John Prine was an American country, folk and bluegrass singer-songwriter. He was born in Maywood, Illinois in 1946, and began his career as a folk musician in the early 1970s. Prine wrote many of his own songs, and his lyrics often focused on the struggles of everyday people and their stories. He released over 20 albums during his career and earned numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017, and was hailed by many as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Prine passed away in April 2020, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music.
| Name | John Prine |
| Date of Birth | October 10, 1946 |
| Genres | Folk, Country, Bluegrass, Americana |
| Instruments | Guitar, Banjo, Harmonica |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Musician |
| Labels | Atlantic, Asylum, Oh Boy |
| Notable Albums | John Prine, Sweet Revenge, Common Sense |
10 Best John Prine Quotes
“I think if you can find some humor in it, you can survive it.”
– John Prine, from New York Times
“I’m a real believer in not getting too serious about music. I guess I’ve kind of been a goof-off all my life.”
– John Prine, from Rolling Stone
“I don’t think I’ve ever written a song that I thought was any good. I just write them.”
– John Prine, from Vulture
“I love to write a song that somebody else can have a hit with. I love when that happens.”
– John Prine, from No Depression
“I don’t like to write a song unless I can find the irony in it.”
– John Prine, from NPR
“There’s always an element of truth in everything I write, but it doesn’t have to be 100% truth.”
– John Prine, from NPR
“When you write a song, you can take the reader to a place you’ve been to.”
– John Prine, from American Songwriter
“I’m just trying to write songs that I think are funny, or at least can bring a smile.”
– John Prine, from NPR
“I don’t think in terms of age when I’m writing a song. I just try to write something that’s interesting to me.”
– John Prine, from The Guardian
“I look at songwriting as being a window to let the music come in from some other place.”
– John Prine, from USA Today
5 Inspirational John Prine Quotes
“I just figured the songs have their own little personalities, and I don’t try to control them or make them do things they don’t want to do.”
– John Prine, from Grammy.com
“I’m just glad I’m able to keep my little songs going.”
– John Prine, from Rolling Stone
“I’m just glad that I’m able to keep my little songs going, and that people still like them.”
– John Prine, from American Songwriter
“It’s always a surprise to me when a song turns out well. I love it when I don’t have to do any rewriting.”
– John Prine, from NPR
“I think my songs are just stories. I just try to write something that’s gonna last.”
– John Prine, from The Guardian
8 Famous John Prine Quotes
“I’m just trying to turn my sadness into gladness.”
– John Prine, from Rolling Stone
“I’m a word person, not a music person, so it’s the words that come first.”
– John Prine, from All Music
“I think that all over the world, people are kind of the same. When it comes to heartache and joy, it’s all the same.”
– John Prine, from Interview Magazine
“You can’t get the same thing out of the same old thing. You’ve got to break the mold at some point.”
– John Prine, from Vulture
“I just wanted to write songs that were honest, that were true, that were close to the bone.”
– John Prine, from The Guardian
“I think the thing I’m most proud of is having my songs outlive me, if they do.”
– John Prine, from NPR
“I like to think of myself as a songwriter. Maybe it’s just a way of getting away with things.”
– John Prine, from The Guardian
“I like to write songs that don’t have any answers, because I don’t know any.”
– John Prine, from Vulture
8 John Prine Quotes About Love
“Love is one of the oldest songs that’s ever been written, and it’s still the greatest.”
– John Prine, from Consequence of Sound
“Love is a very powerful emotion and it can cause a lot of joy and a lot of pain.”
– John Prine, from Interview Magazine
“I think love is the most powerful emotion, and it’s been written about for thousands of years.”
– John Prine, from Rolling Stone
“I’m a romantic, so I believe in love.”
– John Prine, from The New Yorker
“I think love is the most powerful and most beautiful emotion that we have.”
– John Prine, from Interview Magazine
“I’ve always believed that love is the greatest power of all.”
– John Prine, from The Guardian
“I think love is what binds us all together and makes us human.”
– John Prine, from Penguin Random House
7 John Prine Quotes About Life
“Life is a funny thing, you know. You never know how it’s gonna turn out.”
– John Prine, from Rolling Stone
“Life’s an open book, and I just write what I see.”
– John Prine, from Grammy
“It’s not about having a great life. It’s about having a good life.”
– John Prine, from Grammy
“I’ve been lucky enough to have a long life and I’ve seen some amazing things.”
– John Prine, from The Guardian
“When you have a good life, you don’t worry about what’s gonna happen to you. You just enjoy it.”
– John Prine, from The Guardian
“Life is not just a bowl of cherries. It’s a lot of other things, too.”
– John Prine, from The Guardian
“Life is a journey. You take the good, you take the bad and you make a story out of it.”
– John Prine, from Consequence of Sound
7 Quotes About John Prine
“John Prine is one of the most brilliant songwriters of our lifetime.”
– Jason Isbell, from American Songwriter
“His songs are so true and so honest and so deep, and they’re funny. He’s a master of the craft.”
– Brandi Carlile, from Rolling Stone
“An American original, a songwriter for the ages.”
– Barack Obama, from Rolling Stone
“John Prine was a giant of a songwriter, and like all great songwriters, his work was timeless.”
– Sturgill Simpson, from Rolling Stone
“John Prine was my North Star.”
– Margo Price, from Rolling Stone
“I think of John Prine as America’s poet laureate.”
– Jason Isbell, from Rolling Stone
“John Prine was a master of the modern American short story.”
– Emmylou Harris, from Rolling Stone
Interview with John Prine
Frequently Asked Questions About John Prine
1. What notable awards did John Prine win during his career?
John Prine was widely recognized for his remarkable musical talent and songwriting skills, having won a variety of awards throughout his career. These notable awards include:
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2020)
- Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Folk Album (2005, 2020)
- Grammy Awards for Best Americana Album (2019)
- Grammy Awards for Best Country Song (2000)
- American Music Awards for Favorite Country Album (1980)
- Country Music Association Awards for Album of the Year (1991)
- Country Music Association Awards for Song of the Year (1991)
- Academy of Country Music Awards for Album of the Year (1991)
- Academy of Country Music Awards for Song of the Year (1991)
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2019)
2. What is the most memorable quote of John Prine?
John Prine was a beloved singer-songwriter whose music touched the hearts of many. He was known for his wit and wisdom, and he often spoke with a unique perspective that was both humorous and heartfelt. Here are some of his most memorable quotes:
- “Some days are diamonds, some days are rocks.”
- “You have to be careful if you don’t know where you’re going, because you might not get there.”
- “Everybody’s got a hungry heart.”
- “It’s a half an inch of water and you think you’re gonna drown.”
- “When I die, I’ll probably be wearing a frown.”
- “It’s a big old goofy world.”
- “If you don’t like the news, go out and make some of your own.”
The most memorable quote of John Prine is arguably, “Some days are diamonds, some days are rocks.” This quote reflects his positive outlook on life despite its hardships, and serves as a reminder that there is beauty in even the darkest of moments.
3. How did John Prine’s Music Influence Modern Country Music?
John Prine’s music continues to influence modern country music in many ways. Prine’s songs often featured clever, introspective lyrics and a mix of country and folk music. Here are some of the ways his music has had an influence on modern country music:
- Lyrical complexity: Prine’s lyrics were often filled with complex stories, metaphors, and humor. This has inspired many modern country artists to write more narrative-style lyrics rather than relying on simple, traditional country music themes.
- Musical diversity: Prine often incorporated elements of folk, blues, and jazz into his music. This has opened up the possibilities for modern country music, allowing it to delve into different genres and incorporate a wider range of influences.
- Storytelling: Prine’s songs often featured stories about ordinary people and their struggles. This has inspired many modern country artists to write songs about real-life experiences, rather than just focusing on traditional topics.
John Prine’s influence on modern country music is undeniable, and his legacy will live on in the music of many current country artists.
4. What are some of the major themes of John Prine’s lyrics?
John Prine’s music and lyrics often explore themes of love, loss, nostalgia and mortality. His songs often tell stories with a unique, clever and humorous perspective. Here are some of the main themes in John Prine’s lyrics:
- Love
- Loss
- Nostalgia
- Mortality
- Humour
- Social Commentary
- Friendship
- Family
- Nature
5. How did John Prine become one of the most beloved singer-songwriters of all time?
John Prine’s rise to fame as one of the most beloved singer-songwriters of all time can be attributed to a combination of his unique songwriting style, his wit and charm, and his dedication to his craft.
- Unique Songwriting Style: Prine’s songwriting style was unlike anything else in the music industry at the time. He wrote about everyday people, real life experiences, and poignant observations about life. His songs were often personal and touching, and yet still funny and relatable.
- Wit and Charm: Prine’s wit and charm were a major part of his appeal. His songs were often funny and had a sense of humor. He was also known for his storytelling ability, which allowed him to connect with audiences on a personal level.
- Dedication to His Craft: Prine was always dedicated to his craft, and he worked hard to hone his songwriting skills. He was constantly experimenting with different styles and techniques, and he was always willing to try something new. He was also known for his willingness to collaborate with other artists and writers.
These qualities combined to make John Prine one of the most beloved singer-songwriters of all time. His songs were timeless and his legacy will live on for generations to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, John Prine is one of the most beloved and influential American singer-songwriters of all time. His music speaks to the human condition in a way that transcends genre and generations, providing comfort, wisdom and joy to listeners around the world. His iconic quotes remind us of the power of music, and the importance of taking joy in life’s simple pleasures. From his wit and wisdom to his powerful songwriting, John Prine will continue to be an inspiration for generations to come.
