Bruce Springsteen Mourns the Loss of ‘an American Classic’

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 14: Bruce Springsteen performs during the first night of his 'The Land of Hopes and Dreams' tour at Co-op Live on May 14, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images)

Bruce Springsteen is mourning the loss of his dear friend and former collaborator Joe Ely after his tragic passing at age 78. Ely’s family shared the news via social media on Monday, December 15.

Bruce Springsteen Shares Tribute to Joe Ely

Springsteen took to social media one day after Ely’s passing to shared a touching tribute to his longtime pal.

“Over here, we’re deeply saddened by the loss of Joe Ely, a singular American singer, great musician and great artist,” Springsteen wrote in a post shared via Instagram. “I was lucky enough to count Joe as a true friend and I will miss that voice and his companionship. Our hearts go out to his wonderful wife Sharon and the family. We’ve lost an American classic.”

The “Born in the U.S.A.” artist collaborated with the late musician numerous times over the years. Springsteen appeared on Ely’s 1995 album, “Letter To Laredo”, including “All Just to Get to You.” In 2024, the duo collaborated again on Ely’s “Odds of the Blues” off his “Driven to Drive” album.

Tributes Pour In for the Late Musician

Fans and followers flooded Springsteen’s social media post with condolences and comments about their memories of Ely.

“Saw you and him twice in Houston. In 2008 and in 2014 you performed Lucille and Great Balls of Fire!” one fan reminisced.

“I still remember Joe Ely coming out on stage to perform Lucille and Great Balls of Fire with Bruce in 2014 at the Cynthia Mitchell Woods Pavilion in Houston. It was really something. RIP Joe. 🎸🕊️” another recalled.

“Saw him perform multiple times. A great rocker, sorry to hear of his passing. Check his music out if you are unfamiliar,” a third fan wrote.

Ely passed away on Monday, December 15, due to complications of Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s and pneumonia, his family announced.

“His beloved wife Sharon and daughter Marie were at his side at their home in Taos, New Mexico. Ely was born February 9, 1947 in Amarillo, Texas,” the Ely family’s statement continued. “He was a leader of the extraordinary parade of artists raised in Lubbock who later settled in the live music capital of Austin. Ely signed with MCA Records in the 1970s and spent more than five decades recording and performing around the world. A full obituary and more information will follow in the coming days.”

Joe Ely was 78 years old.