Steve Earle & The Dukes released their album J.T. on Monday (Jan. 4), which honors Steve’s late son Justin Townes Earle on what would have been his 39th birthday.
The 11-song project contains 10 covers of Justin’s songs and ends with Steve’s heartfelt tribute titled “Last Words,” which is fittingly the final track of the album. Steve and his band will perform their cover of “Harlem River Blues” from Justin’s 2010 album on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday.
He said the recording process of J.T., which was Justin’s childhood nickname, “wasn’t cathartic as much as it was therapeutic” to The New York Times in an interview last month. “I made the record because I needed to,” Steve continued.
Justin died Aug. 20 in his Nashville home from an accidental overdose at age 38.
All of the artist advances and royalties from J.T. will be donated to a trust for Justin and his wife Jennifer’s 3-year-old daughter Etta St. James Earle. The album is available on digital and streaming platforms now, while physical CD and vinyl versions will be available on March 19.
Listen to J.T. below.
