Jonathan Bernstein
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jonbern.bsky.social
Jonathan Bernstein
@jonbern.bsky.social
5.7K followers 630 following 320 posts
biography of justin townes earle out jan. 13, 2026
senior research editor at rolling stone
he/him

https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jonathan-bernstein/what-do-you-do-when-youre-lonesome/9780306833274/
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jonbern.bsky.social
Incredibly straightforward action to take if you support independent music journalism: Subscribe to Stereogum today (I just did!)
stereogum.com Stereogum @stereogum.com · 13h
Big changes at Stereogum today.

A message from our founder: stereogum.com/2478838/ster...
November 10, 2025 at 11:27 PM
jonbern.bsky.social
Warren covering 'A Case of You'??!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx13...
Warren Zevon - A Case Of You (Live at The Edmonton Folk Festival)
YouTube video by OmnivoreRecordings
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:31 PM
jonbern.bsky.social
NOT covering unredacted bodycam footage of a non-mega famous musician writhing in agony, sickness and pain is a decision we, as journalists, can make.
November 7, 2025 at 10:38 PM
jonbern.bsky.social
no idea if it's actually her or not, but it's always disarming to see gillian welch in the IG comments.
November 7, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
avparnell.bsky.social
I love what Emmylou talks about when she talks about God
Screenshot of paragraph: Harris has a fondness for religious metaphors. In Ken Burns’ Country Music documentary series, she described herself as a “country music convert” from the Greenwich Village folk scene, roots that show in her anti-authority streak and her penchant for Bob Dylan covers. Speaking of Bonaparte’s Retreat, which finds homes for dogs with special support needs after their allotted shelter time has passed, she declares herself “a member of the Church of Dog.” “I just hope people realize that [dogs are] part of our community,” she says, “and we need to take care of them too.” Screenshot of paragraph: Her spiritual seeking shines on the Spyboy versions of Dylan’s “Every Grain of Sand” and her own “Prayer in Open D,” which appear respectively on Wrecking Ball and her 1993 album A Cowgirl’s Prayer. While she calls Dylan’s more “ecclesiastical,” there’s a conversation at play between these two songs that’s illuminated through their proximity on the live album — they share a yearning devotion, and both are potent reflections on redemption and despair. For Harris’ interpretation, Lanois suggested changing the time signature on “Every Grain of Sand” to 6/8, giving it a gentle sway. “Prayer in Open D,” meanwhile, is a heartwrenching solo. When she performs it in the film, the rest of the room is frozen in rapt silence, while Harris’ own eyes are shining.
November 7, 2025 at 9:15 PM
jonbern.bsky.social
One of my favorite records of the year, out today:
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
Mavis Staples Creates A Soul Canon All Her Own
Mavis Staples covers Frank Ocean, Leonard Cohen and more on her excellent new album
www.rollingstone.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
rollingstone.com
When country singer Luke Bell was found dead in 2022, his story became tabloid fodder. But Bell's complex life couldn't be distilled into a headline: He wrote beautiful country songs informed by the American west, while struggling with deep mental illness.
Country Music Casualty: The Tortured Life and Untimely Death of Luke Bell
bit.ly
November 6, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
timgrierson.bsky.social
Congratulations to Zohran Mamdani. And thank you to Heems for inspiring him to considering running in the first place.
This Indie-Rap Hero Inspired Zohran Mamdani to Enter Politics
Indie-rap hero Heems on inspiring Zohran Mamdani, Democratic nominee in New York's mayoral race, to go into politics: 'I’m extremely grateful'
www.rollingstone.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:48 AM
jonbern.bsky.social
You're going to want to read Julyssa Lopez on a truly special album:
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
Rosalia Confronts Herself and Communes With the Eternal on 'Lux'
Rosalia confronts herself and communes with the eternal on her excellent new album 'Lux'
www.rollingstone.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:24 PM
jonbern.bsky.social
Blown away by the new Mavis Staples album, out this Friday:
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
Mavis Staples Creates A Soul Canon All Her Own
Mavis Staples covers Frank Ocean, Leonard Cohen and more on her excellent new album
www.rollingstone.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:19 PM
jonbern.bsky.social
RIP to the guy who inspired "Rex's Blues"
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Rex 'Wrecks' Bell, founder of iconic Galveston live music venue, dies at 81
Established in 1996, the Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe was known for its live blues, jazz and acoustic bands.
www.houstonchronicle.com
November 2, 2025 at 6:36 PM
jonbern.bsky.social
"I know we sold the mysterious seriousness well, but the truth is — we were a silly bunch."

Questlove on D'Angelo
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
The Burial of Black Genius (a.k.a. D'Angelo Lives!)
Questlove honors his friend and collaborator D'Angelo: "He was one of the last pure artists in Black music.”
www.rollingstone.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:21 PM
jonbern.bsky.social
I'll never not marvel that this footage exists:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzde...
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings- Barroom Girls
YouTube video by kimbafly
www.youtube.com
October 29, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
marchogan.bsky.social
Wrote about Setlst.fm for the @nytimes.com. Thanks @themountaingoats.bsky.social @plasmatron.bsky.social @superchunk.bsky.social and many more. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/27/a...
The Website Reshaping Live Music, One Set List at a Time
www.nytimes.com
October 27, 2025 at 10:11 AM
jonbern.bsky.social
If you're a fan of Jessica Lea Mayfield, please consider helping her family out during a very tough time:
www.gofundme.com/f/valerie-ma...
Donate to Valerie Mayfield and family need your support, organized by Jessica Mayfield
Hello, this is Jessica Lea Mayfield and I am making this fundraiser on … Jessica Mayfield needs your support for Valerie Mayfield and family need your support
www.gofundme.com
October 24, 2025 at 8:31 PM
jonbern.bsky.social
Brandi Carlile's new album is quite good, def. her best work since 'By the Way, I Forgive You,' but it would have been exceptional if she'd fully committed to its premise:
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
Brandi Carilie Finds Her Way 'Back Home' on Her Moving New Album
On her new album the esteemed singer-songwriter turns inward
www.rollingstone.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:40 PM
jonbern.bsky.social
Happy 'Debbie Downers' release day to all who celebrate
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
This Cult Songwriter Wants to Sell You a House
Jonny Fritz earned a reputution as one of country's most eccentric songwriters; then he quit to sell houses.
www.rollingstone.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
marissarmoss.bsky.social
chatted with Brandi Carlile about her really beautiful new record
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
'I Hate Being Alone': Brandi Carlile Tries to Find Herself
Brandi Carlile says she hates being alone and talks new album 'Returning to Myself.'
www.rollingstone.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
awhale.bsky.social
what’s your favorite music venue in the city?

sliwa: oh the chainsmokers, edm music!
October 23, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
natalieweiner.bsky.social
we've lost a fair number of subscribers since moving to ghost (but are obviously still happy we did!) - as a reminder most of our content is free, and even being a free subscriber means a lot to us if you'd consider it www.dontrocktheinbox.com
Don't Rock The Inbox
A country music newsletter.
www.dontrocktheinbox.com
October 21, 2025 at 8:04 PM
jonbern.bsky.social
Working with and alongside Tim has been one of the great honors for me and everyone else at RS. One of the best journalists I know.
timdickinson.bsky.social Tim Dickinson @timdickinson.bsky.social · 25d
1. Friends, I have a major career update. And it is bittersweet.

My time at Rolling Stone is coming to a close this week.
October 16, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Reposted by Jonathan Bernstein
rollingstone.com
“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life … We are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home."

More on D'Angelo's life and legacy: www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
October 14, 2025 at 4:32 PM
jonbern.bsky.social
Heartbreaking
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
D'Angelo, Soul's Modern Visionary, Dead at 51
D'Angelo, the soul and R&B great whose three albums — 'Brown Sugar,' 'Voodoo,' and 'Black Messiah' — are all revered as modern classics, has died.
www.rollingstone.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:26 PM
jonbern.bsky.social
I spoke with singer-songwriter Carsie Blanton about her experience being detained in an Israeli prison:

"We need to find something bigger to commit our lives to as musicians."

www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
An American Singer and Activist on What She Experienced as a Prisoner in Israel
Singer-songwriter and activist Carsie Blanton participated in a flotilla headed to Gaza. She tells us what she experienced in prison in Israel
www.rollingstone.com
October 10, 2025 at 5:23 PM
jonbern.bsky.social
The first review for my book includes some beautiful writing about Justin:

"Few needed a support system more than Earle, and few were quicker to burn bridges."
www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews...
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE LONESOME | Kirkus Reviews
A biography of a troubadour’s triumph over major challenges and against considerable odds before succumbing to the time bomb within.
www.kirkusreviews.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:08 PM