Announced on August 23 via his official Facebook account, singer/songwriter Justin Townes Earle died at the age of 38. The country singer’s cause of death has yet to be revealed.
As the news of the passing of Earle spread, fellow singers and songwriters expressed their sympathy through their socials. English folk singer Billy Bragg honoured him by describing him as a brilliant songwriter. Writer Stephen King posted “What a loss.”
Following the steps of his father, the singer-songwriter had a huge shoes to fill. His father Steve Earle was a known outlaw star of the country world in the ‘80s. As a matter of fact, he was named in honour of country-folk songwriter Townes Van Zandt who was known for his mastery of the bleak, haunting ballads.
Making a Name for Himself
Justin Townes Earle starred in his debut album, “The Good Life” in 2008. Since then, he drew the respect of critics and a small start-up fan base who loved his songs that were centred on themes like heartbreaks, losses, and family. His dark narrative and a folk-rock style would remind you of his resemblance from the greats of the pasts such as Hank Williams.
Following his breakthrough debut album. Earle was awarded as the emerging act of the year in 2009 at the American Music Honors and Awards. “Harlem River Blues” also helped him win the song of the year award two years after debuting.
Addiction
His addiction was not a thing that he was afraid to share in the open. Earle shared to the public his addictions with heroin and crack cocaine which started when he was still 12 years old. Earle was nothing different from his father, which also had his addiction well documented.
“The Saint of Lost Causes”
Justin Townes Earle released a total of eight full albums in his career. This includes the most recent one, “The Saint of Lost Causes” which was released in 2019. Following the theme that most of his albums had, Earle focused on the heartache and betrayal alongside the theme of family.
Critics praised the album for the stark take that it had on contemporary American society. Also, it was seen as a simple reminder from Earle to everyone of his capabilities as a songwriter.
Here are the tracks that were included in Justin Townes Earle’s latest album:
- The Saint of Lost Causes”
- “Ain’t Got No Money”
- “Mornings in Memphis”
- “Don’t Drink the Water”
- “Frightened by the Sound”
- “Flint City Shake It”
- “Over Alameda”
- “Pacific Northwestern Blues”
- “Appalachian Nightmare”
- “Say Baby”
- “Ahi esta mi nina”
- “Talking to Myself”