John Prine, one of the most loved singer-songwriters of his generation, died in Nashville on Tuesday, April 7 due to complications of Covid-19. His wife also tested positive for coronavirus and recovered however Prine who was placed on ventilator couldn’t make it.
Singer Bruce Springsteen paid tribute to the legend and wrote on Twitter “Over here on E Street, we are crushed by the loss of John Prine. John and I were “New Dylans” together in the early 70s and he was never anything but the lovliest guy in the world. A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages. We send our love and prayers to his family.”
“He is singing with the angels,” singer Sheryl Crow wrote on Twitter. “You will be missed but your songs will live on.”
Prine was born on October 10, 1946 to William Mason Prine, a tool-and-die maker, and Verna Valentine (Hamm), a homemaker, both from Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. John worked as a mailman for five years in his youth and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He started writing and singing songs as a hobby. He used to write songs depicting life of common man and truth about society. His song “Sam Stone” about a drug addicted Vietnam vet was covered by Johnny Cash.
Prine won Grammy award twice for Best Contemporary Folk Album category and was nominated for Grammy multiple times. His soul touching songs and brilliant reflections on the weird serendipity of everyday life will be missed by his fans. Here are ten songs from his many best which will remain evergreen:
“Angel From Montgomery” (1971)
“Illegal Smile” (1971)
“Spanish Pipedream” (1971)
“Paradise” (1971)
“Sam Stone” (1971)
“Hello in There” (1971)
“Souvenirs” (1972)
“Christmas in Prison” (1973)
“Mexican Home” (1973)
“Blue Umbrella” (1973)
