The world of music mourned when we lost John Prine to COVID-19. Even amidst working on my textbook, I felt compelled to pause and remember this incredible singer-songwriter. Prine’s music has been a constant companion for many, marked by his unique blend of humor, poignant storytelling, and a knack for finding light even in the darker corners of life. His lyrics, often deceptively simple, resonated deeply with generations of listeners. And as his own father advised in “When I Get to Heaven,” “Buddy, when you’re dead, you’re a dead pecker-head,” Prine’s humor was always grounded in a very real and relatable perspective.
I was fortunate enough to see John Prine perform live during my college years, likely back in 1982. He shared the stage with his dear friend Steve Goodman, another songwriting genius gone too soon. Together, they delivered a performance that was both hilariously funny and deeply moving. Their songs, even decades later, retain the power to evoke both laughter and tears. Thinking of those times, and of songs like Steve Goodman’s “The Dutchman” and Prine’s own “Hello in There” about aging, brings a bittersweet pang, especially now.
Instead of attempting to fully capture the impact of John Prine’s passing, I want to point you toward some excellent tributes that have already emerged. These pieces, many featuring curated playlists, offer a fantastic way to delve into or revisit his rich musical catalog. What always struck me about Prine, and what these tributes rightly highlight, is his remarkable ability to infuse humor and joy into his observations of the world, even when confronting serious topics. It’s in this spirit of finding joy, perhaps even the simple joy of “eat a lot of peaches,” as he suggested in “Spanish Pipedream,” that we can best remember him.
Tributes to John Prine:
We love this photo of @JohnPrineMusic and @MountainStage co-founders Larry Groce (Left) and Andy Ridenour (right) from 1991.
Listening this morning and remembering the honesty, beauty and humor in his songs. https://t.co/JZr6fDANjq pic.twitter.com/jlvccBti6k
— Mountain Stage (@MountainStage) April 8, 2020
Mountain Stage’s remembrance on Twitter perfectly encapsulates Prine’s essence: honesty, beauty, and humor. Their linked tweet leads to a wealth of archival content celebrating his numerous appearances on the show, a testament to his enduring appeal in live performance.
Explore these thoughtful tributes and playlists:
RIP to John Prine. Wrote this for @nprmusic about a master. https://t.co/9Fw5tEiZGA
— Annie Zaleski (@anniezaleski) April 8, 2020
Annie Zaleski’s tribute on NPR Music is a must-read, offering insightful commentary on Prine’s songwriting genius and his lasting influence on American music. Her accompanying playlist is a curated journey through his extensive discography.
There’s really no such thing as a bad John Prine song. Here are 25 of his best https://t.co/a3u6NOCgWN pic.twitter.com/Nr6wj41cH1
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) April 8, 2020
Rolling Stone’s playlist of “25 of his best” is a bold claim, yet it rings true. Navigating Prine’s discography can feel overwhelming, and this playlist serves as an excellent entry point, showcasing the breadth and depth of his songwriting talent.
Personally, while any “best of” list feels inadequate for an artist like John Prine, some songs resonate particularly strongly. These aren’t necessarily his “greatest hits,” but rather personal favorites, songs whose lyrics I find myself humming or remembering at unexpected moments:
My Personal John Prine Favorites:
- Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore: A timeless anti-war anthem, showcasing Prine’s ability to blend sharp social commentary with his signature wit.
- Dear Abby: A masterclass in humorous songwriting, imagining absurd letters to the famous advice columnist and Prine’s equally absurd responses.
- In Spite of Ourselves (with Iris DeMent): Many consider this the quintessential song about marriage, celebrating the imperfect and enduring nature of love with honesty and warmth, enhanced by the beautiful duet with Iris DeMent.
- John Prine and Steve Goodman singing “Souvenirs” together: A reminder of the magical musical partnership between Prine and Goodman, their voices blending seamlessly in this poignant track.
Finally, for a taste of Prine’s more recent work and his enduring stage presence, his NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert is a gem. In these uncertain times, perhaps we can take a cue from John Prine’s “Spanish Pipedream” and find solace in simple things – maybe even planting a garden and eating a lot of peaches. It’s a fitting tribute to an artist who always found the extraordinary in the ordinary.
