It's official, Ely becomes State Musician

"I'm humbled to be recognized in this manner by the state of my birth," said Ely, a native Texan born in Amarillo, raised in Lubbock and currently living on his ranch just outside of Austin. "As a songwriter, I've always felt extremely fortunate to have grown up in such an inspirational place with its rich, compelling history and is filled with some of the most fascinating characters in the world."

"Since I first saw Joe Ely perform on Austin City Limits on my local PBS station in Pasadena Texas, I felt like he embodied the Texas spirit of independent musical integrity. He's managed to keep it all these years, and that ain't easy," said Dale Watson, a 2007 honoree. "I'm constantly amazed and appreciative of Joe Ely's talent. He's a perfect ambassador to represent our state."

"I couldn't be happier for Joe," said Billy Joe Shaver, a 2006 recipient. "He's always been one of my heroes and one of the great ones... plus, he plays his ass off."