Joe Ely’s talent and tenacity earned him a place among such Texas singer-songwriter peers as Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett and Ely’s bandmates in the Flatlanders, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock.

A songwriter of poetic power and a performer with commanding presence, Austin resident Ely turns to West Texas for inspiration. An Amarillo native ...