Musician, singer, and songwriter John Prine passed away at the age of 73 last Tuesday night, the 7th. The news was confirmed by his family.
Last month it was announced that Prine had been hospitalized after showing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, with his family saying he was in critical condition. Unfortunately, the virus caused irreparable damage to Prine's body.
Born in Illinois in October 1946, Prime released his first album in 1971 and has since released 17 more studio albums, the latest being The Tree Of Forgiveness , from 2018.
Prine was considered an idol by many, such as Bruce Springsteen and Roger Waters . In his autobiography Cash (1997), Johnny Cash wrote that he didn't usually listen to music while at home, unless he was composing something, so he listened to songs by composers who inspired him, such as John Prime, who, according to him, was part of his Big Four, alongside Rodney Crowell, Guy Clark , and Steve Goodman.
In 2015, Roger Waters cited Prine as one of the greatest songwriters in history, alongside John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Neil Young , and Bob Dylan . See below some tributes to the great and unforgettable John Prine.
Paul Stanley: “It’s awful to hear this news. I remember meeting him and thinking he must have mistaken me for someone else, because he was so nice. He was a genuinely good person and had incredible talent.”
Joe Bonamassa: “This is truly tragic. John had a soul that inspired us all and was a national treasure.”
Flea: “Now John Prine. What an incredible songwriter; all those beautiful songs that roamed this messed-up world. I love him. Coronavirus got him too. Rest in peace.”
Bruce Springsteen: “Here at E Street we are devastated by the loss of John Prine. John and I were the 'new Dylans' together in the early 1970s and he was always the most lovable guy in the world. He is a true national treasure and an unforgettable songwriter. We send our love and prayers to his family.”
John Corabi: “Rest in peace, Mr. Prine, a legendary composer and artist!!! I am very sad to receive this news!!!”
Rival Sons: "Everyone who heard you thought of you as family. Thank you, John Prine."
Nickelback: “Sad news about John Prine. An incredible songwriter and musician. This is a great loss for the music industry. Bill Withers [who passed away on March 30th at age 81] and John Prine within a week. What a shame…”
Rest in peace, John Prine.