Rest in Peace, Singer/Songwriter Justin Townes Earle: 1982-2020

Very sad news hit the music scene on Sunday evening: Songwriter/guitarist Justin Townes Earle has passed away at just 38 years old. Per Rolling Stone, New West Records confirmed Earle’s passing but a cause of death has not been announced as of yet.

The son of alt/country troubadour Steve Earle and partly named after Townes Van Zandt, Justin Townes Earle released eight solo albums to date, the most recent being 2019’s The Saint of Lost Causes.

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Justin Townes Earle. Justin was uniquely talented and we are all devastated with this terrible loss. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones at this time. Further details are forthcoming.

📷 Joshua Black Wilkins pic.twitter.com/qryXwQHpNs

— New West Records (@newwestrecords) August 24, 2020

The official Instagram page of Justin Townes Earle shared the news with the following message:

It is with tremendous sadness that we inform you of the passing of our son, husband, father and friend Justin. 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 💔

“I’ve crossed oceans
Fought freezing rain and blowing sand
I’ve crossed lines and roads and wondering rivers
Just looking for a place to land”

View this post on Instagram

It is with tremendous sadness that we inform you of the passing of our son, husband, father and friend Justin. 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 💔 “I've crossed oceans Fought freezing rain and blowing sand I've crossed lines and roads and wondering rivers Just looking for a place to land” 📷 by @thejoshuablackwilkins

A post shared by Justin Townes Earle (@justintownesearle) on Aug 23, 2020 at 5:30pm PDT

Earle was a revered and beloved figure in the alt/country scene, and his death inspired an outpouring of condolences and love from his friends, colleagues and peers in the music community:

I can’t begin to express my shock and sorrow at the death of Justin Townes Earl.

— benmont tench III (@benchten) August 24, 2020

Had a lot of good times and made a lot of good music with JTE. So sad for his family tonight.

— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) August 24, 2020

I'm saddened to hear that we have lost Justin Townes Earle and at such a young age. I worked with him last year and found him to be a brilliant songwriter and generous soul. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) August 24, 2020

sending love and condolences to Steve Earle and the entire family of Justin Townes Earle… he was always kind to me and he’s gone too soon

— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) August 24, 2020

How terrible that the great Justin Townes Earle has died – what a merciless place America has become, that yet another finely-tuned talent has left this world altogether.

— Robyn Hitchcock (@RobynHitchcock) August 24, 2020

RIP Justin Townes Earle – this was at Interstellar Rodeo in Winnipeg with his dad Steve Earle watching from the side stage. pic.twitter.com/cjS4fv4Qf7

— Leonard Sumner (@LeonardSumner) August 24, 2020

Rest In Peace, Justin Townes Earle. Only played a handful of shows with him, but his performances were always so inspiring. 💔

— Courtney Marie Andrews (@courtneymamusic) August 24, 2020

May Justin Townes Earle rest in peace. Deepest condolences to his friends, family and loved ones.