Justin Townes Earle: Remembered -Joe Pug

Joe Pug talks about his friendship with Justin Townes Earle.
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[@otisgibbs]

Here's that song of Joe's that Justin liked a lot. It's pretty damn great. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ3Vo5lohs6koKc

[@doughill8475]

Thanks to Joe Pug for this song, especially the lyric, "I've come to test the timbre of my heart." I'm in the process of writing a book and that line means a lot to me. It takes nerve.

[@artemisXsidecross]

Thank you both Otis Gibbs and Joe Pug, in the arts there are no limits.

[@artemisXsidecross]

"Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in. I drink at it; but while I drink I see the sandy bottom and detect how shallow it is. Its thin current slides away, but eternity remains. I would drink deeper; fish in the sky, whose bottom is pebbly with stars. I cannot count one. I know not the first letter of the alphabet. I have always been regretting that I was not as wise as the day I was born. The intellect is a cleaver; it discerns and rifts its way into the secret of things. I do not wish to be any more busy with my hands than is necessary. My head is hands and feet. I feel all my best faculties concentrated in it. My instinct tells me that my head is an organ for burrowing, as some creatures use their snout and fore paws, and with it I would mine and burrow my way through these hills. I think that the richest vein is somewhere hereabouts; so by the divining-rod and thin rising vapors I judge; and here I will begin to mine." Henry David Thoreau, Walden

[@travisthornton1792]

I remember hearing this over a decade ago; still hits hard

[@chrispaulick]

I see why Justin liked that song .👍

[@jamesmachado8874]

Joe is so articulate, great interview!

[@doughill8475]

My thoughts exactly. Articulate and also perceptive. A really impressive dude.

[@travisthornton1792]

I saw JTE twice. The first time, in the Summer of 2010 during the Harlem River Blues tour, my brother and I waited after the show to get his autograph and I got the chance to talk to him. I remember saying “thanks for turning me on to all kinds of other artists I didn’t know anything about” and he stopped and looked me in the eye and said “hey, thanks for saying that, that actually means a lot.” We talked for a bit after that and got a photo with him. He’s still one of my all time favorite artists.

[@staciebeadore2726]

Nice story. I love his music. Such a shock when he passed.

[@FasterFaster196]

Joe is a good man. I was so angry at Justin when he left. I loved a man who had a door kept locked at all times. I know exactly what Joe means when he says that. My good man also died of an overdose. I will mourn him forever. And Justin, and a few others I've loved who've been captured by drugs, and swept away gone. May they all travel well. I have to believe that theyre all free now. Or I'll die of sadness.

[@FasterFaster196]

Thank you. I appreciate that. I guess so. I didn't see that 'til now.

[@ish474]

I can confirm how much Justin talked to fans in the early days. I met him 3 times and he gave me so much more time than I expected and he just talked to me like a person not like a fan. Man I miss him.

[@cmacb55]

Very compelling stuff. I hope everyone appreciates the value of your collection of interviews. A priceless musical archive.

[@artemisXsidecross]

👍

[@aroe3896]

I've never heard of Joe Pug, but based on his last story and his emotional reaction, I'm convinced he's feels it in his soul

[@devonfulton1759]

Same here. I’m sure going on a Pug hunt on the ol Dubya.Dubya myself ! If someone is that well spoken, I’m interested.

[@kelseywake]

Joe Pug has a great podcast called The Working Songwriter.

[@Kickstart500]

You won’t be disappointed! Justin introduced me to Joe Pug as well as Lucero.

[@ehouck12]

Start at Nation of Heat EP... Joe is Dope

[@JoshuaMunn-lq8vq]

Check out the Justin Townes Earle tribute show. Joe Pug plays Mama’S Eyes and literally can’t finish the song cuz he starts choking up. That song has made me cry too, but him being a friend of Justin probably made it so much heavier for him. He def walked off stage and wept after that

[@leelane9929]

Man that was great, I've known Justin since he was a kid thru Steve. He stayed in touch by coming to see me at my record shop. Watching him grow into this tall gangly young man who always gave me a gangly hug. We'd talk about anything but music. But he blew me away the first time I saw him play. I was heart broken for Steve and Carol Ann (his Mom) when he passed. Really miss that guy. Thanks Otis and Joe Pug.

[@petertaysum5563]

What a great interview. Interesting to hear the Bryn Davies namedrop.

[@christophermoon64]

Very cool. And indeed, no "meet and greet," back in 2011 or 12, I saw Justin in VA, he finished his show, as Joe says, he was just having a cig, and I called out "hey Justin, my girl & I would like to meet ya!" I remember saying something or other to him about Hank Williams when he was saying, "I just wanna get out of this damned suit!" I wasn't in the best shape at the time because of intoxicants, but I remember him being gracious, with a big smile. Great show as well. Thanks for the interview! Oh, and Hymn 101, very nice!

[@jasonreed3739]

The first time I saw JTE he was opening for James McMurtry in support of The Good Life. It was one of those 250 seaters Joe refers to. His guitar playing and his stage presence was at once old timey, modern, and absolutely magnetic. I especially loved the way he sounded with Corey backing him up. He signed the CD for me after the show. I saw him four or five more times after that . . . and I've never played acoustic guitar the same since. Justin was absolutely one of a kind. I feel lucky to have witnessed the music first hand.

[@NatureRx13]

beautiful end to an exquisite interview from the heart

[@sayeager5559]

That fella has what they call the gift of gab. I could listen to Joe talk for hours. Thanks Otis.

[@guerosincero]

Joe has a great podcast of his own where he interviews singer songwriters. He is such a good person and artist.

[@daviswall3319]

Thank you Otis and Joe. Very moving

[@gailmoya9510]

Thanks Otis Thanks Joe

[@whimsicalwade]

That was simply one of the best interviews I've ever seen/heard. As a supposed "journalist," it makes me want to put my pen and paper down and walk away in solemn tribute. The ending...wow...just WOW.

[@Claytone-Records]

Joe had me in tears.

[@alext.]

Man! That was one heart-wrenching close. And relatable.

[@topfacemod]

I'm a huge JTE fan and Joe's right! Live, was wholly different and really special.

[@Firekeeper61]

Mr. Pug you were just interviewed by the best My love to all ✌️🙏🛶😉

[@robbysoaks]

What a great guy and so well spoken and engaging (I'll have to check out his stuff!). I'm a big JTE fan so it was very nice to learn more about the man behind the music. Thank you!

[@emchicken7285]

Ahhhh, those Radio Radio shows. And the Ryman celebration was absolutely amazing.

[@thomasjones3239]

Thanks for the invitation to listen in, Otis. Always a great story for us!❤❤❤

[@SK1947]

I was lucky to see Justin live it was bad ass I even got to meet him and got to talk to him 1on1 he gave me alot of advice he was a very awesome person I bought all of his albums that night and he autographed all of them for me I was very sad when he passed I love all his music and love the way he played he was a great person 🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡

[@JeffTobin555]

I saw Justin live several times, but only on one occasion did I have the potential opportunity to meet him. My wife and I were returning to the East Coast after attending a West Coast wedding several years ago. It was winter, our plane had been delayed, and we finally got into Atlanta (our layover) well after midnight with only a few hours left before we needed to be back for an early flight to our home destination. We wandered to the baggage carousel and it was totally dead aside from the occasional TSA officer and that damn voice you hear bellowing out of every airport PA system. After standing there for several minutes, we were getting annoyed because nothing was happening. No luggage, the lights were off, and nobody was around to tell us what was going on. I turned around in a huff and standing right next to me was Justin. We locked eyes for a couple seconds, nodded, and then just kept on waiting. He looked very tired (as were we), and I just let him be.

[@otisgibbs]

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[@chrispaulick]

Thanks for sharing. It’s great that there’s a ton of video footage of Justin throughout his career. You can see / tell from them when he is in recovery and on and off the rails. I always say he’s under appreciated right now but is the Hank Williams of his generation and this century. RIP Justin, you may no longer be alone. Thanks Joe and Otis . Edit 7/23/23: I visited Justin’s grave on Sunday July 9/23 at the Earle Chapel In Jacksonville TX. It was about 15 minutes before the service was to start. The Preacher was talking to me and said he wasn’t sure exactly where the grave was but about 5 of the Earle’s would be arriving soon and they would know. Sure enough a blonde woman who said she was Steve’s cousin directed me to the sight. “Just drive your truck down that road and take the first right and it’s near those trees. “ when I got in my truck I looked down and there was a brown and white feather on the ground just below the door, hmmm, I picked it up. Played a version of “A Desolate Angles’ Blues “ and left a ‘D’ string. He’s close to John Henry’s grave. Two days before I visited Robert Johnson’s grave. I was checking things along the route to Yosemite.

[@ClintonCaraway]

I have to jump in and comment about Bryn Davies. I saw her dozens of times when she was playing with Peter Rowan and Tony Rice. She's just awesome and her voice is almost as good as her dog house!!

[@Toofer69]

Joe Pug and Justin Townes Earle... I could listen to that all day long. Thanks for another great one Otis.

[@aka-Legendary]

This guy spins a beautiful yarn about a lost artist, who blessed us for a short time. RIP JTE

[@michaelahern3006]

Another home run. Thank you Joe and thank you Otis

[@mattkaustickomments]

Another fantastic interview. More Joe, please.

[@floydstowe]

Great interview

[@stevemurray2737]

Great interview. Thanks Joe. Very very sad story.

[@inconsiderate_weasel]

I appreciate Joe's candor.

[@dbob3405]

Great interview-it was definitely candid and heartfelt. I know the exact area he is talking about-Tootsies would have been the bar directly across that alley and it is some sacred space when you consider the legends who have made that same walk. One of the fun parts of my day now is looking for whatever nugget of music history or wisdom you have posted. Thanks for the important work

[@lindabrown6001]

glad I found this. one would assume Justin saw the friend in Joe. its clear as day and and all thats night

[@timothycarter8049]

Damn fine interview, right there.

[@buddyhughen8375]

Thanks for posting this! I was in a group that opened for Justin on the Harlem River tour and this interview brought back a lot of memories.

[@littlemotohouse]

I saw one of those shows, at the Aladdin in Portland. One of the best parts was the introduction to you and Tristen's music!

[@BG-og2wx]

This is one of my favourite videos on KZbin, thanks Otis and Joe!

[@whatsnottohike]

Great interview Otis! I can understand Joe getting emotional at the end there, a special moment. I remember a time i booked you for Brighton and afterward we hung for a while eating some food out back and i remember you talking fondly of Justin and that you were worried about him as news had reached you that hed relapsed and you talked about how you would sometimes have coffee together in Nashville. Some people pass through gently, with a sense of calm and others blow through like a Hurricane,like Justin. It would be a less interesting world if everyone just strolled through gently. Thanks for this Otis. Martin.

[@forrestcowan448]

That was awsome

[@5150show]

JTE was incredible

[@LTTunage]

Thank You Otis (And Joe), what a great story to share especially as it reflects the private side of JTE and yet the obviously tremendous impact he had on Joe Pug just the same. All three of you are (were) great story tellers in your own way, and I'm blessed to have seen this even though I've seen at least 95% of your KZbin content, as this is right up there with your interview with Gretchen Peters about Jimmy LaFave... Love ya Otis, thamks for ALL you do: Your own songs, Saturday mornin' coffee calls (Thats what we call 'em...) cassette tape interviews and your incredible, touching, filmed interviews like this by those who knew truly great talents and were willing to share the special moments that even 60 year long musicians like me can tear up over. Luv Ya Brother, Please Never Stop Doing What You Do, You're A Gift to Us All In So Many Ways...🎸🎶😎💥

[@thomascoghill785]

Saw Justin at the pour house in Charleston SC for the Harlem river tour-he had the most intense stage presence.

[@MichaelNatrin]

Really great interview. Thanks for sharing with us Joe.

[@elliotcurrie7143]

I was only in his circle briefly, back in the late 90s early 2000s. A band called the swindlers. Cory, Skylar, etc..I did a few months of gigs as 2nd guitar. He was a enigmatic fellow. A lifetime ago.

[@robertparsons5295]

Ok. The best interview I have ever watched. Ever.

[@JoshDanielMusic]

Joe Pug smashing a guitar?! I can’t picture that!

[@Claytone-Records]

I can’t imagine it either. You can see that it still really irks him.

[@paulthomasmiller1842]

Thanks for sharing.

[@jdcole333]

I was at the tribute show at the Ryman, completely amazed by the performances that night.

[@marcwheeles8445]

I used to work with Justin doing audio/video/stagehand work in Nashville. Would have been 05-06ish. Same here, I considered him a friend, but he was pretty closed off. Used to give him rides after gigs and stuff. I never heard him play and sing, and he never heard me, and I so regret not asking him to get together and write. Such a sad story he was. After I heard he died is when I listened to his records. Jason Isbell's song about him tears me up every time I hear it.

[@Arahsure]

Which song of Jason's is about JTE? Thanks man. Fan of both

[@catheryndenton1766]

Super eloquent ❤

[@paavoviuhko7250]

Thanks Joe for being so open and sharing. I feel like I don't quite belong in this company but I definitely care about Steve Earle and Justin and the whole family of musicians.

[@L3TTUC3prey]

I saw JTE's show at the Great American Music Hall that Joe references here @ 4:48. It was the only time that I got to see him perform live but I guess if I had to pick one, that was an awesome one to pick. Went there with a friend of mine who was really into JTE up until his own passing about a year or two later. It was an incredible show, the whiskey was flowin so we decided to sober up at the Mitchell Bros Theatre next door before even thinking about driving... closed that establishment down, wandered the streets of the city until sun up trying to figure out where the hell we had parked our damn car... found a pizza by the slice place still open at like 2 AM, chatted it up with a homeless street sax player for a good hour before moving on... that's probably the short version of one of the most epic concert experiences I've been lucky enough to ever have. All thanks to my buddy Luke Eusnagle inviting me fairly last minute if I recall correctly 😂 - RIP my friend 🎸🎶

[@leftwrite]

Great interview (as usual) Otis. I was a little on the edge of my seat because I saw Joe's pain mounting and the emotions ready to present. Joe's podcast is really, really good. - The Working Songwriter.

[@brownmonkeybananayellow]

I really enjoyed this

[@gonzokompadre]

what an eloquent intelligent guy...thanks for this Otis.

[@TheOldYellers]

Saw Joe play opening for Levon Helm. Great stuff. Appreciate his songs. Met JTE in Portland once and he was so kind to talk to me and just rap about life for a few minutes. Also saw JTE play and he really was great. Some of his songs are just simply amazing.

[@khoury2000]

Fun, interesting, sometimes sad stories. But real for sure. I got lucky enough to see the "power trio" at the High Noon Saloon in Madison on 2/26/2010. It was like time traveling back to see a show from the 1940s with JTE seemingly in a quasi-character role as the band leader. Pure electricity. This video reminds me that Joe Pug came out for at least one song. Fast forward ten years, February 28, 2020 in St. Louis at Off Broadway. JTE performed a somber solo show. At the end he announced something to the effect of "if the person who has been harrassing/stalking me is in the audience tonight you better be careful because if you show up near my family, I've got a gun and I will use it.". You could tell he was angry/upset/serious. There was no other context. People just looked at each other. End of the show. RIP JTE

[@andrewhuntington7599]

Thanks Joe , saw him twice live in Australia....amazing raw ,live gigs.....great to hear your stories about time with him .........love and respect to you

[@elwoodpdowd-bp3mt]

Wonderful interview. Thanks, Otis. You're a treasure.

[@gckelly68able]

Phew .... emotional stuff and a beautiful friendship for sure. Fond memories of chatting to Justin here in Glasgow on two occasions ~ he was a tremendous listener and smiled throughout the time we talked. In hindsight, he might not have understood a word I said thanks to the Scottish accent but took the time to hang anyway.

[@Drew_Gliebe]

Joe Pug is one of those rare artists who can touch you emotionally through conversation as well as art.

[@josephreilly6328]

JTE's cover of Can't Hardly Wait is great, and he makes it his own. You can tell he's lived some of the lyrics.

[@danwilliams3917]

Thank you so much Otis and Joe. That was FANTASTIC.

[@SuzieUngerleiderMusic]

I must have seen this tour when it passed through Toronto at The Horseshoe Tavern. I saw Joe Pug open the show and was swept away by his music, his warmth and stories. A true poet.

[@benp4877]

That really got me there at the end. Justin’s music meant a lot to me at a certain time, and I hated to see him go. Good stuff, Otis.

[@julesotis13]

Joe Pug! thanks brother otis!

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

saw Justin in concert twice in New Zealand just loved listening and watching him live, will always remember that

[@thecryingshame]

Really great interview Otis.

[@tomrodemeier520]

When you’re at a JTE show and Justin nonchalantly sneaks out into the crowd after the lights are down to catch the opener (Joe)…. You could definitely tell he was a fan!

[@PianoMatronNeeNee]

Great interview! Many thanks for sharing from Miami

[@juicesnap]

I saw Justin in concert twice. The first time was in 2015 @ the Lincoln Center out of doors : "Highway 61 revisted" album tribute concert with Watkins Family Hour. Justin was one of the opening acts and that was the first time I heard his music. I have been a big fan ever since. So lucky to see him live again in January 2017.

[@blucheer8743]

Great episode

[@mandymine4963]

Oh my heart. That was beautiful.❤

[@brianmobley1720]

So cool 😎 I could listen to anyone talk about JTE ✌️😎

[@MrFrogman54]

Dang ! What a great interview! I never got to see Justin even though I could have. I was volunteering at one of the Garfield park shows and I just missed him for whatever reason. I did get to see your show Otis, I believe the year before. Those you some great shows with a long list of quality artists.

[@BST501]

❤❤❤

[@devonfulton1759]

I sure felt that one. I was overwhelmed 2 summers ago when I finally visited the Ryman at 51 years old. That place is haunted in good ways. Another home run Otis. I’m not sure how you keep making this channel better, but please keep going !!

[@JosiahWhitley]

Such a huge fan of Joe’s! It was nice to hear him reminisce about JTE

[@cozmickid80]

My favorite JTE song is The Good Life. He was the real deal and I miss him.

[@pdoty13]

I saw him at least a zone times, got the pleasure of meeting him in St. Augustine in 2014. Couldn’t agree more about him being an exceptional performer, his early recordings were good but his shows were PHENOMENAL. It was something really special to witness. It’s such a shame that we lost him so soon

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

Joe Pug is dope. My uncle turned me onto his music awhile back. Always digged Justin Townes Earle’s style. Had never even seen Recorder Kings until first watching some of his live sets. Edited: was brilliant. Absolutely lovely and I appreciate yall sharing it.

[@ThisNoisyCentury]

Maybe my favorite interview you’ve done. Thanks Otis! It was incredible hearing Joe’s perspective

[@rayotoole9351]

Met Joe Pug at Edmonton folk festival in 2010. An instant fan of his music.

[@mickiabrahamson6100]

As a former addict. Just because one does not reach out does not mean they do not feel love for you

[@crazy4277]

Great interview, Otis! I have never figured out why Justin Townes Earle wasn't more well known..? I appreciate this (and ALL of your videos!) video especially... Thanks...

[@missopowers]

That was extraordinary, Otis. Thank you for doing these, they are a very important contribution to music history.

[@kevinlevesque7422]

Great interview Otis.

[@jocampken]

Justin really needed his pops.

[@brianbrianbification]

This is making me sad man. I love jte and Joe pug. You guys are (and will remain) incredible

[@OldHenryLee]

Great interview, 💯. ... Very insightful & a bit melancholy as well. - Thanks to all involved & best wishes

[@jackshannonmusic7564]

Never heard of Joe, but after checking out his music, I’m a fan!

[@jamesdeschenes8307]

Thank you for the open and honest memories. Truly appreciative.

[@watthead]

Love the mention of Rumba here in Columbus! Only time I saw JTE was there. Great venue & a stone's throw from my house.

[@TimEastonSongwriter]

once I asked JTE to show me some Travis picking backstage he changed the subject to fishing

[@torsionslo]

love ya Joe.. I for one appreciate you opening that wound to share.. this is hard stuff.

[@cd87104]

An excellent use of YT. This was cathartic,

[@groverlongwire858]

Awesome stuff! Thank you!