Earle’s No Singing Hero

I was appalled by Robert Hilburn’s gushing over musician Steve Earle (“Beyond Artistry,” Aug. 5). Hilburn describes Earle as the person (whose music I have no problem with) as his “hero.” What heroic feats has Earle accomplished to receive this accolade?

We find out that he has successfully emerged from years of acute drug abuse and overdose, after of course he blew through various marriages, and now he spends his free time consoling the most evil people in society: those on death row for their murderous crimes. Nary a chord does Earle strike for the helpless victims or grieving families, but he willingly pens “moving” songs for the killers.

ROBERT A. LEVINSON

Los Angeles