Justin Townes Earle Performs "Harlem River Blues" on Letterman

[@scottbaxendale323]

I made both the guitars that Justin and Jason Isbell are playing here. I’m devastated about Justin’s passing. He was a troubled soul who left way too soon.

[@MrMarcusguy]

A sad day indeed and I thought that was Jason.

[@cathsalazar9930]

Wow that’s so f in cool thanks for sharing that info bless u dude!!!!! Lol ❤️👍☮️😻🤟🙏

[@TheMarpalm]

So sad!

[@scottbaxendale323]

FromTheSoul To TheFretboard check out baxendaleconversions on Instagram

[@tomwhalen2180]

I may have stalked your shop on Colfax once when Drive-by Truckers were in town and sure enough "bumped into" all the boys on their way inside :)

[@CrikeyAlexNick]

Letterman doesn't get nearly enough credit for booking relatively unknown artists and bands. He has helped launch A LOT of careers over the years. Good man who appreciates good music.

[@hyppia]

I think that might be the single best musical performance I have ever seen on late night TV.

[@Nhamp2000]

Warren Zevon always said Dave was the best friend his music ever had.

[@danielmims8467]

Dave is friends with Justin's dad, Steve Earle. He has performed on there so many times. Sadly justin only made 2 letterman appearances before he passed.

[@christian_cantarutti]

Letterman had absolutely zero input on musical guests. He had top acts because he had the best show. RIP JTE

[@PFB1994]

@@christian_cantarutti Respect to JTE, but he was hardly a top act. He was pretty obscure in the world of Network Television and Major Record Labels. Letterman did a lot of good for music, whomever it was that was picking the artists.

[@chuckschilling4964]

Bryn Davies' bass part steals the show here. And, remarkably, it's perfectly recorded and mixed. Gorgeous stuff.

[@hyppia]

This is great in so many ways: the gleam in JT's eye; Jason's guitar; the back-up singers; Bryn Davies on bass; Paul Schaeffer playing like he cares; Dave's genuine enthusiasm...

[@mikeallmon6437]

At first I was like "Who is the guitarist getting that tone out of that old hollow body"??

[@kylescribner3415]

"Troubled days are behind me now and I know they're going to let me in."

[@springbrookemusic]

Love that line man

[@NevadaBoss]

Fewer things in this world sadder than a father burying his son..condolences to Steve and entire Earle family on the loss of this very, very gifted young man.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

Also kinda sad when a dad isnt anywhere around when his son is growing up

[@jimbofranz412]

Life isn’t easy for everyone. This man left a mark though. I’m a huge fan.

[@ryegoldenbird]

My grandma was a good lady and had to bury my dad. There’s innumerable things worse. It Sucks but, be honest if applying pity is the goal

[@trumancapote9097]

Had the pleasure of meeting Justin three years ago in my hometown in north Florida after he performed one block away from my favorite tavern. He comes in with a few members of the band and I had NO IDEA who he was until he was besieged by about twenty fans seeking his autograph. He later came over to the bar where I was seated to order a drink and we got to talking like strangers do in bars. I commented on his popularity and asked him what he did to earn it. He replied "Just sing a few songs." He was very humble and very polite and I bought him a drink and we had a smoke together and when he told me his name I had him REPEAT it because it was so unusual. JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE. He was a good man and a great singer. Gone too soon. RIP.

[@cathsalazar9930]

Wow that’s so awesome glad u had that precious time u will never forget that memorable time!!!! Lol 👍❤️☮️😻🤟🙏

[@cdane7]

That’s an awesome story. One thing that must be said about JTE, whether good, bad or ugly, he was an HONEST human being. Honest on a level that most people wouldn’t even consider being. And one of if not my favorite fingerpicker on guitar that ever came along. I’m gonna miss buying a new record from him every few years. And crazy as it sounds, I’m gonna miss just listening to his interviews. Dude was real. I admire that.

[@cathsalazar9930]

Christopher Sheffield great statement will miss his voice interviews live music & getting new music & Jeff especially! One of a kind rare gem thanks for sharing lol 👍❤️☮️😻🤟🎶🎵

[@danedonovan5787]

May Justin's music live on forever. This guy Brett McDaniel played a show with him years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjTqKGBmK-tqLs Justin will go down as a legend.

[@deputyrock3489]

Was this in Gainesville?

[@5yearsout]

I remember the first time seeing him. My sister dragged me to the show and I thought "who the hell is this guy playing this old style of music with contemporary themes?" Needless to say I was hooked right away. Fortunate enough to see him several times in a 300 seat club doing his thing, I'm going to miss him and those shows more that I care to admit.

[@jonathanaldecoa1099]

In light of the terrible news, this song is a comfort and really rocking.

[@MostlyLuke]

God, it makes me so sad though.

[@rooseveltpeoples357]

Talented young man. He'll be missed by those of is who love great music.

[@rooseveltpeoples357]

Us

[@lastnamefirst4035]

@@rooseveltpeoples357 wow

[@ashkent8349]

So sad! RIP Justin.

[@davismillard3822]

Justin was so fantastic. Saw him in a small theater in NJ and he just killed. A true American troubadour of the highest order. Addiction flat out sucks. Thanks for posting.

[@crazychester1977]

One of the greatest late night musical performances ever

[@experienceit292]

That bass spin at the end is so smooth she was feeling it

[@josephsaah2613]

Brynn Davies

[@mitchmatthews6713]

I miss him dearly. Not only talented, but a joy to talk to.

[@chacne713]

You can tell Dave actually liked him. I've seen him live and boy does he kill

[@davidburne9477]

Saw him in a small gig in my hometown in Australia maybe 5 years ago with Sam Outlaw as support and it was a great gig. Too soon, too soon. RIP

[@DeborahHornstra]

And Dave has great taste in music!

[@stanstenson8168]

I miss Dave. Late night is just a bunch of political rubbish now. Just part of the agenda. They all suck.

[@rickjohnston6198]

@@stanstenson8168 If Dave was still doing his show he'd have had plenty to say in the 4 years Trump was in the White House. As bad as Trump was for America, he was comedy gold. But yeah, I miss Dave too. None of the current crop of late night hosts even come close to what he did.

[@jamielowndes]

@@stanstenson8168 Letterman torched Trump when he had him as a live guest. He would have absolutely gone after him in office.

[@SuperFsharp]

I saw this Last night and It just blew me away! It just sucks very few people appreciate this kind of music "now a days". But I love his style!

[@gblackburn31]

That rivers washed you clean now brother, up there making those Angels tapping their feet ...rest easy brother

[@xDPx-zh7vr]

Every once in a generation someone comes along in music who is such a troubled old soul and it comes through in every note they play and every word they sing. JTE was that man for me and so many others and it's a terrible loss to everyone who knew him or connected with his music. This performance on such a big stage shows how ready he was for success as he blew the doors off the Letterman studios. But his most honest moments were just him and his guitar singing songs from the heart. R.I.P. JTE.

[@dylanwylde4093]

It's always the best ones...

[@xDPx-zh7vr]

@@dylanwylde4093 why can't it be one of these shitty rappers with 100 face tattoos. Not fair.

[@dylanwylde4093]

@@xDPx-zh7vr Truth

[@danedonovan5787]

May Justin's music live on forever. This guy Brett McDaniel played a show with him years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjTqKGBmK-tqLs Justin will go down as a legend.

[@walterfisher5749]

JT had an interesting combination of Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams and his father in his makeup. This song shows the potential of a life cut short and what could have been. There are about 5 decades of time this song could have been from, and been a hit in. And that is an incredibly rare talent. Damn, this is a great song. And so much in the lyrics and delivery of it. My guess is this song will live for a long time.

[@MrKrwillis72]

I could watch that bass player ALL DAY LONG!

[@stevelever83]

I'm only just finding JTE, but my GOD was he gifted. Amazing.

[@BerndThomasSchuller]

Coming back to this again and again, Justin and Jason back when they were close. Perfect song and beautiful performance.

[@TriciaWest]

I see whatcha did there.

[@missmisunderstood8531]

With a friend like Isbell, who needs enemies?

[@paulkangas515]

@@missmisunderstood8531 Notice you popping up here a number of times with nothing but hate for Isbell. What is your deal? You might want to do yourself a favor and preoccupy yourself with a better preoccupation.

[@stephaniemurray4437]

RIP Justin . What a great loss of talent

[@arongunner1522]

😊😊I'm very pls to know I'm not the only one that loves😍 👆 the song but when last did you play it

[@timothyreid3061]

Oh my! First time seeing this. So sad that I will never get to see him live. Thank god for youtube.

[@die4eu]

His music and lyrics are so good they bring tears to my eyes. He may be the single most talented person I've witnessed in my lifetime.

[@TROUBADUO]

That is one cool guitar player and background singer behind Justin. Man, I didn't know they were tight, very cool, both are exceptional writers. #JasonIsbell

[@matthewgaw1087]

I thought that's who it was...came here to verify!! Thanks!

[@lastnamefirst4035]

@@matthewgaw1087 i recognize his guitar playing.

[@philcarter9421]

Jason Isbell

[@danedonovan5787]

May Justin's music live on forever. This guy Brett McDaniel played a show with him years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjTqKGBmK-tqLs Justin will go down as a legend.

[@damieneagers6560]

Rest in Peace Justin, sad to see a father bury his son, what a talented singer.

[@danedonovan5787]

May Justin's music live on forever. This guy Brett McDaniel played a show with him years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjTqKGBmK-tqLs Justin will go down as a legend.

[@rickaloivs4077]

Just read the JTE has passed, so sad.

[@jimdebutcher3364]

Such a sad new :'(

[@danedonovan5787]

May Justin's music live on forever. This guy Brett McDaniel played a show with him years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjTqKGBmK-tqLs Justin will go down as a legend.

[@thejovihead]

"Even a good man'll break. He'll let his troubles bury him whole even though he knows whats at stake." RIP JTE

[@danedonovan5787]

May Justin's music live on forever. This guy Brett McDaniel played a show with him years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjTqKGBmK-tqLs Justin will go down as a legend.

[@guitarsanddirt3007]

I only found out about him today and now I hear he passed away, love his music RIP

[@sharylons]

I remember watching this and being blown away. Have watched 100 times since then. So talented. Wishing Justin and his family peace

[@jwsopko]

Wow, what a piece of art. watched like 10 times...

[@danedonovan5787]

May Justin's music live on forever. This guy Brett McDaniel played a show with him years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjTqKGBmK-tqLs Justin will go down as a legend.

[@weslandry138]

Absolutely perfect all the way around. I don’t think anyone’s ever sounded that good on Dave’s show.

[@taxfreedollars]

Devastated to hear of his passing, spoke to him once outside a venue before he went on, a very nice approachable guy. Sure he had problems we all have them to varying degrees , but he had a talent very few of us will ever have. Deepest condolences to Steve, his family, his friends and his many fans. RIP Justin.

[@saltalafringa]

"Tell my mother I love her Tell my father I tried give my money to my baby to spend..."

[@maxhammer4067]

So tell my baby I said so long Tell my mother I did no wrong Tell my brother to watch his own And tell my friends to mourn me none

[@maxhammer4067]

So tell my baby I said so long Tell my mother I did no wrong Tell my brother to watch his own And tell my friends to mourn me none

[@frolicdiver]

Tell my father I tried

[@sawbilly2]

There ain't no harder heartbreak than the one that never goes away! R.I.P. Townes. Prayers to your family. Sorry to see you go.

[@danedonovan5787]

May Justin's music live on forever. This guy Brett McDaniel played a show with him years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjTqKGBmK-tqLs Justin will go down as a legend.

[@timhollimon2522]

I was late getting to the party .. I love his stuff. Rest in paradise JTE

[@jamesmcnamara8943]

"troubled days are behind me now and I know they're going to let me in' RIP JTE That bass spin at 2:48 is badass

[@danedonovan5787]

May Justin's music live on forever. This guy Brett McDaniel played a show with him years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjTqKGBmK-tqLs Justin will go down as a legend.

[@gregmclellan6455]

I look forward to that kick every time I watch.

[@od368]

That's Brynn Davies on the "dancing" double-bass spin.

[@billye9127]

that young lady is now a nuclear engineer in the TVA complex-----smart, talented, sassy, and pretty.

[@zenunderground]

I finally put the song together: it's about a guy who's going to commit suicide after a baptism bc he knows it's his only shot to make the pearly gates

[@sanjulienne]

I was in the Letterman audience last night (another BIG benefit of living in NYC) and the buzz in the theater was crazy. This guy smacked the crowd with so much talent people were dumbstruck. Just stellar. Another pat on the back to Paul Shaffer and the Letterman crew honing in on this guy. In desperate need of new music and this fits the bill perfectly. The lyrics...!! Now if he'd just perform somewhere in town!!

[@netw52]

His live shows were electric. Saw him twice in Dallas. Fabulous.

[@dougdavis8986]

Awesome. Love the lady layin down the bass line.

[@alchrisbag]

"I know the difference between tempting and choosing my fate"

[@NewYorkSong1]

Whoa do you realize how good that girl is on standup bass! Sheesh. Great group!

[@als1023]

Bryn Davies, check out Tony Rice and Peter Rowan and her, one fine musician

[@leobrussel9471]

I've seen this video many times, but I never noticed her...well, never appreciated her until this time. I was about to post the same comment when I saw yours.

[@jenspinkernell]

Justin opened for us as a child at the exit/in, in Nashville. He was a great talent as a teenager. I wanted to see him live after hearing this song on the radio in Dallas. Another great one gone too soon. Rest In Peace Justin. You reminded me of a young Johnny Cash in this special. This is heartbreaking.,

[@PeromInternational]

Hey Justin, Love ya man, OB and your Mama are my good friends, keep the faith, I have been in recovery for many years myself you are not alone that is for sure! Many Blessings and you knocked it out of the park on Letterman, Man I am PROUD of ya.

[@tommyhougland1277]

Jason Isbell and JTE...good music still exists...this is proof

[@jakeneuman8122]

Tommy Hougland I thought it was him lol

[@MrWaynerodgers]

my heart was broken at the news.....so sad...my heart goes out to his family and those that love him

[@TPHBFAN]

I catched him in concert in 2017. It was great. I feel like we just lost one of the truly great young singer- songwriters. Thank you for the great music you left behind.

[@danedonovan5787]

May Justin's music live on forever. This guy Brett McDaniel played a show with him years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjTqKGBmK-tqLs Justin will go down as a legend.

[@noel.krasomil]

This video literally just brought tears to my eyes.

[@GildasOpitz]

I am a big Steve Earle fan, but this is the greatest song by an Earle for the last 15 years. Justin is awesome!

[@wehaveasituation]

Great tune, great beat, and such a sad loss...

[@ubomninomen7765]

This song became immortal for me the moment I first heard it years ago. Catchy, peppy, bluesy, and haunting. Among other things, it is clearly about JTE's addiction. He never wanted to tempt fate, knowing that he would ultimately choose his fate. Sad and beautiful at the same time. Only the good die young.

[@BKRockwell]

A+ performance. Great to see JTE totally on the ball. He's coming down to Australia early this year - really hope he comes back to New Zealand while he's at it so I can catch another show or two. Anyone curious about him should see him live; he's one of the best performers working today and that shines through at his live shows. Great to see Isbell working with JTE and getting some exposure too; he's a beast of a guitar player. Keep it up boys.

[@jimboriffic]

Never heard of you til that night on Letterman, consider me a life-long fan from here on out. Great stuff!!

[@quickmac2299]

Hang on in Steve... Our thoughts are with you

[@lewisfrost3104]

Still breaks my heart

[@scottferguson2278]

This was my 1st exposure to JTE some 9 years ago. What a great song! So sad to hear of his passing.

[@KatherineMerceClay]

He is a BEAUTIFUL soul. ♥️ And an essential part of the fabric of Nashville’s magic. And always will be.

[@KennBurch]

Went to find some of JTE's songs after hearing the news. It really freaks me out that this is the first one that popped up. Be at peace, young man...whatever happened.

[@danedonovan5787]

May Justin's music live on forever. This guy Brett McDaniel played a show with him years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjTqKGBmK-tqLs Justin will go down as a legend.

[@stevefaure415]

Pretty magical performance

[@mandymine4963]

Breaks your heart, Justin was trying not to break into a huge smile but he nearly did- so happy at being so well received. Irreplaceable, only one.

[@billye9127]

JTE stood 6'7"--------------------very shy and very nice, plus a gifted musician who couldn't live with his own genius.

[@SheriffWalt]

I wasn't aware of this talented man. Very impressive and quite sad that he has passed.

[@gmck6307]

Jason looks like The Belush in this video. Never heard of Justin before. I'll be incorporating him into my Isbell, Prine, Zevon rotation

[@missmisunderstood8531]

Do yourself a favor and scrap Isbell for Earle.

[@pjdonutz6418]

Do yourself Another favor - listen to some Drive By Truckers.

[@llaauuddrruupp]

Never heard of him before, saw him on Letterman. First country-esque song I ever heard I actually like. I've been listening to it for hours every day for almost a week now. Love it. Great lyrics too.

[@pushpak]

RIP. Loved your music! 💖💖💖💖

[@kb-eu8pz]

I've got the Justin Townes Earle blues! VIVA JTE!!

[@cstoll451]

This is just FANTASTIC! Saw him at the Kitchen Garden Cafe in Birmingham.....ages ago. Brilliant! What else can you say without melancholy?

[@williamyoung3070]

Massive bass by Bryn Davies. Surprised they kept the signal that hot in the mix but glad they did. Reverberations still being felt in the building.

[@danedonovan5787]

May Justin's music live on forever. This guy Brett McDaniel played a show with him years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjTqKGBmK-tqLs Justin will go down as a legend.

[@brotherc1988]

How I didn’t realize that Isbell is on lead is beyond me. I’ve been watching this clip since I first saw it live. My world is upside down now and I love it.

[@davidhollway]

It's an awesome song. You know, I've tried listening to the rest of the album and none of the other tracks "do" it for me. But this one - it's pure gold. A driving beat that makes you want to dance and sing along, and lyrics that are clever without being pretentious (the bit "I know the difference / between tempting and choosing my fate" gets me every time...). I just wish the song had one or two more verses - it's 3 minutes of joy and deserves to be longer. RIP JTE. It's sad that your demons overtook you before you gave more to the world.

[@GustavMaurer-d9v]

@@davidhollway That's why you just have to play it over and over!

[@hokitika4888]

Such a great song JTE deserves much wider recognition

[@headholio]

The first time I saw this video I thought... "His first time on national TV and he wears that costume? What a screw up." Now think, What a genius!

[@a.e.newman2821]

If angels are real, JTE is surely one

[@absolutelynonameslef]

When We Were Close brought me back here. They were better days, for sure.

[@Kritta17]

What a treat!! Ya can't beat real music made by real musicians with real instruments!!! Thanks for putting it up.

[@roydagger]

Yes.....we all love the bass player.!!But this version kicks it!!

[@jcw999]

it's the same stage where Elvis and th ebeatles performed. Justin was in the spirit of those who were there before him. What a n Artist.

[@bvaljalo]

Great Job Justin. Been following your Daddy since I saw him on the Copperhead Road tour (seen him twice since, and have his autograph from a signing at Amoeba Records in 2000), but just found out you had albums of your own out a couple months back. I've got all three, and they are all AWESOME dude ... like all I've listened to for the past 2 months. Keep up your recovery work brother ... trust me I know how hard it is, first hand. One day at a time, baby! And PLEASE COME TO PHOENIX MAN!!!

[@Nothingmuch1039]

Man I LOVE this song... RIP my dude, you wrote some great tunes! 🎵Just a singing and a clapping my hands🎵 fucking brilliant.

[@danedonovan5787]

May Justin's music live on forever. This guy Brett McDaniel played a show with him years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjTqKGBmK-tqLs Justin will go down as a legend.

[@Nothingmuch1039]

@@danedonovan5787 He for sure deserves to... He helped me more than I can communicate these passed couple months. Such a great song writer.

[@othmarloschy9639]

I'm totally drowned. 2020 is a real shitty year, after already some of my favorite Songwriters had died - Eric Taylor, David Olney, John Prine - now Justin. it's a shame.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

4 great musicians you just mentioned

[@cmortenson3647]

Such a great artist...drugs and alcohol are gonna get us all tho...so sad too bad

[@darlincommitme]

Steve Earle would agree, besides Justin he was close to Olney and also lost Kelley Looney his bass player since 1988 this year.

[@haydenmcglinn1975]

I saw Justin at the Wave rock Weekender in western Australia a few years back. I bought his album and he has since been an influence on my style.

[@luvndanestrin]

His live shows are amazing. Definitely worth checking out. One of my fave shows.

[@Sonic_Decay]

Thanks for the music Justin. 🎙️🎧📻

[@johnbroadhead7462]

Saw Justin a few years ago at a small venue in Sheffield England he was amazing

[@ingridlemming6019]

Love your voice What a great loss .I had just discovered you. RIP Justin.

[@inuvik61]

Sorry to hear about another great songwriter taken before his time. Sending love and comfort to Mr. Earle and his family. Rest easy brother, rest east.

[@karlfortuin5794]

Future hall of Famer rest in peace mr justin earle 🎙🎸

[@jimdunleavy8649]

Saw him open for Social D. He is an outstanding musician. Really good that night

[@danedonovan5787]

May Justin's music live on forever. This guy Brett McDaniel played a show with him years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjTqKGBmK-tqLs Justin will go down as a legend.

[@countrynuno]

The entire album is five stars, one of the best albuns of 2010

[@slowassmonkey]

I can't stop watching this. Absolutely incredible talent.

[@inthecouchproductions8103]

God bless Justin. Such a talented man. Wish he was still here.

[@thevomitcomit]

i wanted to see these guys in detroit BUT i was busy entertaining guests from out of the country. blast it all.

[@christopherseifert5234]

RIP - YOU were genius!I saw Justin at Berklee college open for old crow medicine show, and of course ! they were both amazing! Vive! and celebrate!

[@scottparker8837]

RIP Justin Townes Earl

[@danedonovan5787]

May Justin's music live on forever. This guy Brett McDaniel played a show with him years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjTqKGBmK-tqLs Justin will go down as a legend.

[@marktalbott3835]

What an absolutely authentic and gorgeous song

[@joes6666]

I had a dream the other night and I was hearing this awsome tune going round and round in my head and it was just a swing'in, magical, then I woke up to the Americana Festival on PBS, and there was Justin belting out this tune. First time I heard it, now it's my new "favorite song" .....Yahooo!!

[@antonelcolts]

So good. Such a loss to the art of songwriting. RIP, JTE.

[@thelatenightbar]

Hell yeah.. we could have used more years and years of his new music. Still miss 'em.

[@poppypitbull]

Every time I watch this, it breaks my heart. What a talent…. With all that happens in this clip, one of the coolest things was DL’s obvious enthusiasm for what he just heard. More often than not he was going through the paces but JTE clearly took him by surprise. ❤️

[@DFWDan]

Rest in power young man

[@billjackson5543]

Great performance and credit to Dave's show for having one of the greats on. Wish it could have been the start of many more.

[@CleanHead]

The bass player pounds it!!! She knows exactly how to ge the right sound outta that thing.