Listen: Steve Earle Covers Late Son Justin Townes Earle’s ‘Harlem River Blues’

Back in August when we lost Americana artist Justin Townes Earle, musician-father Steve Earle announced shortly afterwards that he would honor his son by recording an album covering his songs. Early next year, Steve will release J.T, which will include 10 of Justin’s songs. The album will also feature one new original song that Steve wrote for Justin called “Last Words.” 100% of the artist advance and royalties will go to a trust for Etta St. James Earle, Justin’s three-year-old daughter.

“The record is called J.T. because Justin was never called anything else until he was nearly grown,” Steve says in a statement. “Well, when he was little, I called him Cowboy. For better or worse, right or wrong, I loved Justin Townes Earle more than anything else on this earth. That being said, I made this record, like every other record I’ve ever made… for me. It was the only way I knew to say goodbye.”

Today, Steve Earle has shared his rendition of “Harlem River Blues,” the title track from Justin’s 2010 album of the same name. The song was re-recorded by Steve and his band at Electric Lady Studios in New York City. J.T. is due out January 4, 2021 on what would have been Justin’s 39th birthday. Listen to both versions of “Harlem River Blues” below.

J.T.:

01 I Don’t Care

02 Ain’t Glad I’m Leaving

03 Maria

04 Far Away in Another Town

05 They Killed John Henry

06 Turn Out My Lights

07 Lone Pine Hill

08 Champagne Corolla

09 The Saint of Lost Causes

10 Harlem River Blues

11 Last Words

 

*Feature image credit: Sara Sharpe

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