Justin Townes Earle Performs "Harlem River Blues" on Letterman
www.youtube.com
http://www.aux.tv/newmusic/music-news/see-justin-townes-earle-make-his-late-night-debut/

You want to talk about a legacy? Try being Steve Earle’s kid, named after Townes Van Zandt, and inheriting every bit of talent and disfunction that implies. Always looking to push clear of their shadow, his voice (both as a singer and a writer) was decidedly less country, but still brilliant and deeply rooted in American roots music. Unfortunately, even if he found a place outside his father’s legacy, he didn’t escape his namesake’s path, passing away from an accidental OD in 2020.

Bonus points for the willfully inane patter from Dave and Paul in the video, and especially on this one, pretending like they weren’t listening to the lyrics (being suicidal in one and trying desperately not to be suicidal in the other) to keep the network suits at bay.

  • jimmydoreisalefty@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    6 months ago

    Awesome folk rock song!

    Harlem River Blues, a soulful and captivating song by Justin Townes Earle, explores the deep emotions and struggles of the human experience. Released in 2010 as the title track of his album, this song delves into themes of loneliness, despair, and the search for solace. With its haunting melodies and poignant lyrics, Harlem River Blues resonates with listeners and offers a profound reflection on life’s complexities.

    https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-harlem-river-blues-by-justin-townes-earle/

    Edit: added info below

    Steve Earle Performs ‘They Killed John Henry,’ ‘Harlem River Blues,’ and ‘Last Words’ as a tribute to his late son, musician Justin Townes Earle.

    Steve Earle Performs A Tribute to His Late Son, Musician Justin Townes Earle | In My Room [16:03 | Jan 19 21 | Rolling Stone] https://youtu.be/lwhis0dVzko

    NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert video:

    Justin Townes Earle: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert [11:41 | Sep 08 14 | NPR Music] https://youtu.be/lnOHHywkTCs

    We threw a curve ball at Justin Townes Earle. Despite his five albums full of well-loved songs, we asked him to play new material for this Tiny Desk Concert; songs we hadn’t yet heard. Earle’s new album Single Mothers comes out this week, and here he performs two tracks from that record: “White Gardenias,” his nod to Billie Holiday, and "Burning Pictures."Based in Nashville, Earle is a strong lyricist with a father, Steve Earle, who similarly finds strength in perfectly crafted words. The younger Earle is on tour now, playing old and new songs, so here’s a taste of his sharp songwriting to tide you over until he comes to your town. --BOB BOILEN

    Set List:

    1. “Burning Pictures”
    2. “When The One You Love Loses Faith In You”
    3. “White Gardenias”