NEWSAmerican Singer-Songwriter Justin Townes Earle Dead At 38 From Unknown Causes
Three-time Grammy winner Justin Townes Earle died on Sunday, August 23, from undisclosed causes.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we inform you of the passing of our son, husband, father, and friend Justin,” the 38-year-old’s official Facebook page announced.
It is with tremendous sadness that we inform you of the passing of our son, husband, father and friend Justin. So many...
Posted by Justin Townes Earle on Sunday, August 23, 2020
“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 Justin.”
Steve Earle’s son left behind his wife of seven years, Gyrotonic instructor Jenn Marie Maynard-Earle, and their daughter, Etta. St James Earle, 3.
Similar to his famous singer-songwriting dad, Justin struggled with addiction starting from the young age of 12. After surviving five heroin overdoses by the age of 21, he had completed nine rehab stints.
KELLY PRESTON DIED AT HOME IN CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, AFTER CANCER BATTLE, DEATH CERTIFICATE REVEALS
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
“The first time I did heroin, all the troubles I had just didn't matter,” the ‘Lone Pine Hill’ crooner told The Scotsman in 2015.
“It's not that they went away, they just did not matter anymore,” he shared. “And after that it was just chasing that damn feeling that I never got again. There was this major wound inside of me and instead of doing anything about it, I kept picking at it and it never heals because of that.”
In 2017, the Nashville native seemed like he had his life back on track. “I find myself a lot more comfortable in life — I have a wonderful wife, and I don’t have all the same problems,” he told No Depression.
“I'm not looking inward all the time constantly,” he continued. “I have to pay attention to what's going on around me more, because with a wife, I'm responsible for another person's feelings. And I'm about to be responsible for another person's life.”
“As a singer/songwriter you tend to inhabit yourself a bit too much,” he added. “And I do feel like I'm starting to get less in my head as a person and likewise as a writer.”
Following the tragic news, celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to the late musician.
“It appears that Justin Townes Earle has died. I hope it's a hoax but fear it is not. What a loss,” author Stephen King wrote.
Kurt Loder, a former MTV news anchor, tweeted a video of Earle performing ‘Harlem River Blues’ with David Letterman in 2011, “Make. It. Stop. RIP #JustinTownesEarle.”
Grammy nominee Margo Price, musical prodigy Sammy Brue, and singer Samantha Crain also sent their condolences to the entire family and recalled fond memories they shared with the talented and young musician.
Over the years, Justin released nine albums and received the American Music Award in 2011 for Song of the Year. Justin also played in bands, including The Distributors and the Swindlers, in addition to performing with his father Steve’s touring band, the Dukes.
