Fellow Singer/Songwriters and Friends Remember and Mourn Th

[Scully]

Fellow Singer/Songwriters and Friends Remember and Mourn The Loss of Lyrical Legend John Prine

Grammy Award winning, Songwriters Hall of Fame Member John Prine passed away at age 73 due to Covid-19. Some of his most legendary hits include, “Hello in There,” “Sam Stone,” “Angel From Montgomery” and “Paradise.” Prine used these masterpieces to highlight moments that the average mind grazed over with empathetic words and light-hearted lines. Writing for big industry names such as Johnny Cash, George Strait, Don Williams, the Everly Brothers, Carl Perkins and Bette Midler, all while being a singer, author, actor and record label owner, leaves Prine with one of the most renowned legacies in music history. Prine was not only a poetic prodigy, but a friend to many in the music and entertainment industry.

Fellow artists mourn the loss of their friend and share fond memories that have left them forever inspired by the timeless, John Prine.

“I have enjoyed John’s music for many years. He was a truly gifted man and he will be missed. My prayers go out to his family.” - Charley Pride

“All of The Oak Ridge Boys are saddened by the loss of John Prine. The man was a genius songwriter! I have been listening to his music and praying for him since he got sick and to be honest I didn’t really know John personally but my heart is heavy nonetheless.” - Joe Bonsall / Oak Ridge Boys

“Nashville has lost another legendary artist. John Prine will always be remembered for his great music. I will always remember John’s wonderful smile and how nice and caring he was. Sending lots of love to his family.” - Crystal Gayle

“So sad to see another great music legend leave us. My family sends prayers to John Prine's family.” - Lee Greenwood

“John was a sweet genius who always had time for conversation with me and as a songwriter, he was untouchable.” � T. Graham Brown

“After having the honor of seeing John Prine on a few occasions, it was no secret how much he is loved and admired. I last saw him at the Marty Stuart Late Night Jam, and was fortunate to have a front row seat. I captured many great photos, and will cherish the photos as a wonderful memory of witnessing one of the greatest songwriters to walk God’s Earth.” - Rhonda Vincent

“I really feel like we've lost one of our generation's great champions for living outside the senses.” - Lacy J. Dalton

“John Prine was a treasure! He inspired every singer/songwriter who has ever lived. He has survived several health challenges and I was praying that he would survive this. There was only one John Prine. Everyone looked up to him and he will be missed by not only Nashville, but around the world. We love you, John.” – Deborah Allen

“I used to sing his song “Paradise” about Muhlenburg county during my shows in clubs. It was written about how the coal mines stripped away the vegetation and trees. He also wrote “Angel From Montgomery,” which was a hit by Bonnie Raitt. This is the kind of music that I have always loved. It was a touch of blues and a touch of pop. I have always loved his music and style. He was a leader in the “awareness” songs and was a huge influence in my life and my approach to music. You will be missed, John.” - Janie Fricke

“I first met John Prine in the 70's backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. He was perhaps one of the nicest guys I've ever had the honor to meet. No star attitude whatsoever. He was just an average guy who loved words. And he became one of the greatest wordsmiths of our time. His lyrics are pure poetry. He never worried about making his songs commercial. He wrote from the heart and the gut. Ironically I was in the studio last month and recorded one of his songs that I've loved for years called "Blue Umbrella." John would say in three minutes what an author would say in 256 pages. What a talent!” - Tim Atwood

“So sad to hear the passing of the legendary John Prine. One of the most influential songwriters of our time gone way too soon! His music will live on forever.” - J.D. Shelburne

“John Prine was one of the most beloved and well-versed songwriters in the business, and his passing is a huge loss to songwriters and fans alike. The mark he made on the americana/folk/country music industry was remarkable - one that no one else could ever dream of accomplishing. His songwriting will be deeply missed, but even more than that is his infectious smile and sweet spirit. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of John's family and friends, as well as all the fans he has made over the years. There will truly never be another John Prine.” - Paige King Johnson

"John Prine broke the mold and was definitely a mid-western and every-man poet. He was a wonderful writer/performer. The immediate things that come to my mind were his brilliance, sensitivity, and humor; as someone recently said - he was the Mark Twain of modern songwriting - definitely one of a kind!"
Marlon Hargis added, "I sat with him for a couple of hrs at a bar in Austin, Tx in 1986, just after we (Exile) and John had performed at Farm Aid II, earlier that afternoon. I remember how friendly, accessible, funny, and down-to-earth he was; a very nice guy. I was slightly on awe of hangin' out with such a cool,brilliant songwriter."
�Exile (Sonny LeMaire, JP Pennington, Marlon Hargis,, Les Taylor and Steve Goetzman)

"My first ever live concert at the esteemed ‘mother church’ The Ryman Auditorium was John Prine...and I sat there like a school kid waiting for the spring break bell, I was so excited...he did all his greatest hits, but at that time (around 1995)...he was especially pushing his newest body of work, Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings.
I believe I had a spiritual awakening when I heard him and his full band do Lake Marie for the first time, in THAT venue. I mean, my soul shook. Funny thing is, I still feel that way EVERY time I hear it now, long after....just like I do when I hear Ain’t Hurtin Nobody. All the Way with You. We Are the Lonely. I Love you So Much It Hurts and This Love is Real. There’s not a weak song on the whole d**n record, but then....that was John. He was one of those lyrical untouchables, but every word, every single word, reached out and touched you. He was the epitome of real. All those great songs, all those great records, such a lovely man...such a gentle soul. Good God!!!
We cried in our kitchen tonight when we found out he’d passed away. Matt and I both realized we’d only met him once each, but both experiences equally important enough to remember for life. John remembered your name. He made such tender-hearted eye contact, he shook your hand and made you feel like you were a long lost family. He wasn’t a show-boater or a grand-stander and he didn’t seem like he had much use for those that were.
He wrote simple songs with fairly simple chords about real life things, but NOBODY could do it like he could. You could tell he had a mind that was deep as the deepest well and that’s why writing simple songs is so complex. It’s flat out hard to say the same ol’ thing and make it sound new, fresh, genuine, and poetic. John Prine was one of my all time favorite poets. The world will be one less honorable and talented man going forward. One less legend. Selfishly, I’d just wished I’d have gotten to sit and share lunch with him at his favorite meat and three where we met once, and visit a spell....or sing a duet with him....and watch him do his thing from a few feet away, I’ll always be a little extra sad about that. I wish love and support to his wife Fiona and his family during this confusing time in our universe. Bless you all.
One of the all time favorite quotes from the movie Daddy and Them was a line John so perfectly and timely delivered. “Don’t never let it be too late...”
John Prine, you were right on time, and you touched the hearts of every set of ears that got to hear you. Until we meet again, I look forward to that lunch."
�Heidi Newfield


"So sorry to hear about the passing of John Prine. Singer, performer and songwriter extraordinaire. Rest in Peace, sir. You will be remembered and missed."
-Charlie Daniels (member, Country Music Hall of Fame)


"I was so sorry to hear of John Prine's passing. He certainly will be missed in our community. John was a brilliant singer-songwriter that could always make you feel like you were right there in the place he was singing about. In an industry of big bands, John didn’t need that. He was the band! John and his guitar could entertain thousands at a time. A rare quality in any generation. John, Rest in Peace! We know what an indelible mark you made on the music we all love."
-Ricky Skaggs (member, Country Music Hall of Fame)

"John Prine was a master poet. He was a hand-skilled carpenter of songs. We've lost yet another great American treasure. Rest easy, John."
-John Anderson (member, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame)


"It was 1973 in Chicago, during a taping of Soundstage, that my favorite songwriter, Kris Kristofferson, introduced me to his favorite songwriter, John Prine. He very soon-later that night in fact became one of my favorite songwriters too, as John, Kris and I sat in the floor of Kris' room at The Palmer House and traded songs until daylight. I think Stevie Goodman was there too. John was a true craftsman and a humble, wonderful man. Rest in Peace, 'Johnny.'"
-Larry Gatlin (member, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame)

"John Prine was a giant when it came to songwriters. He never wasted a word in his songs, and he kept the music simple and accessible to us all. If Hank Williams, Bobby Dylan and Johnny Cash morphed into one being, it was John Prine. RIP." -Billy Dean


"John Prine was a national treasure. I used to go hear him play at the Bluebird Cafe back in the day. What an amazing songwriter and storyteller he was. Honestly, John was a genuine and affable guy with such a humble nature. If you met him it really wasn’t surprising that he had such a well of stories inside of him. So deeply talented and a true musical pioneer. This is yet another heart-wrenching loss for our music community. Restless Heart sends our condolences and prayers of peace to his beloved wife and family, friends and fans as the entire world mourns this loss."
-Dave Innis, Restless Heart

"God bless John Prine. We have lost another true legend and national treasure. RIP." -Sammy Kershaw

"Last night, yet again, we lost another music legend. John Prine has passed. One of the greatest songwriters ever. His work, songs like 'Paradise,' 'Sam Stone,' 'Please Don't Bury Me,' and so many others will remain a part of American music folklore, never to be forgotten. I only met him once, in Sun Valley, Idaho, and he was very kind to me. May God be with his family and loved ones. Godspeed, John Prine."
-Collin Raye

"John Prine's passing leaves a huge void in the songwriting department of our business. He truly was one of the kindest and most talented people that ever put pen to paper. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fans at this difficult time when another one of our great musical talents has gone silent. He will be deeply missed."
-T.G. Sheppard

"FISH and WHISTLE."
-Todd Snider

"Like all good literature, art and music, he’s leaving us with a lot to think about and he had the kindness to serve it up with humor and irony, the very essence of kindness. There's no end to our gratitude for John Prine. It hurts." -Pam Tillis


"John Prine was a genius. He wrote some of the most poignant songs ever. 'Paradise' was one of the first songs I ever learned to play on the guitar. We will miss you old friend and your magical craft."
-Darryl Worley

"John Prine was one of the greatest artists of my life. Knowing him was a blessing." - Kris Kristofferson, Country Music Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame member

"Well, John Prine was probably my favorite singer because of his phrasing and delivery - no matter what he did I loved it. I've never heard anything by John Prine that I did not like. I recorded 'The Oldest Baby in the World' and John and I did it together on my TV show. I am in mourning today, John was the epitome of a great songwriter up there with Kris Kristofferson and Shel Silverstein. They know, more than anyone, how to correctly phrase their songs, I always gave the songwriters my ear when it comes to phrasing when recording their songs on my projects. I'm in mourning today for my friend, John Prine." - Bobby Bare, Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member

"Rest in peace, John Prine. Your legend will live on. Love you, my friend." - Jerry Lee Lewis, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member

"This is a terrible thing. John Prine and his music will be remembered for generations to come. I have great memories of his music. Condolences to Fiona and the family." - Doug Stone

"John wrote the kind of songs that make you think ‘why am I in this business?’ what a master!
I played with him in the '80s on some TV shows. Our hearts go out to Fiona and the family." - Max T. Barnes