Fifteen years ago, the future of Americana music revolved around Justin Townes Earle. It was more than his name: Earle's first three records were far ahead of their time, establishing Earle's studied roots mastery and knack for a variety of sounds (honky tonk, retro soul) that would dramatically rise in popularity in the years to come. His 2010 album Harlem River Blues crystallized that moment, including several rising stars, from Caitlin Rose to Jason Isbell. In the years to come, many artists, bands, songwriters and entire sonic trends would draw inspiration from Earle's records, even as the singer's own popularity never reached its early 2010's heights. Drawing on research from a recently published biography of Earle, this panel will feature a conversation that considers and contextualizes Justin's under-acknowledged influence and legacy on contemporary roots music over the past 15 years.
The panel consists of myself, the author, and artists Austin Root and Lilly Hiatt
