It hasn’t been an easy road for the South Nashville, Tenn. native.

Growing up in a musical family and getting involved in drugs by age 12 is not the best start to any young adult’s life. Justin Townes Earle is best known for his singer-songwriter, Americana style when it comes to music, but has faced a few bumps in the road on the way.

No stranger to the musical festival circuit, Earle has shined at popular events including Bonnaroo, SXSW, East Coast Blues & Roots Music Festival, Newport Folk Festival and even the Grand Ole Opry.

According to his website,

On a rainy Nashville Thursday last October, Justin Townes Earle leapt onstage at the famed Ryman Auditorium to accept the 2011 Americana Music Award for Song of the Year. The triumphant evening capped a turbulent twelve months for the gifted young musician categorized by significant hardship as well as notable achievement including debut performances at New York’s Carnegie Hall and on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Earle’s most recent Letterman appearance was just last month on March 28.

When asked about recording his new album for his website, “Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now,” Earle had an interesting reply.

“I think it’s the job of the artist to be in transition and constantly learning more,” he says. “The new record is completely different than my last one, Harlem River Blues. This time I’ve gone in a Memphis-soul direction.”

Kicking off at 7 p.m., Justin Townes Earle will be at the Town Ballroom this Sunday. Tickets are $19 in advance and $22 the day of show and can be purchased online through Tickets.com.

The rest of the best:

Friday—Searching for Dinosaurs with The Travel Agency and Satellite Nation, 6 p.m., Club Infinity ($10 advance, $12 day of show)

Friday—Chris Trapper with Nick Young, 7 p.m., The Ninth Ward at Babeville ($18 tickets)

Sunday—Justin Townes Earle with Tristen, 7 p.m., Town Ballroom ($19 advance, $22 day of show)

Sunday—Star Slinger with The Hood Internet, 9 p.m., Soundlab ($13 tickets)

Tuesday—Blink-182 with All American Rejects and Breathe Carolina, 7:30 p.m., Blue Cross Arena ($29.50, $49.50, $59.50)

Photo courtesy of Facebook.