Justin Townes Earle Performs "Harlem River Blues" on Letterman 

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.

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.

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

One of the greatest late night musical performances ever

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

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.

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

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...

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.

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

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

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

Just read the JTE has passed, so sad.

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

RIP Justin . What a great loss of talent

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

"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

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.

I could watch that bass player ALL DAY LONG!

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

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!

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!

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

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

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.

Still breaks my heart

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

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.

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

Awesome. Love the lady layin down the bass line.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!!

Pretty magical performance

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

This video literally just brought tears to my eyes.

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

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.

RIP Justin Townes Earl

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.

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.

RIP. Loved your music! 💖💖💖💖

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.,

Trouble days are behind him now. Rest easy on that FDR in the clouds

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

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.

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.

Rest in power young man

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the fuck, I've seen this video so many times and im just now realizing thats isbell on guitar

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

Such a great song JTE deserves much wider recognition

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.

RIP Justin Townes Earle, fuck, your tunes touched the soul, 😢.

RIP...you will be missed!

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

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

Steve just released an album of Justin’s songs called J.T. Performed 2 of them last night on The Kimmel show, including this.

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.

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

Man. Gone too soon. RIP.

I always liked this one . RIP Justin.

Thanks for the music Justin. 🎙️🎧📻

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

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

Rest In Power, Brother Justin Townes Earle

Hey, Dave said this performance was lovely, so there you go 😁

@tylermunro Thanks for posting this Never knew it existed Didn't see it cuz I was in a holding tank that night...yes, stupid is as stupid does... RIP JTE

What an absolutely authentic and gorgeous song

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

Love that Dave is showing the VINYL - not the CD... :-)

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

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!

Rest in peace brother... Out to lunch Bunch...2005. I'll never forget your swag..