Texas country music legend Joe Ely announced on Sept. 9 in a Facebook post that he has been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Both conditions significantly affect cognitive and physical functions and independent activity.
Austin, TX
Texas music legend Joe Ely reveals Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s diagnoses
Joe Ely performs at the Paramount Theatre on Jan. 5, 2019 in Austin, Texas.
Ely and his wife, Sharon Ely, said that they are sharing the journey “not to dwell in hardship, but to bring understanding, awareness and hope through the healing power of music.”
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“Our story is about how music continues to lift us up,” Sharon Ely wrote in the post. “Revisiting Joe’s recordings and hearing them brought to life again has given him so much joy, and we want others to feel that same joy too.”
Joe Ely of the Flatlanders performs at the Frank Erwin Center during the Neighbors in Need Benefit Concert on Sept. 21, 2005.
From the Flatlanders to Ringling Bros.: A storied life
As a singer-songwriter, Ely’s contributions to Texas music have spanned decades, but beyond the music, he has led a storied life. He was born in Amarillo and moved to Lubbock at age 11. He rode a motorcycle down the hallways of Monterey High School on the first day of his freshman year. He later was expelled from the school for singing “Cherry Pie” at an assembly.
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He broke out on the Texas music scene as a founding member of the Flatlanders, a country-rock band formed in Lubbock in 1972. Despite being named a winner at the inaugural Kerrville Folk Festival’s New Folk Singer-Songwriter Competition, the group disbanded shortly after their first album faced a limited commercial release.
Ely then joined the Ringling Bros. circus in the summer of 1974 where he cared for the llamas and the world’s smallest horse. After being kicked unconscious by one of the show’s horses, Ely hitchhiked back to Lubbock with two broken ribs. He then had a short-lived career as a roofer, which ended after his crew removed the roof from the wrong house.
In the fall of 1974, Ely was asked to play the role of Buddy Holly in a script written by Holly’s drummer, Jerry Allison. He even went to Hollywood and rehearsed for two weeks with Gary Busey, who was cast in Allison’s role, but the project was later scrapped.
The Flatlanders, Joe Ely, left, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock perform during the “No Two Alike” concert series at the Cactus Cafe in Austin on Jan. 31, 1990.
The Joe Ely Band years
He eventually made a reputation for himself as one of Austin’s progressive country pioneers, but he started out playing the One Knite tavern after first moving to the city, alternating nights with Stevie Ray Vaughan in a venue that would eventually become Stubb’s Bar-B-Q.
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He went on to put together the Joe Ely Band in early 1975 and, by the recommendation of Jerry Jeff Walker, signed to MCA Records that same year. He put out his debut album “Joe Ely” in 1977 and followed it up with “Honky Tonk Masquerade” a year later, which landed him a feature story in Time magazine.
In the late 1970s, Ely and his band toured with the Clash. He even sang backing vocals on the Clash’s 1982 hit “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” The band opened for Linda Ronstadt, the Kinks, Tom Petty and the Rolling Stones through the early 1980s.
That barely scratches the surface.
Scattered throughout the 1990s, he played onstage with Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen, recorded with Los Super Seven and joined a supergroup named the Buzzin’ Cousins with John Mellencamp, John Prine and James McMurtry. He embarked on a trip to New York City with famed local artist Jim Franklin, but ended up joining the cast of “Stomp” after Franklin stranded him in the city. His stint in “Stomp” led him to Germany, where he recorded a piece of music for the Museum of Modern Art in Munich with composer Eberhard Schoener using the first Moog synthesizer in Europe.
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He made 11 appearances on the music television show “Austin City Limits,” appeared on David Letterman and Conan O’Brien’s late-night shows and wrote a novel. To add to all that, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak wrote the liner notes for his 2014 release, “B4 84,” as it was one of the first albums ever digitally recorded using an Apple II computer.
Joe Ely and wife Sharon Ely heading back to their place in their Buick in May 1998.
Honoring Joe Ely’s legacy
In 2007, Ely was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for Live Performance by the Americana Music Association. He was named the Texas State Musician for 2016 and inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association Hall of Fame that same year. In 2022, Joe Ely was inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame alongside Sheryl Crow.
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Following the recent diagnoses, Ely and his wife shared that they are working on a book about his life and invited friends and fans to submit stories of his music career for possible inclusion. Submissions may be sent to rackemrecords.info@gmail.com.
The Texas Tech football team landed its first commitment out of the transfer portal on Sunday.
Kansas State transfer linebacker Austin Romaine announced his commitment on social media. A second-team all-Big 12 selection this season, Romaine joins Texas Tech with one year of eligibility plus a redshirt year available.
The 6-foot-2, 245-pound linebacker has been a fixture in the middle of the Kansas State defense since his true freshman season of 2023 — when he earned five starts and was named Big 12 defensive freshman of the year, an award he shared with his new teammate Ben Roberts. He started all 12 games in 2024 and had 66 tackles, six quarterback hurries, an interception and a fumble recovery in 2025.
What Kansas State transfer Austin Romaine brings to Texas Tech football
Romaine will likely be seen as Jacob Rodriguez’s replacement as the other starting linebacker next to Roberts next season. It would also indicate John Curry will remain at the STAR (the hybrid linebacker-safety position) in which he excelled this season.
For his career, Romaine has three forced fumbles (all in 2024) and had his first career fumble recovery and interception in 2025.
Updated: Sunday, January 4, 2026
Jump To: Full-Service | Affordable | Group
As the new year approaches, many Austinites are setting fresh fitness goals and rethinking their workout routines. Austin’s gym scene continues to evolve in 2026, offering everything from luxury athletic clubs to no-frills strength gyms and high-energy group fitness studios.
Whether you’re training for performance, looking for community, or simply trying to stay consistent, these gyms in Austin stand out for their programming, facilities, and overall value.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Also, check out our articles on the Healthy Food Cedar Park, Healthy Food Round Rock, and Healthy Food in Austin!
Full-Service Gyms
Life Time
Image credit: Life Time Austin North
Life Time is ideal for those who want a premium, all-in-one fitness experience. Members have access to expansive workout floors, boutique-style classes, pools, recovery amenities, and family-friendly programming.
Where: 1301 S Lamar Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 6:00 am – 10:00 pm | Monday – Friday 4:00 am – 11:00 pm
Gold’s Gym
Gold’s Gym remains a staple for strength training and general fitness in Austin. With multiple locations, members benefit from large free-weight areas, machines, group classes, and personal training options.
Where: 13435 N Hwy 183, Austin, TX 78750
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 11:00 pm
Hyde Park Gym
Hyde Park Gym is a longtime favorite among serious lifters in Austin. Known for its old-school atmosphere, it prioritizes heavy lifting, strength equipment, and a focused training environment.
Where: 4125 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78751
Operating Hours: Saturday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm | Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 9:00 pm | Saturday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Affordable & Budget-Friendly Gyms
Korrect Fitness
Image credit: Korrect Fitness
Korrect Fitness is a premier 10,000-square-foot training facility in South Austin that specializes in functional performance through small group conditioning, unconventional equipment like steel maces and kettlebells, and elite recovery amenities including cold plunges and saunas.
Where: 4401 Freidrich Ln, Unit 301, Austin, TX 78744
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is best for beginners or anyone looking for a low-pressure, affordable gym membership. The gym focuses on cardio equipment, circuit training, and a welcoming environment.
Where: 1807 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748
Operating Hours: 24/7
Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness offers 24-hour access and smaller gym footprints, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. It’s a solid choice for members who value consistency and flexibility.
Where: 8516 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX 78729
Operating Hours: 24/7
FeV Iron Vault Gym
Image credit: FeV – Iron Vault Gym
Iron Vault Gym caters to powerlifters, bodybuilders, and experienced strength athletes. The gym emphasizes high-quality equipment and a no-frills approach to training.
Where: 2101 W. Ben White BLVD #105, Back of building facing Redd St, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Monday = Friday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Group Fitness & Specialty Studios
Orangetheory
Orangetheory delivers coach-led group workouts combining cardio, rowing, and strength intervals. The structured format appeals to members who want accountability and efficient, results-driven sessions.
Where: 401 W 3rd St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm | Monday – Thursday 5:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday 5:00 am – 6:00 pm
F45 Training
F45 focuses on fast-paced functional training in a group setting. Daily workout variations keep classes engaging, making it popular with members who enjoy high-energy, team-based fitness.
Where: 500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Saturday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Sunday 9:30 am – 11:15 am | Monday – Thursday 5:30 am – 7:15 pm | Friday 5:30 am – 6:15 pm
Big Tex Gym
Image credit: Big Tex Gym
Big Tex Gym is a veteran-owned, old-school strength sanctuary in North Austin that provides 24/7 access to specialized equipment for powerlifting, bodybuilding, and strongman training within a supportive community atmosphere.
Where: 1921 Cedar Bend Dr A 130, Austin, TX 78758
Operating Hours: 24/7
Many gyms offer free trials or seasonal promotions at the start of the year, making January an ideal time to explore. And once you’ve locked in your workouts, you can also check out our weekend guide of activities and events!
Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.
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Accident or crime scene cordon tape, police line do not cross. via Getty Images
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas – A juvenile has been arrested Saturday after an early morning double-homicide near Round Rock.
The situation ended after officials successfully negotiated a barricade situation with the minor, they say.
Williamson County double-homicide
What we know:
Williamson County authorities got the shooting call around 2 a.m. from the 8900 block of Brushy Gate Cove, outside the Round Rock city limits.
Williamson County sheriff’s deputies found two men dead of gunshot wounds at the scene. The suspect was barricaded inside a bedroom in the home.
Williamson County SWAT and crisis negotiators responded, and the suspect peacefully surrendered around 6:30 a.m.
Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Williamson County officials comment
What they’re saying:
“On our arrival, we found two deceased people from the residence, adult males,” said Commander John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
“Anytime you have a barricaded subject inside of a home where we believe two people are deceased, you know, we’re going to take all precautionary measures that we can to ensure our safety and the safety of the neighbors as well,” said Foster.
Investigators say everyone involved resided in the house and that this was an isolated incident.
“Information is going to be very limited, because this is a juvenile investigation, and certain laws protect certain information regarding juveniles,” said Foster.
What we don’t know:
The identity of the minor suspect has not been released.
The victims were not identified.
The motive behind the shooting has not been commented on.
The Source: Information in this article came from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
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