Independent music company Exceleration Music has struck a deal with the estate of late singer and songwriter Justin Townes Earle to acquire the rights to his recordings between 2008 and 2012.
Exceleration says that the deal with the estate extends beyond the term of his licensing agreement with Chicago-based Bloodshot Records, which Exceleration acquired in October.
Exceleration Music says that it will work alongside the Estate to ensure his catalog of “recordings and songs are celebrated, recognised, and amplified across the global digital and physical market”.
Between 2008 and 2012, Justin Townes Earle recorded albums including Harlem River Blues, The Good Life and Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now.
This deal sees Earle’s catalog join a growing roster of investments and partnerships from Exceleration.
Founded by indie sector executives Glen Barros, John Burk, Charles Caldas, Amy Dietz, and Dave Hansen, Exceleration has also partnered with legendary Chicago label, Alligator Records (celebrating its 50th anniversary this year).
Exceleration has also acquired jazz label Candid Records, and partnered with the Ray Charles Foundation, with which it launched the recent True Genius box set and digital campaign.
Earle was an emerging star of the “Americana” movement of the 2000s and 2010s and was the son of singer-songwriter, Steve Earle.
Earle tragically passed away from an accidental overdose in August of 2020.
“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.”
Charles Caldas, Exceleration
Exceleration partner Charles Caldas said: “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.”
“We are very excited to take on the next chapter with the great team at Exceleration Music.”
Laurens Kusters, Justin Townes Earle estate
Laurens Kusters, representative of the Justin Townes Earle estate, said: “We are very excited to take on the next chapter with the great team at Exceleration Music.
“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.”
Jennifer Earle
Jennifer Earle added: “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.”Music Business Worldwide
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