Hearts were broken last Tuesday night with the news that John Prine had passed. There has been such an outpouring of heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the music he left us all with. I wanted to add just a few words of my own.
I have been blessed to have seen John Prine live in concert for nearly twenty years when I called the City my home. Starting in 1979, I would most often catch him at the Great American Music Hall on O’Farrell Street. A venue so intimate that you really got a sense of how humble and unbeguiling he was – it was as if a close friend was weaving stories and strumming his guitar at a private get together.
Many of his songs have left an indelible mark on my life. I listen to him often and remember exact dates and times when those words of his imparted some deeper meaning that still resonates with me after many years. Once upon a time, I added You Got Gold to a mix tape I made for my girlfriend. Who would eventually become my wife. We still dance together whenever that pops up on the stereo.
I consider myself fortunate to have experienced such a wonderfully talented artist. Here are a few of my favorites:
