Jonathan Bernstein
@jonbern.bsky.social
biography of justin townes earle, now available in bookstores!
senior research editor at rolling stone
he/him
https://jonbernsteinwriting.com/
senior research editor at rolling stone
he/him
https://jonbernsteinwriting.com/
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
Contributing editor Jack Silverman collects remembrances of steel guitar wizard Pete Finney, who died Feb. 7.
Remembering Pete Finney
The steel guitar ace and music historian died Feb. 7 at age 70.
www.nashvillescene.com
February 12, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Contributing editor Jack Silverman collects remembrances of steel guitar wizard Pete Finney, who died Feb. 7.
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
NEW EPISODE! We caught up w/ @rollingstone.com Senior Research Editor @jonbern.bsky.social about his recent interview with Lucinda Williams on her (and Dylan's) take on "the female Bob Dylan" label. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
Sing Out: On the Singer-Songwriter and Protest Music
Podcast Episode · The Female Bob Dylan · 02/13/2026 · 1h 9m
podcasts.apple.com
February 13, 2026 at 3:11 PM
NEW EPISODE! We caught up w/ @rollingstone.com Senior Research Editor @jonbern.bsky.social about his recent interview with Lucinda Williams on her (and Dylan's) take on "the female Bob Dylan" label. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
I left a voicemail for Lee Brice asking why he only went after queer kids in new song “Country Nowadays” at TPUSA. Here’s what happened. open.substack.com/pub/untether...
I Left Lee Brice a Voicemail
After he singled out the queer community in “Country Nowadays,” I called to ask why.
open.substack.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:34 PM
I left a voicemail for Lee Brice asking why he only went after queer kids in new song “Country Nowadays” at TPUSA. Here’s what happened. open.substack.com/pub/untether...
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
The world is what it is but books continue! Agents + writers: looking for deeply researched and imaginative nonfiction manuscripts about the South, for publication in 2027/28. Literary nonfiction, personal/reportage & cultural criticism are highly welcomed. DMs open for pitches or meg@hubcity.org.
February 10, 2026 at 5:27 PM
The world is what it is but books continue! Agents + writers: looking for deeply researched and imaginative nonfiction manuscripts about the South, for publication in 2027/28. Literary nonfiction, personal/reportage & cultural criticism are highly welcomed. DMs open for pitches or meg@hubcity.org.
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
Finished this over the weekend. Heartbreaking. Made me sad, angry, but most of all made me miss him. As a person and an artist.
@jonbern.bsky.social did a remarkable job putting this story together.
#justintownesearle #booksky📚 #altcountry #nashville
@jonbern.bsky.social did a remarkable job putting this story together.
#justintownesearle #booksky📚 #altcountry #nashville
February 10, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Finished this over the weekend. Heartbreaking. Made me sad, angry, but most of all made me miss him. As a person and an artist.
@jonbern.bsky.social did a remarkable job putting this story together.
#justintownesearle #booksky📚 #altcountry #nashville
@jonbern.bsky.social did a remarkable job putting this story together.
#justintownesearle #booksky📚 #altcountry #nashville
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
wrote about Ella Langley and "Choosin' Texas" making history today on the newsletter
www.dontrocktheinbox.com/ella-langley...
www.dontrocktheinbox.com/ella-langley...
Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” is a Phenomenon: Will It Change the Landscape for Women?
Today, Ella Langley made history - her single “Choosin’ Texas” made her the first woman to hit the Hot 100 (all genre), Hot Country and Country Airplay charts, all at the same time. To be honest, thes...
www.dontrocktheinbox.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:36 PM
wrote about Ella Langley and "Choosin' Texas" making history today on the newsletter
www.dontrocktheinbox.com/ella-langley...
www.dontrocktheinbox.com/ella-langley...
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
In my feature debut for @nashvillescene.com, I chatted with Lilly Hiatt about chaos, grounding herself in guitar and exercise, and how scary it can be to play solo tours! www.nashvillescene.com/music/featur...
Lilly Hiatt Focuses on the Human Connection
We check in with the ace singer-songwriter ahead of her performance during the 2026 edition of 615 Indie Live.
www.nashvillescene.com
February 5, 2026 at 6:02 PM
In my feature debut for @nashvillescene.com, I chatted with Lilly Hiatt about chaos, grounding herself in guitar and exercise, and how scary it can be to play solo tours! www.nashvillescene.com/music/featur...
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
This is good stuff!
The dive bar and Dragon Park stuff along with the top five JTE tracks is really illuminating
Well worth a look👍🏻 You can catch up with the doomscrolling later as all the shit you hate will still be there😟
#Americana
#MusicSky
The dive bar and Dragon Park stuff along with the top five JTE tracks is really illuminating
Well worth a look👍🏻 You can catch up with the doomscrolling later as all the shit you hate will still be there😟
#Americana
#MusicSky
This was a special chat: I chatted JTE while visiting some of the most important Nashville spots in his early life/career w/ my dear colleague @joeyblueclaw.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xft_...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xft_...
Exploring Justin Townes Earle's Nashville | Rolling Stone Nashville Now
YouTube video by Rolling Stone
www.youtube.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:12 AM
This is good stuff!
The dive bar and Dragon Park stuff along with the top five JTE tracks is really illuminating
Well worth a look👍🏻 You can catch up with the doomscrolling later as all the shit you hate will still be there😟
#Americana
#MusicSky
The dive bar and Dragon Park stuff along with the top five JTE tracks is really illuminating
Well worth a look👍🏻 You can catch up with the doomscrolling later as all the shit you hate will still be there😟
#Americana
#MusicSky
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
I think one thing people outside Minnesota don't understand is that after Good and Pretti were killed by feds while observing, the most normal people you could imagine have made peace with the fact that they could be next, and they are still out there because they say it's the right thing to do.
“If I am killed doing this, throw my body at the White House, martyr the shit out of me & raise hell. Do not be sad. Do not think I would do anything differently. I would do it over & over again — this is too important to sit down & shut up and not do anything.” www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Pursued by federal agents, suburban ICE observers remain resolved
After a frightening pursuit by federal agents, suburban ICE observers say fear hasn’t stopped them from protecting their communities.
www.mprnews.org
February 4, 2026 at 4:30 PM
I think one thing people outside Minnesota don't understand is that after Good and Pretti were killed by feds while observing, the most normal people you could imagine have made peace with the fact that they could be next, and they are still out there because they say it's the right thing to do.
"Alleging that you're a "dumb redneck" as a way to simultaneously confirm people's suspicions and evade any kind of accountability for, say, being photographed chummily with a very powerful Republican like Mike Johnson is cowardly, plain and simple."
wrote about jelly roll pretending he and we are stupid for this week's drti www.dontrocktheinbox.com/im-a-dumb-re...
"I'm A Dumb Redneck": Jelly Roll's Cop Out and Nashville's Imagined Norm
Imagine if we could go two weeks in this newsletter without having to reckon with some country/politics foolishness. Imagine if people like Jelly Roll and Kid Rock would just shut up and sing!! I jest...
www.dontrocktheinbox.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:57 PM
"Alleging that you're a "dumb redneck" as a way to simultaneously confirm people's suspicions and evade any kind of accountability for, say, being photographed chummily with a very powerful Republican like Mike Johnson is cowardly, plain and simple."
This was a special chat: I chatted JTE while visiting some of the most important Nashville spots in his early life/career w/ my dear colleague @joeyblueclaw.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xft_...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xft_...
Exploring Justin Townes Earle's Nashville | Rolling Stone Nashville Now
YouTube video by Rolling Stone
www.youtube.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:43 PM
This was a special chat: I chatted JTE while visiting some of the most important Nashville spots in his early life/career w/ my dear colleague @joeyblueclaw.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xft_...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xft_...
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
Lots of predictable dunking on this line-up in the replies, so let's provide some actual context here.
None of these four are in their commercial prime-- collectively, none have hit #1 at country radio more recently than 2020-- but the three who aren't Kid Rock are not unknown acts. 1/x
None of these four are in their commercial prime-- collectively, none have hit #1 at country radio more recently than 2020-- but the three who aren't Kid Rock are not unknown acts. 1/x
Turning Point USA has announced the performers for their alternative Super Bowl halftime show:
Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett
Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett
February 2, 2026 at 7:40 PM
Lots of predictable dunking on this line-up in the replies, so let's provide some actual context here.
None of these four are in their commercial prime-- collectively, none have hit #1 at country radio more recently than 2020-- but the three who aren't Kid Rock are not unknown acts. 1/x
None of these four are in their commercial prime-- collectively, none have hit #1 at country radio more recently than 2020-- but the three who aren't Kid Rock are not unknown acts. 1/x
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
Of Note 022 is out!
Highlighting work from:
@natechinen.bsky.social on Blackstar
@elienis.bsky.social with M. Dubice
@jonbern.bsky.social's JTE bio
@stevenhyden.bsky.social on Pitchfork
@ericdharvey.com on Bob Marley
@tombreihan.bsky.social on The Greatest
@marissarmoss.bsky.social asks a question
Highlighting work from:
@natechinen.bsky.social on Blackstar
@elienis.bsky.social with M. Dubice
@jonbern.bsky.social's JTE bio
@stevenhyden.bsky.social on Pitchfork
@ericdharvey.com on Bob Marley
@tombreihan.bsky.social on The Greatest
@marissarmoss.bsky.social asks a question
Of Note 022: Bowie's Blackstar anniversary, Marisa Dubice interview, Justin Townes Earle biography
Howdy folks! The new year has kicked off with a wealth of great music writing. This month’s selections have put me in a time machine or some kind of liminal,...
buttondown.com
February 1, 2026 at 7:10 PM
Of Note 022 is out!
Highlighting work from:
@natechinen.bsky.social on Blackstar
@elienis.bsky.social with M. Dubice
@jonbern.bsky.social's JTE bio
@stevenhyden.bsky.social on Pitchfork
@ericdharvey.com on Bob Marley
@tombreihan.bsky.social on The Greatest
@marissarmoss.bsky.social asks a question
Highlighting work from:
@natechinen.bsky.social on Blackstar
@elienis.bsky.social with M. Dubice
@jonbern.bsky.social's JTE bio
@stevenhyden.bsky.social on Pitchfork
@ericdharvey.com on Bob Marley
@tombreihan.bsky.social on The Greatest
@marissarmoss.bsky.social asks a question
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
I visited hotels all over Minneapolis, went into back rooms & talked to the staff.
They're afraid.
One told me she resents how her undocumented coworkers spend their days cleaning the rooms of agents who are “hunting down their family members.”
@notus.com:
www.notus.org/immigration/...
They're afraid.
One told me she resents how her undocumented coworkers spend their days cleaning the rooms of agents who are “hunting down their family members.”
@notus.com:
www.notus.org/immigration/...
Minneapolis’ Hotel Workers Are on Edge
Staff across the city told NOTUS how their lives have changed since the start of the federal immigration operation. “It's frightening,” one said.
www.notus.org
January 30, 2026 at 2:10 PM
I visited hotels all over Minneapolis, went into back rooms & talked to the staff.
They're afraid.
One told me she resents how her undocumented coworkers spend their days cleaning the rooms of agents who are “hunting down their family members.”
@notus.com:
www.notus.org/immigration/...
They're afraid.
One told me she resents how her undocumented coworkers spend their days cleaning the rooms of agents who are “hunting down their family members.”
@notus.com:
www.notus.org/immigration/...
would like to manifest a live band karaoke night where you can only sing warren zevon
January 31, 2026 at 10:15 PM
would like to manifest a live band karaoke night where you can only sing warren zevon
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
Nice piece on Nur-D from @jonbern.bsky.social
Minnesota Rapper Violently Detained by ICE: 'I Assumed I Was Going to Die'
Minnesota rapper Nur-D, who was detained by ICE while protesting the killing of Alex Pretti, tells us what happened and why he won't stop fighting
www.rollingstone.com
January 31, 2026 at 5:10 AM
Nice piece on Nur-D from @jonbern.bsky.social
Spoke with the Minnesota musician and rapper Nur-D about being violently arrested by masked Federal agents.
Minnesota rapper tells us about his experience being violently detained by ICE agents while protesting the killing of Alex Pretti:
“I assumed I was going to die.”
Interview: www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
“I assumed I was going to die.”
Interview: www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
January 30, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Spoke with the Minnesota musician and rapper Nur-D about being violently arrested by masked Federal agents.
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
Today is my 53rd birthday: if you have yet to do so (+ can) please join me in donating to help families impacted by the ICE raids in MN who cannot pay rent.
Help Families Pay The Rent — Stand With Minnesota Donation Directory
Donate to help immigrant families in Minnesota pay rent during ICE occupation. Emergency housing support rooted in dignity and community care.
www.standwithminnesota.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:23 PM
Today is my 53rd birthday: if you have yet to do so (+ can) please join me in donating to help families impacted by the ICE raids in MN who cannot pay rent.
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
Jonathan Bernstein’s biography of Justin Townes Earle, 'What Do You Do When You’re Lonesome', is rooted in the quiet devastation of 'Saint of Lost Causes'.
Jonathan Bernstein on Justin Townes Earle, Addiction, and the Music Th
Jonathan Bernstein did not set out to sanctify Justin Townes Earle, nor to reduce him to a cautionary tale. With What Do You Do When You’re Lonesome, Bernstein instead accomplishes something far more
tinyurl.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Jonathan Bernstein’s biography of Justin Townes Earle, 'What Do You Do When You’re Lonesome', is rooted in the quiet devastation of 'Saint of Lost Causes'.
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
Over and above everything else HE PRONOUNCED NICOLLET AVENUE CORRECTLY my god this man
I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Stay free
Stay free
Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen
youtu.be
January 28, 2026 at 5:06 PM
Over and above everything else HE PRONOUNCED NICOLLET AVENUE CORRECTLY my god this man
Bruce singing about Nicollet Ave
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWKS...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWKS...
Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen
www.youtube.com
January 28, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Bruce singing about Nicollet Ave
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWKS...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWKS...
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
A Nurse Who Served Veterans Was Killed. Where You At, Country Music???
A Nurse Who Served Veterans Was Killed. Where You At, Country Music?
I'm not going to lie to you, newsletter readers: it's hard to newsletter "normally" today, though, to be fair, I could almost say that about any day for the last near decade. Outside my window, the to...
www.dontrocktheinbox.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:46 PM
A Nurse Who Served Veterans Was Killed. Where You At, Country Music???
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
Alex Pretti Helped Veterans and Owned a Gun. Why Is Country Music Silent About His Death?
Alex Pretti Helped Veterans and Owned a Gun. Why Is Country Music Silent About His Death?
Country artists love to sing about the military and guns, but few have said anything about the death of VA nurse and legal gun owner Alex Pretti.
www.rollingstone.com
January 28, 2026 at 1:55 PM
Alex Pretti Helped Veterans and Owned a Gun. Why Is Country Music Silent About His Death?
Grateful for this thoughtful piece about JTE (focusing on his later Portland years) from the @portlandmercury.com
www.portlandmercury.com/books/2026/0...
www.portlandmercury.com/books/2026/0...
Book Review: What Do You Do When You’re Lonesome Documents Justin Townes Earle's Time in Portland
When Justin Townes Earle rolled into Portland in 2016, he had already lived a long life for a 34-year-old. Born in Nashville, Earle had been making music since he was a kid and earning plenty of compa...
www.portlandmercury.com
January 28, 2026 at 1:34 PM
Grateful for this thoughtful piece about JTE (focusing on his later Portland years) from the @portlandmercury.com
www.portlandmercury.com/books/2026/0...
www.portlandmercury.com/books/2026/0...