Justin Townes Earle, an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and son of Steve Earle, has passed on, in news affirmed on the craftsman’s Facebook page on Sunday night.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we inform you of the passing of our son, husband, father and friend Justin,” the post read. “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. You will be missed dearly.”
Named for his dad’s companion and symbol Townes Van Zandt, Earle, 38, fought dependence for an incredible duration. He delivered eight collections over the course of his profession, which saw him respected twice at the Americana Music grants including for his most popular melody, Harlem River Blues.
Many have paid accolade for the craftsman on Twitter, with the artist Samantha Crain pondering their companionship: “Such a tremendous songwriter. He took me on two tours and always treated me so kindly. He understood struggle, he understood joy I saw him at the peaks and valleys of both through the 13 years I knew him.”
His companion and associate Jason Isbell stated: “Had a lot of good times and made a lot of good music with JTE. So sad for his family tonight.”
The author and social pundit Hanif Abdurraqib lauded Earle as “an incredible writer of narrative – stories that flourished beyond the music they were laid over”. the NPR music pundit Ann Powers depicted his last collection, The Saint of Lost Causes, as “a powerful road map of America … we’ve lost someone with real vision.”
