John Prine was a revered American folk and country singer-songwriter known for his keenly observant lyrics and a flair for poignant storytelling. Born on October 10, 1946, in Maywood, Illinois, Prine began his career in the Chicago folk scene in the early 1970s, where his talent for combining humor with emotional depth quickly garnered attention. His self-titled debut album in 1971, featuring classics like "Angel from Montgomery" and "Sam Stone," laid the groundwork for a career spanning over four decades and established Prine as a songwriter's songwriter, earning high praise from contemporaries such as Bob Dylan and Kris Kristofferson.

Across his storied journey, Prine released a string of critically acclaimed albums and enjoyed a dedicated fan base drawn to his warm vocal delivery and unpretentious musical style. His work is defined by its blend of wit, whimsy, and a profound empathy for the human condition. Despite health challenges, including battling cancer twice, Prine's later years were marked by continued artistic output and recognition, such as with his final studio album, "The Tree of Forgiveness" (2018), which was a Grammy-nominated work and his first album of new material in over a decade. The music world mourned Prine's passing on April 7, 2020, due to complications related to COVID-19, but his legacy endures in the rich catalog of songs that capture the complexities of life with simplicity and soul. His last recorded song, "I Remember Everything," posthumously won two Grammy awards, sealing his status as a timeless voice in American music.

Genres

Folk

New Americana

Roots Rock

Singer-songwriter

Related Artists

Kris Kristofferson

Steve Earle

Emmylou Harris

Jason Isbell

Townes Van Zandt

Sturgill Simpson

Guy Clark

Gillian Welch

John Hiatt

Lucinda Williams

Iris DeMent

Chris Stapleton

Latest Release

Just a Fan

John Prine

Single - Released June 4, 2024