On August 23, Sunday, it was announced the singer Justin Townes Earle had passed away at age 38. A statement has been released on his official Facebook page informing fans of the late singer's passing.
The reason for his passing has not been stated.
Numerous celebrities came out to share their condolences for the late Justin Townes Earle. Jason Isbell shared a tweet expressing sadness over his passing, reminiscing back on the music and memories they made. Margo Price also shared a tweet, saying that the singer is gone too soon.
Stephen King shared a tweet, saying that they had hoped his passing was a hoax but it is not. Hanif Abdurraqib expressed sadness over Justin Townes Earle's passing on Twitter, saying that the singer was an amazing songwriter, who expertly shared stories that go beyond music. Samantha Crain too took to Twitter to share her condolences, praising them as a kind soul and songwriter and that he will be missed.
Lucina Williams shared a post to her Instagram, saying that this year has taken yet another soul and brought it to the heavens. She goes on to share her deepest condolences and how Justin Townes Earle will shine bright in everyone's memory.
Justin Townes Earle is an American singer and songwriter and is the son of alternative country artist Steve Earle. At age two, he was left by his father with his mother, but returned to live with his father after Steve Earle became clean. Justin Townes Earle ended up dropping out of school, spending time touring with his father, subsequently moving to eastern Tennesse with other songwriters.
Justin Townes Earle was one of the leading musicians in the resurgence of the Americana genre in the 2000s and 2010s, releasing numerous highly acclaimed albums and embarking on numerous tours. He was known as a songwriter so skilled he could rival his father a country-rock icon.
He had specialized in old blues and country and is well-known for his amazing lyricism. He released hit such as "Harlem River Blues" and "Nothing's Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now", which are tracks that have been praised as some of the revered country releases of the decade.
He was so well-loved for his music, he received an Americana Music Award in 2009 for the New and Emerging Artist of the Year. He won another in 2011 for Song of the Year with "Harlem River Blues". His album of the same name was praised for being gently-flowing, urban Americana. "Nothing's Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now" was listed at number 37 on Rolling Stone's list of top 50 albums of 2012.
Justin Townes Earle had revealed in the past that he began using drugs at 12 years old and continued for many years, going to rehabilitation clinics nine times before reaching sobriety. He relapsed in 2010 following a fight with an Indianapolis club owner, then relapsed once more in 2016.
In 2013, he married his girlfriend Jenn Marie Maynard. He welcomed his daughter, Elta, in June 2017.
Rest in peace, Justin Townes Earle.
