John Prine, the postman from Maywood and Army mechanic who became one of the most revered American songwriters of the past half century, is in critical condition “after a sudden onset of COVID-19 symptoms,” his official Twitter feed reported Sunday afternoon.
The news was greeted with an outpouring of well wishes from fans and from fellow musicians, including Seth Meyers, Jason Isbell and the band Dawes.
Prine, who rose to prominence through the Chicago folk music scene in the 1960s and ’70s, “was hospitalized on Thursday. He was intubated Saturday evening, and continues to receive care, but his situation is critical,” said the note “From the Prine family” on the @JohnPrineMusic Twitter feed.
Intubation is a stage of treatment that can precede going on a ventilator. The coronavirus sweeping the globe attacks people through their lungs to the point where the most ill need mechanical breathing help, and the virus is most dangerous to those with underlying medical conditions.
I think Wordslinger was right about carving the names of Prine and Ebert on the Illinois State Library. And when this is all over and people get a chance to breathe again, I’m going to urge Secretary of State Jesse White to consider it.
I had hoped to set up a meet and greet this spring for my readers and Wordslinger’s family, but that’s obviously impossible now. I still think about him every day and wish he was here to provide us with his perspectives. It’s like marching into a war without a leg.
…Adding… Text message from House GOP Leader Jim Durkin…
John Prine was a postman in Westchester when I was young. He would fill in for our regular postman on occasion. Johnny was a big hit with us because he let us push the mail cart down the street with him. He had a heavy beard and was always good to us kids.
*** UPDATE *** John Prine’s spouse…
I have recovered from Covid-19. We are humbled by the outpouring of love for me and John and our precious family. He is stabile. Please continue to send your amazing Love and prayers. Sing his songs. Stay home and wash hands. John loves you. I love you
Everything about life seems precious now…thank God for the music makers that touch our heart and souls…John grew up in Maywood, and has many boomer fans in the western suburbs including me…
Prine’s name should absolutely be on the State Library. He may be the greatest song writer Illinois has ever produced. He could very well be our state’s poet laureate.
=== I still think about him every day and wish he was here to provide us with his perspectives. It’s like marching into a war without a leg.===
I miss him. Every post, I seemingly go back to him, and his thoughts.
I can’t begin to pretend I know enough about John Prine. Others can and my learning about him, wow. My music education is severely lacking. Ebert, Roger Ebert saw and wrote and understood the impact of the medium of film and brought clarity and appreciation of art. I’ll still go read Ebert reviews and the writing of art was his art he shared and I’m grateful.
My thoughts and prayers to John Prine.
I miss Wordslinger.
- Out Here In The Middle - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:09 am:
Been listening to John Prine for 50 years and it’s all I’m listening to today. He talks about life — everyone’s life. My wife & kids from Florida, DC, & Utah traveled to Central City, Kentucky last summer for this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKZZWt_Jxlc
Pretty much the only reason some one is intubated is because they need a ventilator. A very bad sign indeed. John Prine’s album “Tree of Forgivesness” is filled with poignancy. I highly recommend it, but it may make you cry.
Sad to hear about John Prine. One of the best songs written called We are the Lonely . All together we are all alone . And only he can do justice singing his lyrics.
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:43 am:
===“I once came across my daughter singing “…and the news just repeats itself, like some forgotten dream, that we’ve both seen.” She was five.
This cracks me up, the image of a young child singing that song. It must have been played a lot at the Oxnevad household.
I heard this song first in my early twenties and it moved me to tears. Now this old river ain’t wilder, but maybe wider.
Looking forward to his recovering with a LEGAL smile!
- FormerILLobster - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:39 pm:
Rich, thank you for taking some time and dedicating some blog space to John Prine. His music and lyrics have been a part of my daily life for the past 20 years. He weaves intricate stories that provide a vivid reflection of the human soul into a brief song. It’s a masterful gift and we are better as human beings that he shared this gift with us. Hang in there JP!
“Just give me one thing Lord, that I can hold on to. To believe in this living, is just a hard way to go”
- Back to the Future - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:40 pm:
I remember hearing John Prine at Orphans in Lincoln Park a long time ago. I still have his first vinyl album.
He really made his mark and I agree he should have his name added.
John Prine is on the Mt. Rushmore of singer songwriters. Dylan and Kristofferson have lauded him as one of their favorites. A giant in the folk/Americana world.
Living legend. Always thought he should be honored by the Abraham Lincoln Library as a distinguished Illinoisan.
What the world needs now is a little more John Prine! Thoughts and Prayers your way JP.
- Paddyrollingstone - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 1:16 pm:
Thanks Rich and all the commentators here about the great John Prine. Just a fabulous artist. Great story from Jim Durkin.
In spite of ourselves we’ll end up a-sittin’ on a rainbow
Against all odds, honey we’re the big door-prize
We’re gonna spite our noses right off of our faces
There won’t be nothin’ but big ol’ hearts dancin’ in our eyes
I’ve heard John Prine’s name over and over, but must admit I really don’t know his music. Judging from comments here, that needs to be corrected. What’s the best way into his work?
His first album alone has a lifetime of wry, poignant, humorous insights. “And the gold rolled through his veins like a thousand railroad trains. And eased his mind in the hours that he chose. While his kids ran around wearing other people’s clothes.”
Wow
I could quote him all day and night.
Losing Word reminds me of quitting smoking. When people asked me how it was going i’d say “Not bad. It just feels like someone ripped out half my veins.”
===I’ve heard John Prine’s name over and over, but must admit I really don’t know his music. Judging from comments here, that needs to be corrected. What’s the best way into his work? ===
You have probably heard his songs. Many of his songs have been covered by others.
Especially this one.
- Loop Lady - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:40 am:
Everything about life seems precious now…thank God for the music makers that touch our heart and souls…John grew up in Maywood, and has many boomer fans in the western suburbs including me…
- Dancing Bears - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:43 am:
Prine’s name should absolutely be on the State Library. He may be the greatest song writer Illinois has ever produced. He could very well be our state’s poet laureate.
- Stickman - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:45 am:
As I am fast approaching retirement that song offers a glimps into the future which i find unsettling.
- 47th Ward - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:56 am:
===I still think about him every day and wish he was here to provide us with his perspectives.===
Same. There is an emptiness here now that can’t be filled. It’s palpable.
- West Sider - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:57 am:
“My Old Man, is another child who’s grown old”
Is a line which has followed me for more 40 years.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:02 am:
=== I still think about him every day and wish he was here to provide us with his perspectives. It’s like marching into a war without a leg.===
I miss him. Every post, I seemingly go back to him, and his thoughts.
I can’t begin to pretend I know enough about John Prine. Others can and my learning about him, wow. My music education is severely lacking. Ebert, Roger Ebert saw and wrote and understood the impact of the medium of film and brought clarity and appreciation of art. I’ll still go read Ebert reviews and the writing of art was his art he shared and I’m grateful.
My thoughts and prayers to John Prine.
I miss Wordslinger.
- Out Here In The Middle - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:09 am:
Been listening to John Prine for 50 years and it’s all I’m listening to today. He talks about life — everyone’s life. My wife & kids from Florida, DC, & Utah traveled to Central City, Kentucky last summer for this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKZZWt_Jxlc
- Groundhog Day - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:17 am:
Pretty much the only reason some one is intubated is because they need a ventilator. A very bad sign indeed. John Prine’s album “Tree of Forgivesness” is filled with poignancy. I highly recommend it, but it may make you cry.
- Stu - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:29 am:
He lost a lung to cancer years ago
- Woodstock willy - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:33 am:
Sad to hear about John Prine. One of the best songs written called We are the Lonely . All together we are all alone . And only he can do justice singing his lyrics.
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:43 am:
===“I once came across my daughter singing “…and the news just repeats itself, like some forgotten dream, that we’ve both seen.” She was five.
This cracks me up, the image of a young child singing that song. It must have been played a lot at the Oxnevad household.
I heard this song first in my early twenties and it moved me to tears. Now this old river ain’t wilder, but maybe wider.
- Excitable Boy - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:45 am:
Losing Prine and Wordslinger in the span of one year is almost unimaginable. Get well soon JP.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:04 pm:
=== Do better===
… or get your own blog?
- Muddy trail - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:08 pm:
== I find it very insensitive that you used a marching into war reference in this post.==
It’s a metaphor. Get over it.
- Anyone Remember - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:10 pm:
His name should be added, none should be removed.
- filmmaker prof - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:24 pm:
Looking forward to his recovering with a LEGAL smile!
- FormerILLobster - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:39 pm:
Rich, thank you for taking some time and dedicating some blog space to John Prine. His music and lyrics have been a part of my daily life for the past 20 years. He weaves intricate stories that provide a vivid reflection of the human soul into a brief song. It’s a masterful gift and we are better as human beings that he shared this gift with us. Hang in there JP!
“Just give me one thing Lord, that I can hold on to. To believe in this living, is just a hard way to go”
- Back to the Future - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:40 pm:
I remember hearing John Prine at Orphans in Lincoln Park a long time ago. I still have his first vinyl album.
He really made his mark and I agree he should have his name added.
- Cheryl44 - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:59 pm:
The TVA Paradise plant shut down earlier this year. It’s too expensive to burn coal to produce electricity in Muhlenberg County, it seems.
- Chad Hays - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 1:00 pm:
John Prine is on the Mt. Rushmore of singer songwriters. Dylan and Kristofferson have lauded him as one of their favorites. A giant in the folk/Americana world.
Living legend. Always thought he should be honored by the Abraham Lincoln Library as a distinguished Illinoisan.
- Reggaeman - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 1:13 pm:
What the world needs now is a little more John Prine! Thoughts and Prayers your way JP.
- Paddyrollingstone - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 1:16 pm:
Thanks Rich and all the commentators here about the great John Prine. Just a fabulous artist. Great story from Jim Durkin.
In spite of ourselves we’ll end up a-sittin’ on a rainbow
Against all odds, honey we’re the big door-prize
We’re gonna spite our noses right off of our faces
There won’t be nothin’ but big ol’ hearts dancin’ in our eyes
- Dysfunction Junction - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 2:21 pm:
It’s gonna be a Long Monday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NO2eI30Qhc
- North Park - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 3:35 pm:
I’m supposed to be getting married this year, and In Spite of Ourselves was in the running for the first dance.
- Flapdoodle - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 3:37 pm:
I’ve heard John Prine’s name over and over, but must admit I really don’t know his music. Judging from comments here, that needs to be corrected. What’s the best way into his work?
- 37B - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 5:12 pm:
His first album alone has a lifetime of wry, poignant, humorous insights. “And the gold rolled through his veins like a thousand railroad trains. And eased his mind in the hours that he chose. While his kids ran around wearing other people’s clothes.”
Wow
I could quote him all day and night.
Losing Word reminds me of quitting smoking. When people asked me how it was going i’d say “Not bad. It just feels like someone ripped out half my veins.”
- 37B - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 5:21 pm:
I don’t think my first attempt posted so in highly condensed form:
His first album will last you a lifetime.
- 37B - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 5:22 pm:
Oops. There it is.
Nvm
- Been There - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:32 pm:
===I’ve heard John Prine’s name over and over, but must admit I really don’t know his music. Judging from comments here, that needs to be corrected. What’s the best way into his work? ===
You have probably heard his songs. Many of his songs have been covered by others.
Especially this one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CDLCr0fxOQ