He’s called a country or folk singer/songwriter I guess, but to me he’s a poet of the first order as well as an epic musician. He survived the US military, the US postal service, neck cancer (which changed his voice, quite a bit, making it significantly better in my opinion) and lung cancer. As well as a bunch of other shit, of course.
Here’s a piece to buck you up. Whenever I get whiny (which is all the effing time) I sing this chorus and then get on with things.
His music career started in the 1970’s. His fans include Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson (vampire hunter and muscision), Roger Waters, and me (among others). Most people know some of his music (Sam Stone, for example, but I don’t really want to go there today). Here’s a different slice of reality heart breaker, though. (I spent a lot of time working in nursing homes when I was younger)
I saw someone calling COVID 19 the “boomer remover” the other day. John’s got a song for everything.
I could go on and on and ON, obvs, but I’m not really a Prine expert or anything, I haven’t even heard all his songs by a long shot. I love him, though, and he wrote one of my all time super duper favorite songs. Rait made it famous though I first heard if from Tanya Tucker (yes, I did grow up in the deep south, why do you ask?). This time, though, it’s from the man himself.
So, here’s to John. Stay with us a while longer, man.
Miss Rayon – Writer
I’m going a little crazy from this Quarantine!
Manic Street Preachers – Quarantine (In My Place Of)
This was cute:
16 Horsepower playing “American Wheeze.” This performance is so fucking good:
Love my man John Prine. He’s always in my top 5 when Spotify sends me my stats at year end. Hope he pulls thru!
I like the Happy Enchilada version!
And while I’ve segued to Nancy Griffith, might as well drop this one:
As a native Chicagoan of a certain age, I’ve seen John Prine perform a whole bunch of times. From street fests to dive bars, free shows in the park and occasionally in support of a better-known act, he was a ubiquitous presence. I remember a show at (I think) the Quiet Knight during a horrible snowstorm when there must not have been a dozen people in attendance. I was playing at the trendy bar next door for people with safety pin earrings and popped in during a break and he was just freaking brilliant.
You are most fortunate. I’ve only seen him once, many years ago at an outdoor music festival. He was having such a great time!
I’ve seen him a number of times too. And he never disappointed.
My admiration and affection for John Prine are well known around here. As you said, he’s a poet, and a storyteller.
Sabu Visits the Twin Cities Alone
I sure hope he pulls through, it will be a less colorful world without him.
Ain’t Hurtin’ Nobody
There have been a couple of references from his Fair and Square album. My favorite track from that album is this one: Clay Pigeons.
Also, I see a call out from Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings. My favorite track from that one is Day is Done.
But, John can be funny as hell, too. Most people know about Dear Abby, of course, but another great one–which also demonstrates his rapport with an audience–is also from Fair and Square: The Other Side of Town.
guess ill have to go with an oldie
rest in peace leg end.
no i dont know how i got here… maybe i shoulda gone with
ima mess today
Pulp – Disco 2000:
JOHN PRINE has FUN with LETTERMAN (1991):
John Prine – Interview with Jerry Jeff Walker (1992):
Letterman’s affection for musicians was so genuine. Colbert seems genuinely in love with music and performing and he’s got something of a fan-boy earnestness with musicians that I find charming, but Letterman’s effortless banter was never less of an act than when he was just shooting the shit with guys like Prine.