American Singer-Songwriter John Prine Dies at the Age of 73 Due to Coronavirus
There ain’t no doubt that John Prine is now in ‘Paradise.’ Among the COVID-19 crisis, countless fans are feeling the void, and honoring Prine all over the internet with pictures, messages, videos, and nostalgia.
Among the chaos of what is happening worldwide, this is one thing that we do know – what John Prine is doing in heaven. How do we know? Well, Prine tells us in “When I get to Heaven” a song written for his 18th and final album – A Tree of Forgiveness (2018):
When I get to Heaven
I’m gonna shake God’s hand
Thank him for more blessings
Than one man can stand
Then I’m gonna get a guitar
And start a Rock and Roll band
Check into a swell hotel
Ain’t the ‘Afterlife’ grand!
And then I’m gonna get a cocktail
Vodka and Ginger Ale
Yeah, I’m gonna smoke a cigarette
That’s nine miles long
I’m gonna kiss that pretty girl
On the Tilt a Whirl
‘Cause this old man is going to town
Then as God as my witness
I’m gettin’ back into show business
I’m gonna open up a nightclub called
‘The Tree of Forgiveness’
And forgive everybody
Ever done me any harm
I might even invite a few choice critics
Those syphilitic parasitics
Buy ’em a pint of Smithwick’s
And smothert’em with my charm
‘Cause then I’m gonna get a cocktail
Vodka and Ginger Ale
Yeah, I’m gonna smoke a cigarette
That’s nine miles long
I’m gonna kiss that pretty girl
On the Tilt a Whirl
Yeah this old man is going to town
Yeah when I get to heaven
I’m gonna take
That wristwatch off my arm
What are you gonna do with time
After you’ve bought the farm
And them I’m gonna go find my Mom and Dad
And good old brother Doug
Well I bet him and cousin Jackie
Are still cuttin’ up a rug
Wanna see all my mama’s sisters
‘Cause that’s where all the love starts
I miss ’em all like crazy
Bless their little hearts
And I always will remember
These words my daddy said
He said, “Buddy, when you’re dead
You’re a dead peckerhead”
I hope to prove him wrong
That is … when I get to heaven
On March 19, John Prine’s wife, Fiona Whelan Prine tested positive for COVID-19 and had been quarantined in her home apart from Prine. On March 17, she revealed her and her husbands condition stating that they were following protocol. Although Fiona’s test came back positive, Johh Prine’s Coronavirus test was indeterminate at that time. Additionally, Fiona asked for prayers for one another and begged everyone to stay safe and at home.
On Thursday, March 26th, John Prine was hospitalized upon a rush of Coronavirus symptoms. Prine had already battled cancer in his left lung and neck in 1998 and in 2019, alongside other health issues; is squamous cell cancer permanently deepened his voice. Unfortunately, his already existing complications didn’t help in the battling of the COVID-19. Prine died Tuesday at Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
He wad discovered by Kris Kristofferson which ultimately led him to his career. Prine has written nearly 20 studio albums. Undoubtedly, he wrote several songs famed by other artists such as David Allan Coe’s “You Never Even Call Me By My Name” and Bonnie Rait’s Angel from Montgomery. Additionally, has won two Grammys during his career. In 2018, he was nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
John Prine & Kentucky
Although Prine’s memories of Kentucky are only from his childhood, and in his song ‘Paradise’ he describes Mulenberg Country, a song he had written for his father in 1971. Prine was the son of William Mason Prine, a tool-and-die maker. In ‘Paradise’ he describes the horrible impact of coal strip mining, and what happened to the Green River because of the mining from companies such as Peabody Coal Company, and refers to ‘Paradise’ a town in Mulenberg County where the Tennessee Valley Authority operated the Paradise Fossil Plant – a coal fired electric generating station. Since then the area has suffered huge economic losses due to decline of coal mining.
THEN & NOW:
John Prine Signing ‘Paradise’ on the Johnny Cash Show in 1980
John Prine singing ‘Paradise’ with Sturgill Simpson (Grammy’s 2016)
John Prine & Tyler Childers
My Old Kentucky Home Goodnight
The anthem is nothing short of a tradition when it comes to the opening of the Kentucky Derby, which has now been moved to September due to growing concerns of the Coronavirus. The song was officially selected and adopted by the Kentucky state legislature as the state’s official song. in 2019, John Prine debuted his debuts his reflective acoustic version of “My Old Kentucky Home, Goodnight.”
After John Prine is Pronounced Dead, Family, Friends, and Fans Pour Out their Love:
Words can’t even come close.
— Bonnie Raitt (@TheBonnieRaitt) April 8, 2020
I’m crushed by the loss of my dear friend, John. My heart and love go out to Fiona and all the family. For all of us whose hearts are breaking, we will keep singing his songs and holding him near. @JohnPrineMusic
💔 thank you for everything. One and only. #hellointhere #johnprine pic.twitter.com/kMBsRDMYwQ
— Miranda Lambert (@mirandalambert) April 8, 2020
A special thank you our friend @JohnPrineMusic for creating this magical moment with @StephenAtHome. Please enjoy this performance of “That’s the Way the World goes Round.” #JohnPrine pic.twitter.com/EYdp9zWPcC
— A Late Show (@colbertlateshow) April 1, 2020
