John Prine

Date of Birth: October 10, 1946

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: April 7, 2020

Biography

John Prine was an American country-folk singer-songwriter, born in Maywood, Illinois. Known for his witty lyrics and soulful melodies, Prine’s career spanned over five decades, earning him a revered place in the music industry. He was discovered by Kris Kristofferson and signed his first record deal in 1971. Prine’s self-titled debut album included classics such as “Angel from Montgomery” and “Sam Stone,” establishing him as a master storyteller. Throughout his career, Prine received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His music touched on themes of love, life, and the struggles of the American working class, making him a beloved figure among fans and fellow musicians alike.

5 Interesting Facts about John Prine

1. John Prine was a mailman before he became a professional musician, and he wrote many of his early songs while on his mail route.

2. He was a two-time cancer survivor, having battled neck cancer in the late 1990s and lung cancer in 2013.

3. Prine co-founded the independent record label Oh Boy Records in 1981, which allowed him greater creative control over his music.

4. His song “Sam Stone” is often noted for its poignant depiction of a Vietnam War veteran struggling with addiction.

5. John Prine received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020, shortly before his death.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Prine

1. “I guess if you keep making the same mistake long enough, it becomes your style.”

2. “I just tried to come up with songs that would make sense for me to sing.”

3. “Writing is about a blank piece of paper and leaving out what’s not supposed to be there.”

4. “You can’t judge a book by its cover, but you can sure sell a lot of books if you have a good one.”

5. “I’m an old-fashioned guy… I want to be an old man with a beer belly sitting on a porch, looking at a lake or something.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, John Prine’s net worth was estimated to be around $6 million.

Children

John Prine had three children: Jody Whelan, Tommy Prine, and Jack Prine. Jody Whelan manages Oh Boy Records, the label co-founded by Prine, while Tommy Prine has followed in his father’s footsteps as a musician.