When someone mentions Lubbock, Texas, the name Buddy Holly immediately comes to mind as well as Mac Davis. But if you're from around here or from Texas you also know of Joe Ely.

He started out in the early 70's with a group called the Flatlanders which included Butch Hancock and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, great singers and songwriters in their own right.

In fact all those in the Texas Country movement, or red dirt if you will, owe a lot to Ely for opening the door for them.

It's Joe's birthday so we're saying Happy Birthday. One of my favorite Joe Ely tunes is "Fingernails".

Check this out from May 11th, 1980 recorded at Buddy Holly Park at the Tornado Jam that Joe put together. You see a very young LLoyd Maines and the late Jesse Taylor.

More From Lonestar 99-5 FM