
Sammy Brue and Jonathan Bernstein Remember Justin Townes Earle
From The String by WMOT/Roots Radio 89.5 FM
March 20, 2026 · 59 min
About this episode
The episode features Sammy Brue and Jonathan Bernstein discussing the life and legacy of Justin Townes Earle.
Episode 351: Justin Townes Earle, blazingly gifted and deeply troubled, died of an accidental drug overdose in 2020 at the age of 38, after a life beset by addiction. Six years later, two coincident projects expand on what we knew about the songwriter with a mix of compassion and regret. Sammy Brue, Earle's much younger friend and protegé, has written a song cycle based on Justin's private notebooks, shared by his widow. Rolling Stone journalist Jonathan Bernstein recently published the first definitive biography of Steve Earle's son. Both join Craig in this hour of remembrance and appreciation.
People in this episode
Host: Craig
Guests: Sammy Brue, Jonathan Bernstein
Topics covered
- music
- addiction
- biography
- songwriting
- remembrance
- friendship
Keywords
- Justin Townes Earle
- Sammy Brue
- Jonathan Bernstein
- biography
- music
- addiction
- song cycle
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Rolling Stone
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