Justin Townes Earle, an acclaimed singer-songwriter in the Americana/alt-country field and the son of Steve Earle, has died at age 38, according to an announcement on his social media accounts.
"It is with tremendous sadness that we inform you of the passing of our son, husband, father and friend Justin," read the statement on Facebook and Instagram.
"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."
No cause of death was immediately offered.
The announcement of his death ended with a lyrical quote: "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."
Earle was named in part after the legendary singer Townes Van Zandt, who was a friend and mentor of his famous father, Steve. He released his first EP, Yuma, in 2007, and was signed by Bloodshot and released his full-length debut, The Good Life, the following year.
In 2009, he won an award from the Americana Music Association for new and emerging artiste of the year. He was again the recipient of a top honour when his song Harlem River Blues won song of the year in 2011.
Earle was open about having struggled with addiction issues from the time he was 14, and had multiple experiences with relapsing and rehab. His website had referred to "a newfound sobriety. "One day I just realised it's not cool to die young, and it's even less cool to die after 30," he said in a bio on his site, written when he was 32. – By Chris Willman/Reuters
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