Justin Townes Earle. Photo: Joshua Black Wilkins
Exceleration Music has partnered with the estate of the late celebrated singer and songwriter Justin Townes Earle. The company, which invests in independent labels and artists to develop their legacies, has acquired the rights to Justin’s recordings between 2008 and 2012, including “Harlem River Blues,” “The Good Life,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now.”
Justin tragically passed away from an accidental overdose in August of 2020. He is the son of acclaimed singer-songwriter Steve Earle.
Drawing on a range of genres throughout his career, Justin wrote songs that explored the darker side of the human experience, such as his complicated relationship with his family and problems with addiction. His songs of frailty, courage and redemption thrust him into the limelight as an emerging artist of the Americana movement during the 2000s and 2010s.
Exceleration partner Charles Caldas says: “I believe, as many of his fans do, that Justin Townes’ songs and recordings deserve much wider acclaim and recognition than he achieved in his lifetime. It is humbling to have this opportunity to work alongside his estate to ensure that his music continues to be discovered and celebrated, and most importantly to work to make sure that his extraordinary legacy as a songwriter and recording artist brings him the recognition he deserves.”
Founded by Caldas, Glen Barros, John Burk, Amy Dietz, and Dave Hansen, Exceleration’s deal with Justin’s estate joins a growing roster of investments and partnerships. The company recently announced its acquisition of Bloodshot Records and has also partnered with Alligator Records in Chicago which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Exceleration has also acquired Candid Records and partnered with the Ray Charles Foundation.
“We are very excited to take on the next chapter with the great team at Exceleration Music,” shares Laurens Kusters, representative of the Justin Townes Earle estate. “After we lost Justin, we crafted a plan of how his legacy will be immortalized. Exceleration Music is a crucial addition to the team to make that happen.”
“I am truly touched by the appreciation that Exceleration Music has for Justin and am very much excited about combining forces with our collective visions to honor his legacy as a songwriter, husband and father to Etta,” adds Justin’s wife, Jennifer Earles.
Additionally, Steve Earle & The Dukes recently announced the lineup for a tribute show on Jan. 4, what would have been Justin’s 40th birthday. “A Celebration of Justin Townes Earle” will take place at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium will feature performances from Justin’s catalog by Amanda Shires, Ben Nichols (Lucero), Buddy Miller, Dustin Welch, Elizabeth Cook, Emmylou Harris, Jason Isbell, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Joe Pug, Jon Langford, Lilly Hiatt, Lucinda Williams, Mike Ness and Jonny Two Bags of Social Distortion, Old Crow Medicine Show, Scotty Melton, Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart, Steve Earle & The Dukes, and Willy and Cody Braun.
Tickets will go on sale Friday, Nov. 19. This celebration will require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the show.
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