Tag: John Prine

John Prine: one of America’s greatest songwriters

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.

October 10, 1946 – April 7, 2020

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

The Tree of Forgiveness

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

“No idea how songwriting works”

“I used to think I knew what I was doing 40 years ago, but now I have no idea how songwriting works.” – John Prine

So, take heart, aspiring songwriters!  John Prine – one of America’s most respected singer/songwriters has confessed his lack of understanding.  Now you have permission to ‘fess up. You can honestly (sort of) say that you know as much about songwriting as John Prine does.

John Prine. Photo credit: Danny Lynch

That quote was taken from an interview in the May 2018 edition of  American Songwriter.  And so was this one:

“I was waiting and waiting until the song knocked on my door, but I had to put some sort of effort into it, finally.  You’ve got to get in there at some point and pull the tooth out.” – John Prine

Songwriting, like any other endeavor, takes a combination of dedication, focus and perseverance.  Sitting around waiting for inspiration to strike you isn’t going to cut it.

Keep your hook book handy

Sure, sometimes an idea does suddenly pop up, seemingly from out of nowhere.  That’s why you have a hook book, to keep all the words and phrases that come to you when you least expect them.  Maybe it’s something you saw on the TV news or a snatch of overheard conversation at Starbucks.

But it’s in the writers’ room when you and your co-writers take those vague ideas, words and phrases and work at turning them into songs. It’s one percent inspiration and ninety-one percent perspiration. Get in there and pull the tooth out.

John Prine’s ‘Tree of Forgiveness’

As for the amazing Mr. Prine, earlier this year he released his first album of new songs in thirteen years. Titled ‘Tree of Forgiveness,’ it was produced by Dave Cobb and released on Prine’s own label, Oh Boy Records.

Read more about John Prine, his music and his upcoming tour dates (most of which sell out fast) at his website.

 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