John Prine

John Prine is an American singer-songwriter from Maywood, Illinois, associated with country, folk, singer-songwriter, americana and alt-country. He is known for songs that combine humour, social commentary, protest, and more personal writing, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation. He is also referred to as “the Mark Twain of songwriting”.

Early life and beginnings

Prine is born and raised in the Chicago suburb of Maywood. He starts playing guitar at 14, taught by his brother David, and he attends classes at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music. After school, he graduates from Proviso East High School in Maywood. He serves in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era as a vehicle mechanic in West Germany, then returns to Chicago and works for the U.S. Postal Service for five years while writing songs and performing in clubs.

Career

Prine becomes part of Chicago’s folk revival, and an early review by critic Roger Ebert helps build his reputation. Kris Kristofferson hears him at Steve Goodman’s insistence and invites him to open shows, which leads to Prine’s self-titled debut album for Atlantic Records in 1971. That album is followed by three more releases on Atlantic, then three albums for Asylum Records. In 1981, he co-founds Oh Boy Records, the independent label on which he releases most of his later albums. He is active as a composer, recording artist, live performer and occasional actor from the early 1970s until his death in 2020.

Style and influence

Prine’s writing is often humorous, but it also includes songs about love, everyday life, current events and serious social issues. His songs also include melancholy stories drawn from his own life. He is often cited as a major influence on later songwriters and has also been a mentor to younger artists including Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Brandi Carlile, Sturgill Simpson, Kacey Musgraves, Margo Price, Tyler Childers and Robin Pecknold.

Later years and final recording

Prine’s last recorded song is “I Remember Everything”. It appears after his death and is associated with tributes that include a televised special and a memorial video at the 2020 Democratic National Convention.