John Prine, one of the United States’ most admired singer-songwriters, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee. The cause was complications connected with coronavirus COVID-19.
Prine was born on October 10, 1946, in Maywood, Illinois. He was known for his unique combination of country and folk music.
His near five decade career drew effusive praise from Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, Roger Waters, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Sturgill Simpson, and Emmylou Harris.
Prine’s ability to speak to the everyday experience of ordinary people with a simple honesty became his trademark. He was a multiple GRAMMY Award-winner, a 2019 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member and a PEN New England Lyrics Award recipient, whose classic debut album, simply titled John Prine, was recognized as part of the Recording Academy’s GRAMMY Hall of Fame.
His songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Carly Simon, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band and many others.
Prine created his own independent label, Oh Boy Records, in 1981. It is currently the oldest independent record company in Nashville.
Harvey Mason Jr., Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy released a statement about Prine: “We join the world in mourning the passing of revered country and folk singer/songwriter John Prine. John earned 11 GRAMMY nominations and received two GRAMMY Awards for Best Contemporary Folk Album, one for The Missing Years at the 34th GRAMMYs and another for Fair & Square at the 48th GRAMMYs.
His self-titled debut album was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame in 2015, and just recently he was announced as a 2020 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for his contributions to music during his nearly five-decade career. Widely lauded as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, John’s impact will continue to inspire musicians for years to come. We send our deepest condolences to his loved ones.”
Author: World Music Central News Room
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