great man,  great human ,fantastic song writer.his music  will live forever.

Dear john and your wife and family
I ve spent a lot of time learning to play the guitar
One of my first song to learn was angel from Montgomery
I continue to be blown away w your ability to voice the feelings of so many folks
Thanku jesus  thanku john

I worked in Iraq for several years. I had to fly from base to base on a Blackhawk Helicopter. I always had John Prone playing in my ears. It was surreal to be flying over Baghdad listening to Sam Stone!
Thanks for all the music! You are missed by millions of people!!

Through his early work, Mr. Prine taught a then-awkward teenager how to play the guitar and sing songs of intelligence and passion.  For these profound gifts, I am eternally grateful.

I’ll see you at the Tree of Forgiveness.  Until then, Godspeed. 

Thankyou John, my musical hero, for all of the memories through the years!!! Of singing your songs with my friends since the 70's. Of the concert in LaCrosse, Wisconsin in 1981 that I am so very grateful to have been able to attend. You have been such a huge part of my life and I have loved you for so long that I am truly brokenhearted with your loss!!! You were a gift to countless people and we will keep your spirit alive. God's speed my friend!!!! Hope you got your wish to float down the Green River! See you in Paradise!  Fly high ❤ Prayers and sincere sympathies to your lovely family🙏

Never forget you visiting twice at the Breedings, Lexington, Ky.  And then thirty years later at the Florida Theatre.  Always you are a simple of our lives and our life evolves. Most understandable lyrics of us. Most thankful of all you have contributed. Hope to hear you live in the next space.

RIP John prine. 
Your shows have been nothing but amazing. Loved  going to see you guys when you were home here in Derry and Belfast. Rest easy beautiful soul. 
Thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs Fiona and your boys. 

1971, a young bohemian, a little hippie living in the Ozark Mountains of AR is when I found John. Like finding Jesus to me! Love of his words and stories kept me connected in a special way.  We crossed paths over the years and my heart beat hard. Years passed and I got to New Orleans where I worked in the best music venue in America at the time. 1978. He played 2 nights. I raised my hand to be his private cocktail waitress. Got to serve him vodka/ginger ale..When asked by the Creole bouncer, "Where did you come up with all dem' wurds?He replied, "Sears and Roebuck catalogue!" He had time for everyone. Love forever and be looking for your band over there.

Been in my ears for years...from Illinois to Colorado to Florida to Idaho.
Whistlin' and Fishin' all the way. Always made even the good days even better. John you will live forever thru my kids and their kids...generations of happiness to come. A real gift from our creator, who I'm sure your singing for right now. RIP.

Here since John’s first album in 1971. I heard it one night on the front porch of a hippie couple I knew back then. I believe I have every record he ever made. Two of John’s simply brilliant lyrics are in one song:

A warehouse of strangers with sixty watt lights

Strangers had forced him to live in his head

I was in the army during the same period as John. I was in Vietnam while John was in Germany  and those lyrics strike home with every veteran. My grandpa was also a carpenter. I’ve been to many of John’s shows and met him lots of times. He was always a fun pleasure to talk to. The show at Mississippi Nights in St. Louis in 1997 is my favorite of all time. More brilliance and humor:

The kitchen light fell asleep on the bedroom floor

I knew that topless lady had something up her sleeve

From me to you John, I hope your ashes flow down the Green River after they cut you up and pass you all around. May an angel from Montgomery welcome you into heaven and Sam Stone buy you a beer.

Jehoshaphat the mongrel cat
St. Charles MO


I bought John's first (self-titled) album for two songs: 'Paradise' and Angel From Montgomery'.  For the first time ever, each and every song on the album spoke to me.
Talent like John's seemed so powerful and sincere that I treasure his work now, years later.
Thank you, John, and God bless you.  

I started playing guitar at age 12. I'm 66 now so my college freshman year was my introduction to John as one of my favorite singer-songwriters that influence my playing and appreciation for his heartfelt sensitivity in writing music that so touched me. I later became a microbiologist and a dentist, but never lost sight of my musical roots. I play regularly and cover several of John's songs. I love what John  provided for me. John in terms of inspiration and the pure love of making music, and touching others in very special way, was only unique to John. His humor and humility was so appreciated. John was truly an American hero treasure. John you will be deeply and lovingly missed but never forgotten.  Love and condolences to your family. Mark E Hagopian, DMD

Love ya man.  Remember Spokane a long time ago.....

One of my all time favorite artists.  A truly talented musician and songwriter.  John will be missed by many.  I’ve been listening to God Only Knows quite often lately.

Hey John,

I grew up listening to your tapes while on road trips with my family in the early 80's. I was only 5 or 6, and didn't really appreciate music like I do now, but I clearly remember the moment when my Dad flipped the tape and a new song kicked on - Illegal Smile. I remember taking a break from my Mad Libs and just listening to the song. I loved it. Your voice, the lyrics I didn't really understand. From that moment on, I longed for them to play that tape. I'm 40 now and have been a fan ever since. I'm sad but, as strange as this is to say, I was a little proud that when I told my two young kids of the news they shed tears. They're as big of fans as I am now. Your music definitely impacted my life. Your happy songs bring back memories of my two late parents laughing it up in the front seat. Your sad songs help me put things into perspective and reflect on what life is really all about. I'll never forget you and I so appreciate your gift to us all. How lucky can one man get, Chad

Was in Ashland KY. Saw him twice there. I met him while my husband was in prison and we made jokes about Christmas in prison. Then I told him our first song was day is done. I said your music goes right along with most of my life. He said you poor thing. And we shared a good laugh. His music has meant so much to me. Fine musician, fine man. Prayers to the family, so sorry for your loss. 💙

John, 
Your music will live on forever and you will never be forgotten. Our deepest sympathies to your family, bandmates and friends.
I hope they served meatloaf in Heaven on the Tuesday you left us.
All the best.....

So long old friend!  So many times I used your songs to shore up a gloomy day. So many times your songs made me cry. We still have your songs and wisdom but will miss you. Will see you on that hill where the angels play one day although I may need a few flag decals to get there.   You will be &)/?&”@ missed. To your family my condolences. I appreciate their sharing over the years with your community. I used to think in the 70s there were only a few of us Priners’ out there but there are so many that enjoyed your gift. 
PEACE John. 


Dear Mrs Prine,& Children-I’m so very grieved that John is gone on to the Great Beyond. His insight was sharper than a diamond cutter’s tool; with a heart for the small, unheard,  & unspoken. He was our voice. My condolences for all of you. What a lovely man. 
Sincerely,  Sharon Cenna

My first encounter with his music was early 70s. My brother played guitar and fiddle in a little ragtag band in Mississippi. They "played at" a few of his songs, memorably "Sam Stone".
It's been a week, and I've been "smiling with tears" and "crying with a smile", since.

I hope to be able to be there when his ashes go down the Green River...I have been amazed by his poetry since I found his music in college (UofL) in the late 70’s. 

Like so many, John's 'Sam Stone' on Atlantic Records left a life lasting impression, and  became a part of our many west Ireland (Dingle) camping and music trips in the early 1970's .

"He told rich stories of his childhood, was an exceptional family man who took in anyone who needed help. He was loving, witty, generous, sensitive, thoughtful, strong, passionate, hardworking, loyal, honest, and an unforgettable presence. He was a gift."  These words are actually taken from the obituary of his older brother, Douglas, who died in 2012, but equally apply to John - on a global stage.

What a family, and how proud John's parents would be to see their legacy today .

Life continues, a little sadder, but the happy memories remain everyday.

I have been so profoundly sad....when I was a child, from ‘68-‘71, my parents would drag me to wherever John was playing.  We saw him well over 150 times over the years.  Someone once asked me who the GREATEST SONGWRITER OF ALL TIME was.  I unabashedly and without hesitation said JOHN PRINE.  The replies were....never heard of him.  My rebuttals were.....so sorry for you.

God Bless You my old friend and mailman.  Say hello in there to Steve when you enter those pearly gates.

GO CUBS GO.

Thomas F.
Kentucky

John Prine
He spoke from the heart. A poet and lyricist who melded emotion, life, humour and song. To have that gift and to use it so brilliantly and generously. What a void you leave us John.  What joy and love you gift us. Heartbroken, heart warmed, heart loved. Never forgotten. Much love to Fiona and the three wiser men. 
From an Irish fan.

I will miss John.  I discovered him in 1971 and was so impressed.  All of these years have passed with me listening to John whenever I feel the urge.  May he rest in peace and May God Bless his Soul.

So sorry for your loss. The first time I saw John in concert was in Kalamazoo Michigan at the State Theatre on Nov 12, 2010. Best concert I have ever been to in my life and I have been to a lot of concerts. Heaven will never be the same. Can’t wait to see John’s “rock and roll band” there!!

I began listening to John's music in the early '70s and was immediately hooked. I was living in Alaska listening to our NPR station, the only radio that I could get. The reception was poor and  I was forever missing his name at the end of the songs lol. Then, with in a month after moving to Lexington KY , here he was performing in a little bar.  Since that time in the mid '80s  I have seen him many times in cities around Ky, Ohio, Tenn, etc. I took my granddaughter to his concert in Beaver Dam Ky  3 or so yrs ago, and my fiancee to Knoxville TN also about 3 yrs ago. 
I have traveled thousands of miles with you John playing on cassette or cd and me singing along, and will continue to do so the rest of my life. You will always be the best friend I never got to meet John....RIP.


You never know what you got, till it's gone.

There has been no other person who has touched and moved me through their music like John Prine.  

At  campfires and road trip's he was always with me.

Sincere condolences. 
Mr. Prine was a bright spot in my life. His music reminded us to laugh at the absurdity of life. He also wrote lyrics that touched me deeply. 
He will be missed. 

OBITUARY

John Edward Prine

October 10, 1946 – April 7, 2020

Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home

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