Springsteen, Raitt Pay Tribute to John Prine, ‘A National Treasure’
by Best Classic Bands Staff
John Prine (Photo: Danny Clinch; used with permission)
John Prine is being mourned by fellow musicians and by some of the world-class venues whose stages he graced during his remarkable career. The singer-songwriter died Tuesday (April 7) from complications due to the Covid-19 virus. He was 73.
Bruce Springsteen called Prine “a national treasure.” “One of the great ones,” wrote Stephen King. “So many memorable songs.”
“My heart hurts,” wrote Sheryl Crow.
The outpouring of love is a comfort to me and my boys. Thank you for loving @JohnPrineMusic so well. We can feel that love today. Keep listening and sharing his songs as we all find a way to be in the world without him. 🙏🏼❤️
— Fiona Whelan Prine (@FionaPrine) April 8, 2020
Over here on E Street, we are crushed by the loss of John Prine. John and I were “New Dylans” together in the early 70s and he was never anything but the lovliest guy in the world. A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages. We send our love and prayers to his family.
— Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen) April 8, 2020
Words can’t even come close.
I’m crushed by the loss of my dear friend, John. My heart and love go out to Fiona and all the family. For all of us whose hearts are breaking, we will keep singing his songs and holding him near. @JohnPrineMusic— Bonnie Raitt (@TheBonnieRaitt) April 8, 2020
From James Taylor:
“I spent the past two years touring with Bonnie Raitt. She changed her set pretty much every night but, often as not, her half of our concert included John Prine’s beautiful song, ‘Angel From Montgomery’. I know tonight that Bonnie is mourning the loss of one of our generation’s greatest singer/songwriters. John was taken from us by Covid19. For me, losing him makes this pandemic personal because John Prine was a hero of mine. ‘Christmas in Prison’, ‘Dear Abby’, ‘Paradise’, ‘Hello in There’…
“Prine was one of those artists that really didn’t translate into the Pop Culture, attempts to explain or promote him were clearly painful to him: he wasn’t evasive or mysterious, he was just embarrassed. The genuine article. There goes a good one…”
The world lost a great songwriter yesterday. RIP #JohnPrine.
— Carole King (@Carole_King) April 8, 2020
My heart hurts learning that John Prine has passed away. He is singing with the angels. You will be missed but your songs will live on. ❤️
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) April 8, 2020
Coronavirus has taken one of the great ones: John Prine, dead at 73. So many memorable songs.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) April 8, 2020
From gracing the Opry House stage for those memorable New Year’s Eve shows to other special Opry appearances including one alongside the StreelDrivers and Bill Murray, John Prine has touched our hearts with his music. We are thinking of his family and friends tonight. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FV3nIfT1kc
— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) April 8, 2020
Rest In Peace, John Prine. You’re in paradise now. https://t.co/OPikxwUJKt
— John Fogerty (@John_Fogerty) April 8, 2020
John Prine . He done gone over to the Other side with Bill Withers, two of the Great Ones. How fortunate we all are to have witnessed the Humanity of these great men. We’re gonna miss these two. 🙁 -KMo@JohnPrineMusic pic.twitter.com/K0WUtT5vY3
— Keb’ Mo’ (@kebmomusic) April 8, 2020
Our hearts are broken upon hearing the news of #JohnPrine‘s passing. Mr. Prine brought joy & music to countless fans in our pews over the years. We will miss him terribly.
Our staff adored Mr. Prine and send our deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Q4b5Ff1UhY
— Ryman Auditorium (@theryman) April 8, 2020
Yesterday the wonderful songwriter John Prine passed away. May he achieve eternal peace in God’s light.
Prayers and love to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/UO4mIqTXOw
— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) April 8, 2020
From longtime Los Angeles Times music writer Robert Hilburn
It’s a heartbreaking night for all of us who’ve loved John Prine’s music for all these years. RIP. He was 73. On the very top shelf of American songwriters. #JohnPrine
— Robert Hilburn (@roberthilburn) April 8, 2020
#JohnPrine Farewell sweet man. There’s a hole in our hearts that we will never fill.
— Nils Lofgren (@nilslofgren) April 8, 2020
From Melissa Etheridge: “Such a special man and songwriter. Thinking of his family. He will be so missed by the whole songwriting community.”
Rest In Peace John Prine @JohnPrineMusic He was a major influence in my life and a fellow student at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. His storytelling ability was amazing!
— Roger McGuinn (@RogerMcGuinn) April 8, 2020
my heart is broken 💔 rest easy @JohnPrineMusic , our big old goofy world will always love and miss you. pic.twitter.com/82XjRijjEJ
— MaryChapin Carpenter (@M_CCarpenter) April 8, 2020
From Arlo Guthrie: “I’ve been sitting here for about an hour trying to write something about my friend, John Prine. Words don’t come easily especially when you’re talking about someone who was so good with words. Regular everyday words about everyday things came from him in a way that just doesn’t happen very often.
“My buddy Pete Seeger used to say ‘Anyone can make a song complicated. It takes a real genius to keep it simple.’ John Prine was that kind of genius.
I was on the PEN Lyric Award committee in 2016, & we gave it to John Prine. I sang ‘Hello In There. John gave me a hug after. I loved and revered him and today the world is emptier. Thank God for his songs to fill the space. This virus is cruel and indiscriminate. #johnprine pic.twitter.com/lNB6qu4ish
— rosanne cash (@rosannecash) April 8, 2020
“With a twinkle in his eyes, and a few kind words and observations, John was one of the good guys.”
Via con Dios, my friend, @JohnPrineMusic. The light you’ve shown will outlive us all… pic.twitter.com/bfVTRa9Caw
— Bob Weir (@BobWeir) April 8, 2020
Just heard that John Prine died of COVID-19. So sad. He was a great songwriter. Smart, funny, and talented, and by all accounts a wonderful guy. He will be sorely missed. His songs will live on forever. – Huey#johnprine pic.twitter.com/7sHM71RlUz
— Huey Lewis (@HueyLewisNews) April 8, 2020
From Jimmy Webb: “It’s all just too much. John Prine was one of our best songwriter storytellers.”
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