They Killed John Henry by Justin Townes Earle - a podcast by Area Code

They'll kill you, but will you fight?

In MemoriamJustin Townes Earle sung songs that I’ve known since before I was even born. Songs that were as much a part of me as my own hand. "Harlem River Blues" and "Down on the Lower East Side" are a part of my permanent memory of New York City. "They Killed John Henry" feels at home on the prairies of Illinois. His music shaped me. I came of age to Justin Townes Earle. And I will forever be in debt to his music. 
He didn’t make it out of this life alive. I wish he did. But maybe he’ll be John Henry for another generation of Americans trying to navigate even more novelty and progress. A lone singer who stood in front of the bulldozers. Who preserved the old time style. And who paid the price for it.

Further episodes of Burn After Listening with Nick Rynerson

Further podcasts by Area Code

Website of Area Code