Born on February 9, 1947, Joe Ely was born in Amarillo, Texas and grew up to sing, write and play a curious mix of honky tonk,  country, Tex-Mex and rock and roll.  His style has always been genre crossing including performing with Bruce Springsteen, Uncle Tupelo, the Chieftains and even the Clash (back up vocals on Should I Stay or Should I Go).

To much critical acclaim, Honky Tonk Masquerade was released in 1978 as Ely’s second album.

I was sold after the first track on the first listening.  For country rock style and a danceable beat, among other reasons, Aloha Promises Forever gives this new discovery of an old album a 10 out of 10 for its genre.

You can listen to this amazing little country album here: