Justin Time

One of the most poignant scenes in The Godfather Part II is brothers Michael and Fredo Corleone drinking at an outdoor Cuban cafe. Fredo wistfully confides to Michael that he wishes he'd followed a life path closer to his and their late, legendary father's. Michael consoles him, saying, "It's not easy to be a son, Fredo … it's not easy." Whenever someone follows in the career footsteps of a notably successful parent, the progeny can face unusually high expectations -- the family name becomes a more of a burden than a door-opener. Ask Frank Sinatra, Jr., A.J. Croce (son of Jim), and Sally Taylor (James 'n' Carly Simon's daughter).

Related Content

• Warren Hellman Tribute Concert Planned for Feb. 19 at Ocean Beach
  February 14, 2012
• Sunday at Hardly Strictly: Gomez, Justin Townes Earle, and Bela Fleck Help Fuel the Good Vibes
  October 3, 2011
• Pirouetting After Midnight
  September 28, 2011
• The Six Best James Bond Themes Ever, In Honor of Adele's Forthcoming Contribution
  September 7, 2011
• Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2011: Robert Plant, Thurston Moore, Broken Social Scene, and More
  August 10, 2011

More About

• Steve Earle
• Justin Townes Earle
• J.T. Earle
• Fredo Corleone
• The Godfather: Part II

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Events Newsletter: What's happening in town? From underground club nights to the biggest outdoor festivals, our top picks for the week's best events will always keep you in on the action.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

Singer, guitarist, and songwriter Justin Townes Earle is son of Nashville rebel/alt-country godfather (no pun intended) Steve Earle. His middle name is a tribute to the legendary Texas troubadour Townes Van Zandt, a seminal influence to the senior Earle (and most of the Americana crowd, directly or indirectly). J.T. Earle followed his padre's path perhaps a little too closely, acquiring self-destructive habits resulting in his being fired from Earle Sr.'s touring band. Like his father, Justin gave his demons the boot and got down to business, resulting in a damn fine solo debut, The Good Life. Vocally he conveys only a slight family resemblance -- JTE sounds more like a very young Hank Williams, Sr. on "What Do You Do When You're Lonesome" and "Hard Livin'," both exuding honky tonk swagger and Western swing cool. With its reggae-like lilt and thick, tasty Hammond organ, "South Georgia Sugar Babe" evokes the Band covering a song by Ray Charles (or vice versa). Justin Townes Earle is no "Fredo" or a Steve wannabe -- he's gonna do the name proud.
Thu., March 20, 8:30 p.m., 2008