The Tom Gulley Show Podcast!

Joe Ely is one of the most respected — and quietly influential — figures in American music. From the heart of Texas to international stages, Ely has built a career that bridges outlaw country, folk storytelling, roots rock, and even punk rebellion. In this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom explores Joe Ely’s remarkable journey: his deep West Texas roots, his early partnership with fellow Flatlanders Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, and his fearless collaborations with artists ranging from Bruce Springsteen to The Clash. It’s a conversation about independence, integrity, and how Ely carved out a singular place in American music without ever chasing trends.