Although I didn’t know John Prine personally, when I found out he died Tuesday night from the killer Covid virus…  I felt like I lost a good friend.


Maybe it’s the way his songs and lyrical humor provide a soundtrack to my life… through good times and bad, and most everything in between. 


Maybe because it’s the connections I have with old friends that really dig him too.


Maybe because John Prine has been an important inspiration and influence on my own songwriting style.


There are so many reasons why the death of this master storyteller and must-have face on any “Americana Music Mount Rushmore” alongside Johnny Cash, Dylan, Jorma and Neil Young.



Before I knew John Prine was sick with the Kung Fu virus, I had been bingeing on his song “It’s a Big Ole’ Goofy World” as part of my morning routine. The week before he died, I recorded and shared the song with my work network on YouTube (see below or click here) as a way to connect and share a laugh. The responses to the email blast were amazing:

1) Many people who never heard or Prine, and now had a meaningful introduction to him. 


2) Some used the note as a trigger to reconnect with John Prine and wanted me to thank me. It’s interesting that everyone I spoke to had a different favorite Prine song, but all said, “This made my day.” How amazing that John Prine’s music can provide so much joy in such an awful situation. His ability to tell stories through songs that make us feel a little something more is not commonplace. I usually gravitate to the songs that make me smile, but sometimes look for those songs that provide good company in the gutter without judgement.


3) Some guys didn’t mention Prine at all and just loved getting an olive branch to talk music and kids. Both topics are dear to my heart.


There has been a bunch great stories and pictures about Prine.


Here are my favorite:

Last but not least, the Thunderbird Ranch Ramble…

1) Illegal Smile


2) Fish and Whistle


3) That’s the Way The World Goes Round


4) It’s a Big Old Goofy World


5) Jesus, the Missing Years


6) Angel from Montgomery


7) Lake Marie


8) Summer’s End


9)Daddy’s Little Pumpkin’


10)Sound of the Speed of Loneliness


Here is my own tribute… filmed today

Here are the links to great stories by the professionals…


Rolling Stone Top 25 Songs


Paste Magazine


Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires tribute to John Prine


Be well.


Be safe.


Stay groovy!


Peace
Beck