Folk / Americana artist, Justin Townes Earle was named for Townes Van Zandt, a friend and fellow musician of his famous dad, folk and country artist, Steve Earle. Although both perform with a twang, it could be said that the elder Earle is a little more country, and Justin is a little more rock and roll.

[photogallerylink id=98512 align=right]After an unsettled youth battling drug addiction, Justin emerged as a talented musician and songwriter. His heavy tour schedule has included the Newport Folk Festival (2011), the Grand Ole Opry (2008), SXSW (2098-2010), the Beacon Theater (2009) and Bonnaroo (2009).

Enter here to see him at our next Circle of Friends, Friday, May 25th.

His cover of “Maybe Baby” was used on the tribute album, Rave On Buddy Holly.

Earle has won Americana Music Awards for Emerging Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for his “Harlem River Blues” from the album of the same name.

Growing up in Nashville, he took up music early, playing in the bluegrass/ragtime combo, The Swindlers and the hard-rocking The Distributors. He spent some time on tour with his father’s band, eventually kicked the drug habit, and started releasing recordings in 2007.

His latest is Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now, which was given 3 1/2 stars by Rolling Stone. “Love is elusive,” says reviewer Anthony Decurtis, “the legacy of his father, Steve Earle, is a blessing and a curse, and the road exhausts and exhilarates.”

Here’s his father, Steve Earle performing “Devil’s Right Hand” from Brokeback Mountain.

[Sources: Rolling Stone, CMT.com)