My folk music idol, John Prine, is dead. Thanks to those who have checked in with me.

@TheHorse (238390)
Walnut Creek, California
April 8, 2020 4:38pm CST
As many of you know, John Prine was one of the most influentential musicians in my life. His perspective on the world seemed to parallel mine, and I have basically memorized his first two albums. He succumbed to Covid-19 yesterday, at the age of 73. I'm kind of a mess today, but I have received many calls and emails, checking in to make sure I'm OK. I am a bit of a river of tears, and I started drinking wine at Noon, Chicago time (I live in California), but I'm doing OK. I just spent an hour on the phone talking to a musician friend. I am gong to spend this afternoon practicing the guitar work I do behind the John Prine songs I perform. I won't bother singing, as I'd probably get choked up. I'll attach his final video. It's as if he knew his time was drawing near. He had battled issues with his throat and his lungs, but never stopped performing. In comments, I'll also attach a link from Rolling Stone that provides insight into the background of many of his most well-known songs. RIP, John Prine.
The Tree of Forgiveness"http://smarturl.it/treeofforgiveness For Help Call: SAMHSA (Addiction Hotline) - 800-662-4357 http://www.MusiCares.org - Helps those ...
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9 responses
@DianneN (254926)
• United States
8 Apr 20
I’ve read about his passing and feel so bad.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (238390)
• Walnut Creek, California
8 Apr 20
My musician friend and I were discussing how every loss is equal. He and I have both lost people dear to us recently (his girlfriend; my Auntie; my academic mentor). But when the person is "well-known," we tend to...I'm not sure. I've shed more tears over Prine than over others that were closer to me. I'm trying to figure this all out.
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@TheHorse (238390)
• Walnut Creek, California
9 Apr 20
@DianneN We must carry on and figure out ways to honor those who have gone before us.
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@DianneN (254926)
• United States
8 Apr 20
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@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
8 Apr 20
Thoughts are with you. Cool video you have shared. I have read a lot about him today I did not know. He will be missed by many. Your voice reminds me of his by the way.
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@TheHorse (238390)
• Walnut Creek, California
8 Apr 20
Heh. I think of my voice as "smoother," but he's in my heart whenever I sing.
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@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
8 Apr 20
@TheHorse There was something about his voice in this particular song that was like yours.
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@TheHorse (238390)
• Walnut Creek, California
9 Apr 20
@CarolDM He was a good man.
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@BarBaraPrz (51839)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
9 Apr 20
Yes, they're dropping like flies... Ellis Marsalis Jr, Bucky Pizzarelli, Adam Schlesinger, Bill Withers, Wallace Roney, Hal Willner, Joe Diffie, Cy Tucker, Manu Dibango... What does covid have against musical folks?
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@BarBaraPrz (51839)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
9 Apr 20
@TheHorse Yes, a couple days ago. Ain't no sunshine anymore.
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@TheHorse (238390)
• Walnut Creek, California
9 Apr 20
I didn't know that Bill Withers had passed on.
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@TheHorse (238390)
• Walnut Creek, California
26 Apr 20
@BarBaraPrz Only darkness every day.
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@FourWalls (86940)
• United States
9 Apr 20
You know you have my sympathies. I know how you feel. This is the third time in my adult life I've been through this (the other two time were with Zevon and Glenn Frey). I can't help but feel he wouldn't want us sad ("Please don't bury me down in that cold, cold ground, no I'd rather have 'em cut me up and pass me all around")... but DANG this hurts. Here's the Rochester Dam on the Green River in Muhlenburg County.
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@FourWalls (86940)
• United States
9 Apr 20
@TheHorse -- I took a "Paradise" trip about ten years ago....went to most of the places mentioned in the song. Also took a picture of the "John Prine Avenue" sign in Drakesboro (the closest town to where Paradise used to be).
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@TheHorse (238390)
• Walnut Creek, California
9 Apr 20
@FourWalls Is Paradise really "gone"? I'm glad he has a street named after him.
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@TheHorse (238390)
• Walnut Creek, California
9 Apr 20
Thanks! I've never actually seen a picture of the Green River!
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@JudyEv (382693)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Apr 20
I was devastated. I hadn't heard anything for a day or two and thought perhaps he was on the mend. We played his songs all last night. Sending condolences. And thanks for the link.
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@TheHorse (238390)
• Walnut Creek, California
26 Apr 20
No problem. Summer's End pretty much summarizes it for me.
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@LindaOHio (222906)
• United States
9 Apr 20
You have all my sympathy. I can understand why his passing is so hard on you. Take it one day at a time; and you will feel better. Hugs.
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@TheHorse (238390)
• Walnut Creek, California
26 Apr 20
Thanks/ Tears are OK with me. I find them cleansing.
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@caopaopao (12395)
• China
9 Apr 20
Sorry to hear the bad news. Nothing to say but sadness.
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@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
9 Apr 20
I'm sorry the world lost him. I hope the music helps bring solace.
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@sallypup (69255)
• Centralia, Washington
9 Apr 20
My condolences and if I could, hugs. This is a huge loss.
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