Joe Ely
Joe Ely formed a group called the Flatlanders with friends Butch Hancock and Jimmie Dale Gilmore in the early 70's and the three mavericks went on to become Texas cult heroes, despite only releasing one album More A Legend Than A Band in 1971. The legacy (and the work) of the Flatlanders has continued to be acknowledged up until the present day, with Ely, Gilmore and Hancock regularly appearing with each other either as the Flatlanders or in their own solo projects. Joe Ely formed his own band in the late 70's and went on to achieve much major label success, producing one of the most revered and ambitions country music albums, Honky Tonk Masquerade. Joe Ely's work has seen him use Rockabilly, Honky Tonk alongside the Western Swing of his native West Texas. The Flatlanders and Ely have always held a close association with the flat lands of Texas around Lubbock, and this was well documented in the film Lubbock Lights. Joe Ely's work has spread beyond the confines of country music, and he toured in the late 70's with the Clash, with Joe Strummer citing Ely as a major influence. Today Joe Ely is still producing fine music having re-signed with MCA in the late 1990's. A songwriter of note, an author, and an electrifying performer Joe Ely is one of the most highly regarded musicians to have come from Texas. For more information on Joe Ely visit the Joe Ely website
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