Joe Ely receives Americana Music Association honor
Thursday, July 19, 2007 – Joe Ely will receive the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award for Performing from the Americana Music Association, the group announced Thursday.
"Ely's live shows have become legendary, and throughout his genre -crossing career, he has performed with Bruce Springsteen, Los Super Seven, and James McMurtry, The Clash and more recent acoustic tours with Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, and Guy Clark," said AMA Executive Director Jed Hilly in announcing the award from the stage of the Ryman Auditorium where the group was recognizing Levon Helm of The Band.
"Four years ago Levon received the Americana Lifetime Achievement Award for Performing, but due to personal health reasons was unable to come to Nashville, said Hilly. "How honored are we that the man many people call the godfather of the Americana Roots Music movement is honoring us with his performance here tonight."
The presentation to Ely, who released two albums already this year, will be made Nov. 1 at the Ryman Auditorium during the 6th Annual Americana Music Association's Honors and Awards Show as part of the AMA's annual conference in Nashville.
The AMA also will present the Lifetime Achievement Awards for Songwriter, Instrumentalist, Producer/Engineer, Spirit of Americana Free Speech Award, The Presidents Award and the Jack Emerson Executive Award. Recipients in these categories will be announced between now and October.
More news for Joe Ely
CD reviews for Joe Ely
Satisfied At Last
Often, it seems that a veteran singer getting into his or her 60s or 70s will start writing more frequently about life and death. While the results can often be compelling (the best parts of Johnny Cash's "American Recordings" sessions, for example), they can also be plain depressing (the worst parts of "American Recordings"). Then, there's the Joe Ely approach. On his new album, "Satisfied At Last," Ely, 64, says he wants his ashes loaded into some shotgun »»» |
Live Cactus
As a country music "outlaw," Joe Ely has always stood out from the pack. On his latest, Ely has decided to forge an alliance with premier accordionist Joel Guzman, and the combination works.
This is not the typical Ely album with a lot of edginess. The live disc is a confluence of two excellent and distinct talents whose music covers a wide spectrum. With more than an hour of material available, there is a lot to choose from with the wispy balladry of "Up On the Ridge" »»» |
Silver City
As wonderful as The Flatlanders are, this all-star trio sometimes obscures the greatness of its individual members, which makes this such a surprisingly welcome revelation. It's an all-acoustic work, with Joe Ely singing, playing guitar and adding a little harmonica and percussion in various places.
Joel Guzman also contributes accordion. These 10 songs remind us once again what a truly commanding singer Ely is. One is tempted to call him the Chuck D. of country music because he sings »»» |
Editorial: Walking the talk –
When names like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Waylon and the Hag are invoked, you're talking hard core country. These are the touchstones of country , the guys who made country music what it was and still is (or maybe can be). When these folks would sing about being down-and-out and the rough-and-tumble, they knew of what they were singing about. Fast forward a few years to the country singers of today. »»»
Concert Review: Size doesn't matter to Winslow-King –
Luke Winslow-King may have a fine new CD out ("The Coming Tide") on a long respected indie country/roots label (Bloodshot), but that didn't mean the throngs were going to fill the club. In fact, in a second night of shows in the Boston area, Winslow-King drew a handful of people. Well, make that literally two handfuls of people.
As in 10 people.... »»»
Concert Review: McGraw has plenty of fight left –
Despite the fact that Tim McGraw is five years sober, fit as a triathlete and touring behind a number one album, he is still in an unenviable position. As he approaches 50, McGraw has to stay a step ahead of the current crop of young country hunks with TV shows, cross format radio airplay and wider appeal. But as he proved at First Niagara's... »»»
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