Justin Townes Earle, the son of Steve Earle, has died. He was 38. “It is with tremendous sadness that we inform you of the passing of our son, husband, father and friend Justin,” the statement reads. “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.” Justin Townes Earle got his start as a working musician when he was a teenager.Earle played in the Nashville bands the Distributors and the Swindlers, as well as his father’s touring band, the Dukes. Steve Earle ended up firing Justin from the band, citing his son’s drug use. Justin Townes Earle spoke often about his history of drug use, saying in interviews that he’d survived five heroin overdoses by the time he was 21. He remained sober in recent years.
Steve Earle, known for songs like Copperhead Road and his album Guitar Town won three Grammy's.
Photo: Getty Images