbances. Other celebrities diagnosed with this disorder are Robin Williams, who was posthumously diagnosed in 2014.
Parkinson's disease is another kind of progressive neurological disorder. It causes tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and balance problems due to the loss of dopamine. Parkinson's is what Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with in 1991.
What Are Fans Saying?
Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Ely's bandmate in The Flatlanders, also shared the news on Facebook. He encouraged fans to listen to the new recordings Ely's wife, Sharon, rediscovered.
One fan wrote in reaction to the news, "So much love to Joe and his family and huge gratitude for the music which carried me many times, from the high desert, clear across Texas back to bayou land and back up and over to the mountains again. His music made me feel close to my father....something we could share. Tender mercies to you Joe Ely."
"Sending much love and healing vibes to Joe and his family and friends. Thank you sharing your wonderful talent with us," posted another fan.
