Spare Change Radio

Joe Ely has died at 78.

One of the most influential musicians in the early days of alt-country, Ely was a prime mover in Americana music since the days before it was called Americana. A fixture of Austin's progressive country scene of the 1970s and 80s, he drew inspiration from Texas, where he was raised, and from the open road.

To celebrate his life and artistry, we're sharing a feature from ND founder Peter Blackstock published this past February on Ely's final album, "Love and Freedom." The No Depression team sends condolences to the Ely family.

https://nodepression.org/joe-ely-digs-into-his-archives-for-songs-of-love-and-freedom