Joe Ely has been everywhere and toured with the Clash and the Ringling Brothers. From Joe's website:
Joined Ringling Bros. Circus in the summer of 1974 and took care of the llamas
and the world's smallest horse. Later took care of the Arabian and Belguim
horses. Played every stop in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. In Houston, was
kicked unconcious by the lead horse as the elephants were being led in by famed
trainer, Gunther Gebal Williams. Gunther witnessed Joe's accident and
temporarily left his elephants to pull Joe to safety. This event probably saved
Joe's life. He hitchhiked back to Lubbock down Hwy 36 with two broken ribs and
laughed only when necessary.
Joe is a member of the Flatlanders with Jimmie Dale Gimore and Butch Hancock and of Los Super Seven with 3 members of Los Lobos, Flaco Jimenez, Rick Trevino, (now dead) Freddy Fender, Rubin Ramos, Doug Sahm (sadly, gone as well), Augie Myers and Guzman.
(Ely s)aw his first hundred dollar bill in a Lubbock speakeasy called the
Hideway Club. Hall of Fame quarterback, Bobby Lane, who was out on the town with
fellow Yankee star Micky Mantle, tiped Joe one hundred dollars for playing the
Willie Nelson Classic, 'Nightlife'.
Head down to Shank Hall to see this amazing singer-songwriter-artist-actor up close. You'll be glad you did.
A Taste:
If I Could Teach My Chihuahua To Sing
(Tornado Temple BMI,Gracey-Rhodes Music/Irving Music BMI)
Joe Ely / Kimmie Rhodes / Gabe Rhodes
O weary me
I'm broke as a man can be
My bills are all due,
I got holes in my shoe
Bill collectors, they won't let me sleep
If I Could Teach My Chihuahua To Sing
I could make cash registers ring
What a sight to behold her,
she could sit on my shoulder
And whimper in harmony
If I Could Teach My Chihuahua To Sing
What a wonderful world it would be
I could take her to the border
and teach her how to orderMargaritas
and Fajitas Senoritas would bring
The circus is coming to town
The telephone lines are down
While the tight rope they're stretchin',
my puppy is fetchin',
The tin cans all scattered around...
If I Could Teach My Chihuahua To Sing
The whole would live in peace
Instead of them fightin',
everyone would be writin'
Love letters to Senators and Police
If I Could Teach My Chihuahua To Sing
What brave new world it would be
I could take her to China,
on a big Jet Airliner
And Bark in the Park '
till the Freedom Bells Ring
If I Could Teach My Chihuahua To Sing
There'd be no more sorrow and grief
I could take her to the border
and teach her how to order
Guacamole and Posole,
and feel Holy and Free!
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