The global music community has united to mourn the loss of legendary singer-songwriter, John Prine. He passed away due to coronavirus complications on Wednesday, at the age of 73.
Gifted with the ability to take the most mundane aspects of daily life and mould them into an emotive assessment of the human condition, Prine had an unyielding influence on modern Americana, country, and folk music, garnering admiration from several of his songwriting peers, including Bob Dylan and Kris Kristofferson.
The world is feeling the loss of legendary singer-songwriter, John Prine. The prolific and incisive storyteller succumbed to COVID-19 on Wednesday. He was 73.
Prine’s incisive commentary and natural storytelling ability eventually had him earmarked as the prime successor to Bob Dylan, a comparison that was justified after the release of his debut self-titled album in 1971. The record featured a slew of his most memorable songs, including perhaps his most famous, Sam Stone.
Prine’s debut was eventually enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015. Additionally, he was immortalised through the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Grammy’s ceremony.
Prine had been battling COVID-19 since late March, when a sudden onset of symptoms hospitalised him. His passing has impacted musicians and public figures alike, with many taking to social media to express their commemorations.
Justin Vernon of Bon Iver described Prine as his “number 1” influence, both as a musician and as a person. Meanwhile, fellow Americana flag-bearer Bruce Springsteen wrote, “Over here on E street, we are crushed by the loss of John Prine … A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages.”
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
Tom had enormous respect for John Prine. A songwriter’s songwriter. Sending love and good thoughts to his wife Fiona and his entire family today. Here they are strumming and smiling. https://t.co/npxVrZZzWT
— Tom Petty (@tompetty) April 8, 2020
After having quite possibly the strangest emotional experience of my life voting this morning
I pulled into a parking lot to simply breath and cry
I saw a man get out of his car nearby
And I thought , god he looks like John Prine.
His hobbled walk, his scarred throat.
1/2— blobtower (@blobtower) April 8, 2020
The man looked at me and smiled.
I thought to myself
I’m so glad John got better.
–A simple majority of who I am as a person, let alone a musician, is because of John prine.
He is my number 1.I’m very very sad about all this.
I feel more Truly blessed than anything for Him
— blobtower (@blobtower) April 8, 2020
Tom had enormous respect for John Prine. A songwriter’s songwriter. Sending love and good thoughts to his wife Fiona and his entire family today. Here they are strumming and smiling. https://t.co/npxVrZZzWT
— Tom Petty (@tompetty) April 8, 2020
The man looked at me and smiled.
I thought to myself
I’m so glad John got better.
–With a heavy heart, but deep love and gratitude for his gift he gave us all- Goodbye, John Prine. https://t.co/kGkNJYl3hI
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) April 8, 2020
Your music meant so much to me…your friendship even more. RIP @JohnPrineMusic pic.twitter.com/jmbaXdENOK
— Chris Isaak (@ChrisIsaak) April 8, 2020
