Waking up to the news this morning that John Prine, the Grammy award-winning US folk and country singer who could count among his fans Bob Dylan and Kris Kristofferson has died aged 73 due to complications from Covid-19. Prine was hospitalised last month following the onset of Covid-19 symptoms, being placed in intensive care for 13 days. Prine’s wife and manager Fiona announced on March 17th that she had tested positive for the virus after they had returned from a European tour.
The US Recording Academy said in a statement: “We join the world in mourning the passing of revered country and folk singer/songwriter John Prine. Widely lauded as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, John’s impact will continue to inspire musicians for years to come. We send our deepest condolences to his loved ones.” Reaction from others in the world of Americana has been swift, including Bruce Springsteen who described him as “a true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages”
An inspiration and a mentor to all of our community, @JohnPrineMusic will be terribly missed. ❤️ https://t.co/k83eMgu6nc
— Americana Music Association (@AmericanaFest) April 8, 2020
RIP John Prine, the Americana community across the world will be in mourning – gone but never forgotten, thankful for everything you have given us https://t.co/S1gvdHtwGV
— Americana Music UK (@TheAMAUK) 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
We love you John.
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) April 8, 2020
Early 80's I was playing covers at The Lions Tavern
in Pt Dalhousie & these two guys kept requesting
John Prine but I didn't know of him yet.
Anyway, they went out & bought me this LP & I went
home learned "Hello In There" "Sam Stone" "Please Don't Bury Me" for my next gig RS pic.twitter.com/m8HECWYt6N— Ron Sexsmith 💙 (@RonSexsmith) April 8, 2020
Just give me one thing I can hold on to. I'm just heartbroken. #johnprine
— . (@rosannecash) April 8, 2020
It hurts so bad to read the news. I am gutted. My hero is gone. My friend is gone. We’ll love you forever John Prine.
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) April 8, 2020
We will be publishing our obituary for John Prine shortly. In the meantime, here’s John doing an amazing NPR Tiny Desk Concert from 2 years ago.
