In Memoriam: Justin Townes Earle (1982-2020)
Earle performing in the Relix office in 2017.
Singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle, son of Steve Earle, passed away on August 23. The tragic news was confirmed in a note on his official Facebook page. The cause of death has not been confirmed, as of the time of publication. He was 38 years old.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we inform you of the passing of our son, husband, father and friend Justin,” read the note on his Facebook page. “So many of you have relied on his music and lyrics over the years and we hope that his music will continue to guide you on your journeys.”
Earle was born in 1982 in South Nashville, Tenn. to Steve and Carol Ann Hunter Earle. His middle name, Townes, was given to him by his father in honor of Townes Van Zandt, who had been a mentor to the elder Earle. At a young age, Earle dropped out of school and began periodically touring and working with his father, before moving to eastern Nashville and beginning his own career in earnest.
Early in his career, Earle played with two Nashville-based acts: rock band The Distributors and bluegrass-influenced The Dukes. In addition, the young artist spent some time as a keyboardist and guitarist in his father’s band, The Dukes.
In 2007, Earle began his solo career by releasing his first EP, Yuma. A year later, he released his full-length debut The Good Life. On these first two records, Earle showcased what would become his signature sound: a personal, rugged mix of folk, country and bluegrass. In 2009, he won Emerging Act of the Year at the Americana Honors & Awards. Two years later, his song “Harlem River Blues” took the event’s Song of the Year award.
Throughout his career, Earle performed at countless legendary venues and events, including the Grand Ole Opry, the Newport Folk Festival and Bonnaroo. Earle also performed intimate set of music at the Relix offices in 2014 and 2017, which can be viewed below.
Numerous artists commented on the young Earle’s untimely passing. “Had a lot of good times and made a lot of good music with JTE,” wrote Jason Isbell in a Tweet. “So sad for his family tonight.” “I’m saddened to hear that we have lost Justin Townes Earle and at such a young age,” lamented Billy Bragg, also on Twitter. “I worked with him last year and found him to be a brilliant songwriter and generous soul. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.”
