Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: National Guard drive-through testing limited to 250 per day
Next Post: Question of the day
Posted in:
* Wordslinger last May, not long before he died, about John Prine…
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.
Great writing leaves a mark, early, it seems.
The dude should have his named carved on the state library, with the other greats.
Same with Ebert, who first told the masses about the “singing mailman” in 1970.
Keep scrolling way down the link to get to the original Sun-Times review.
https://www.rogerebert.com/balder-and-dash/john-prine-american-legend
* Those lyrics were from this song…
* You’ve probably already heard about Prine…
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
— Fiona Whelan Prine (@FionaPrine) March 30, 2020
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:29 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: National Guard drive-through testing limited to 250 per day
Next Post: Question of the day
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
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…
Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:40 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.
Comment by Dancing Bears Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:43 am
As I am fast approaching retirement that song offers a glimps into the future which i find unsettling.
Comment by Stickman Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:45 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.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:56 am
“My Old Man, is another child who’s grown old”
Is a line which has followed me for more 40 years.
Comment by West Sider Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:57 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.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:02 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
Comment by Out Here In The Middle Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:09 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.
Comment by Groundhog Day Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:17 am
He lost a lung to cancer years ago
Comment by Stu Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:29 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.
Comment by Woodstock willy Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:33 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.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:43 am
Losing Prine and Wordslinger in the span of one year is almost unimaginable. Get well soon JP.
Comment by Excitable Boy Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 11:45 am
=== Do better===
… or get your own blog?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:04 pm
== I find it very insensitive that you used a marching into war reference in this post.==
It’s a metaphor. Get over it.
Comment by Muddy trail Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:08 pm
His name should be added, none should be removed.
Comment by Anyone Remember Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:10 pm
Looking forward to his recovering with a LEGAL smile!
Comment by filmmaker prof Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:24 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”
Comment by FormerILLobster Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:39 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.
Comment by Back to the Future Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:40 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.
Comment by Cheryl44 Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 12:59 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.
Comment by Chad Hays Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 1:00 pm
What the world needs now is a little more John Prine! Thoughts and Prayers your way JP.
Comment by Reggaeman Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 1:13 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
Comment by Paddyrollingstone Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 1:16 pm
It’s gonna be a Long Monday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NO2eI30Qhc
Comment by Dysfunction Junction Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 2:21 pm
I’m supposed to be getting married this year, and In Spite of Ourselves was in the running for the first dance.
Comment by North Park Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 3:35 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?
Comment by Flapdoodle Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 3:37 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.”
Comment by 37B Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 5:12 pm
I don’t think my first attempt posted so in highly condensed form:
His first album will last you a lifetime.
Comment by 37B Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 5:21 pm
Oops. There it is.
Nvm
Comment by 37B Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 5:22 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
Comment by Been There Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 10:32 pm