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The Late Justin Townes Earle, Ellis Marsalis Honored In The 'Musician's Spotlight'

 Justin Townes Earle (left) and Elllis Marsalis, previous guests on "Musician's Spotlight," died in 2020
Courtesy of Justin Townes Earle and Ellis Marsalis
Justin Townes Earle (left) and Elllis Marsalis, previous guests on "Musician's Spotlight," died in 2020

As part of Montana Public Radio's "Honor, Hope and Healing" Week, Musician's Spotlight highlights two individuals, each part of a family musical dynasty, who didn't survive 2020.

First, Justin Townes Earle, singer-songwriter and purveyor of honest American stories, who died on August 20, 2020, age 38, of an accidental overdose of fentanyl-laced cocaine. Second, a visit with the great jazz pianist and teacher, Ellis Marsalis, who died from complications of Covid-19 at age 85 in his hometown of New Orleans on April 1, 2020. (Broadcast: Musician's Spotlight,  12/8/20. Listen on the radio Tuesdays, 7 p.m., or via podcast.)

John Floridis, the host and producer of Musician's Spotlight, has been with Montana Public Radio since 1997. He has interviewed over 200 musicians during that time. He is also an independent recording and performing artist in his own right and a former registered music therapist.
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