Brought unique humor to social commentary
By Preshias Harris
The unique genius of John Prine is being recognized by fans and fellow musicians across the world, following his death on April 7 from complications related to Covid-19.
Although his songs often tackled thorny social issues, they were usually driven by wry, witty lyrics that became a hallmark of his inimitable songwriting. Prine never anticipated a career as a recording artist. After a spell in the U.S. Army, he worked full-time as a mailman in Chicago, singing self-penned songs in folk clubs in the evening. Following a glowing review by journalist Roger Ebert, Prine’s music began to draw wider attention, leading to deal with Atlantic Records in 1971. His first major label album resulted in a nomination for Best New Artist at the 1972 Grammys. Read the obituary and comprehensive review of Prine’s life and music career by NPR’s Annie Zaleski here.
A national treasure
Among the many tributes was a tweet from Bruce Springsteen who described Prine as a “national treasure and a songwriter for the ages”. Springsteen tweeted: “Over here on E Street, we are crushed by the loss of John Prine. John and I were the ’New Dylans’ together in the early 70s and he was never anything but the loveliest guy in the world.”
In 2018, Prine released his first new album in 13 years, The Tree of Forgiveness, produced by Dave Cobb for Prine’s own Oh Boy Records. It became his highest-charting album on the Billboard 200.
“When I Get To Heaven”
When I get to heaven, I’m gonna shake God’s hand
Thank him for more blessings than one man can stand
Then I’m gonna get a guitar and start a rock-n-roll band
Check into a swell hotel; ain’t the afterlife grand?
[Chorus]
And then I’m gonna get a cocktail: vodka and ginger ale
Yeah, I’m gonna smoke a cigarette that’s nine miles long
I’m gonna kiss that pretty girl on the tilt-a-whirl
‘Cause this old man is goin’ to town
From the lyrics of “When I Get To Heaven” a track on The Tree of Forgiveness. Listen to and/or buy the album and other John Prine albums here.
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com