Larry Groce Remembers Joe Ely
Starting in 1993, Joe Ely performed on Mountain Stage six times solo and four more times with his storied band, The Flatlanders – 66 songs in all. I remember each of those visits and most of those songs.
Joe had a powerful presence without a lot of show, kind of like the surface of a deep fast-moving river, and he always seemed in control, even during a rave-up rock song. He was a world-class songwriter, and yet he could make a cover song his own as only a great stylist can.
Speaking of style, was he country, folk, rock, rockabilly, R&B, Americana or Tex-Mex? Yes, he was, and he was known around the world for his solo work, The Flatlanders, and his time with The Clash and Los Super Seven, with whom he won a Grammy. Joe was a pioneer of the Austin music scene and a founding father of what’s now called Americana music, and like Ramblin’ Jack, he even did a stint under the big top.
He drew on that deep well of experiences and they all added flavors to the Texas Panhandle Soul he began with. If you were lucky enough to see Joe in person, I’m sure you’ll never forget him. We were lucky to welcome him to Mountain Stage all those times, and we’re thankful for that.
-Larry Groce
Mountain Stage Co-founder, longtime host and artistic director
LISTEN
“I Had My Hopes Up High” by Joe Ely, recorded LIVE on Mountain Stage in 1993
