BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN has paid tribute to John Prine following the American folk music legend’s sad death, aged 73, due to complications arising from COVID-19.
The Illinois-born singer had spent the past 13 days in intensive care, having first been hospitalised at the Vanderbilt University Medical Centre in Nashville, Tennessee back on March 26.
Dubbed the “Mark Twain of American songwriting”, Prine worked as a US Army mechanic and mail carrier before finding fame as a musician – though it was more a case of fame finding him.
An avid guitar player and songwriter, Prine viewed music as more of a hobby until a chance performance at an open-mic night in a Chicago bar led to a $1,000-a-weekend residency and a chance to play full time.
A collaboration with fellow country legend Kris Kristofferson in the late 1960s provided another big break, though it was his 1971 debut album, the self-titled John Prine, that established his reputation.
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
All told, Prine recorded 18 studio albums, with his ability to weave witty, social commentary-laced lyrics with a melancholy melodic style that captivated fans and contemporaries alike.
Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash were both huge fans of Pine while he was a huge influence on musicians past and present.
Writing on Twitter, Springsteen paid his respects to one his contemporaries.
“Over here on E Street, we are crushed by the loss of John Prine,” he said.
“John and I were ‘New Dylans’ together in the early 70s and he was never anything but the loveliest guy in the world. A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages.”
Yesterday the wonderful songwriter John Prine passed away. May he achieve eternal peace in God's light.
Prayers and love to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/UO4mIqTXOw— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) April 8, 2020
Cat Stevens also took to social media to pay tribute to Pine.
“Yesterday the wonderful songwriter John Prine passed away. May he achieve eternal peace in God's light. Prayers and love to his family and friends,” he wrote.
Fellow music legend Robbie Robertson also wrote: “Today we lost John Prine and Hal Wilner.
“Two geniuses. The world got a little darker today. Blessings to their friends and families.”
Today we lost John Prine and Hal Wilner. Two geniuses. The world got a little darker today. Blessings to their friends and families.
— Robbie Robertson (@r0bbier0berts0n) April 8, 2020
US singer-songwriter Margo Price was also among those to pay tribute, tweeting: ‘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”.
Billy Bragg also wrote: “Heartbroken to hear that John Prine has been taken from us by this damnable virus.
“He was one of the greatest storytellers to grace pop music and every song would leave you with a wry smile.”
Heartbroken to hear that John Prine has been taken from us by this damnable virus. He was one of the greatest storytellers to grace pop music and every song would leave you with a wry smile. https://t.co/RVxDl9X0gj
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) April 8, 2020
Prine is survived by his Irish-born wife and manager Fiona Whelan Prine, their two children, 25-year-old Jack and 24-year-old Tommy, as well as Jody, Fiona’s son from a previous relationship, whom Prine adopted.
