Justin Townes Earle, a prominent American-rooted music singer-songwriter known for his introspective and evocative style, passed away. He was 38. Brady Brock, a new West Records publisher, confirmed his death without providing details.
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Earle was the son of country music star Steve Earle. Over the weekend, your family posted an Instagram ad about his death in which he told his fans, “So many of you have relied on your music and lyrics over the years and we hope your music will continue to guide you along the way.”
Photo: AP
The family also released part of the lyrics to their ballad “Looking for a Place to Land”, which is derived from their 2014 album “Single Mothers”.
I’ve crossed oceans / I’ve faced freezing rain and gusts of sand / I’ve crossed dubious roads and rivers / Just looking for a place to get there.”
Earle, who consciously assumed the old styles of country and blues, released albums such as “Harlem River Blues” and “The Saint of Lost Causes” and was named Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2009 American Awards ceremony. He often wrote about loneliness, fugue and forgiveness, as in the rock theme “I Wanna Be a Stranger”.
I don’t want to leave, but / I’m tired of acting with anger / Too tired if I want to try / And I just want to be a stranger.”
Earle was born in Nashville and his father wanted to give him the name of his composer friend Townes Van Zandt, but Justin said his mother, Carol Ann Hunter, disagreed.
My mom hated Townes Van Zandt,” the singer told Rolling Stone in 2019. “My first name was supposed to be Townes, but my mom wouldn’t allow it. I hated him for all the troubles he and dad got into, but she still heard her music.”
