Though he wasn’t a New Mexico native, beloved singer-songwriter Joe Ely, who died earlier this week at his home in Taos, was essentially an adopted son. Ely, who developed and maintained numerous ties to New Mexico before moving here later in his life,

Joe Ely never broke out into the mainstream, but has been a beloved Texas treasure for five decades. His death Monday at age 78 brought tributes from fans and fellow musicians alike.

The legendary alt-country singer-songwriter died at age 78 on Dec. 15. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Ely, and daughter, Marie Ely. Here is everything to know about Joe Ely's family.

Joe Ely, together with fellow Texans Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, formed the band, The Flatlanders. Ely passed away on December 15 at 78 in Taos, New Mexico, after suffering from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson's Disease, and pneumonia, as per his spokesperson.

Joe Ely, a homegrown Texas musician, has died at 78. He often performed at Fitzgerald's, McGonigel's Mucky Duck and other Houston spots over the years.

A longtime Taos resident, Joe Ely performed in the state many times and wrote one of his best-known songs about Billy the Kid.