John Prine |
Prine was born and raised in Maywood, Illinois. He learned to play the guitar at the age of 14.
Chicago Old Town School of Folk Music |
As a teen he attended classes at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. This wonderful place brought students in touch with such great performers as Pete Seeger, Doc Watson, Odetta, Josh White, and Big Bill Broonzy.
Notable musicians that attended the school include Roger McGuinn, Frend Holstein, Steve Goodman, Bonnie Koloc, and Bob Gibson.
In 1966 Prine was drafted and served in the US Army in West Germany. He got a job in the service, in his words, “pretending to repair trucks”.
A young John Prine |
After being discharged his brother got him a job working as a mailman. He did this for five years. The time spent on his route gave him the ability to think and formulate songs.
About this same time Prine began to sing at open mic nights at a Chicago folk club called The Fifth Peg . Initially he was an audience spectator, but seriously took on a taunt when someone said, “You think you can do better?” He then began to perform.
John Prine singing at The Fifth Peg |
He sings rather quietly, and his guitar work is good, but he doesn't show off. He starts slow. But after a song or two, even the drunks in the room begin to listen to his lyrics. And then he has you.”
Prine with Bill Quatement, Bonnie Koloc, and Steve Goodman |
Kristofferson later recalled, "By the end of the first line we knew we were hearing something else. It must’ve been like stumbling onto Dylan when he first busted onto the Village scene." This lead to Prine recording his first LP in 1971.
Paradise, Kentucky |
Angel From Montgomery |
John Prine in 2014 Concert |
Prine with his 1968 Martin D-28 |
Indeed his most used guitar was his 1968 Martin D-28. Prine had the back of its neck shaved into a V-shape in the style of Martin Guitars of the 1930's. He stated this guitar never missed a concert in all his years of shows.
Prine with his Martin D-28 |
However on February 10th of 2007 this guitar fell over backstage during the encore of Paradise when he was playing at the State Theatre in Kalamazoo, Michigan. John's guitar tech was devastated.
John just shrugged and said "Sh*t Happens, we'll get it fixed." It was taken to a local luthier for repair. John continued his subsequent concerts with his friend, Steve Goodman's D-28.
Martin LTD John Prine D-28 |
This guitar is crafted with an Engelmann spruce top and gorgeous Madagascar rosewood back and sides. The Madagascar rosewood head plate is inlaid with pearl angel wings, a nod to Prine’s masterpiece and most commonly covered song “Angel from Montgomery”. The top bears an antique toner finish for a warm, aged appearance.
This model also features antique white binding, bone nut and saddle, an ebony bridge, and an ebony fingerboard inlaid with abalone pearl snowflakes.
John with his Gibson J-200 (metal tuners) |
His 1993 Guild JF-100, with Indian rosewood back and sides and Sitka spruce top, is kept at home for writing. In 2003 Prine was presented with a new custom J-200 Elite by the director of The Americana Music Association festival, which was sponsored by Gibson Guitars.
Late 1950's Silvertone Model 653 |
Prine says when he came back from the Army and his little brother had painted it purple during his "Hendrix phase."
John's Silvertone Guitar |
Luthier Michael "Moses" Scribner refinished his Silvertone with a new blue metallic finish. Prine spent $400 restoring a $35 guitar. Anyone who loves guitars can understand.
Before being drafted Prine bought a Gibson Hummingbird with his 'mailman money' then took it to Germany, where the neck got cracked in the process.
In Germany he purchased a Framus acoustic guitar with a little amp for about $60. He had the Hummingbird repaired and sold the Framus.
Prine with Guild F-40 with Steve Goodman |
Prine with his Ovation acoustic electric |
In the 1960's Prine also played an Ovation acoustic electric. But then most performers used Ovation guitars during that era.
Prine's Ferrington Guitar with 'Oh Boy' on the neck |
John broke that guitar more than a few times. The last time he fixed it, Ferrington gave the guitar a shiny black finish.
Prine also played a couple of electric guitars
One was a stock 1976 Stratocaster, with a black finish, a maple neck, and the larger headstock.
Prine's Music Man Silhouette |
In 2001 Prine purchased a. Music Man Silhouette. The guitar had a white swamp ash body, with a maple neck and fretboard with 24 frets. It was a very light guitar weighing only 7 pounds.
In 1996 Prine discovered a lump in his neck. It was a cancerous tumor. He had surgery, which left him with his head permanently slumped to one side. But he continued to go on with life, write songs, and perform. Life was good until just a few weeks ago.
Fiona and John Prine |
Prine had trouble with his hip and could barely walk, but did the concert seated.
Upon returning home Prine had surgery on his hip. Afterwards he developed a bad cough. At his doctors suggestion both he and his wife were tested for COVID-19. Fiona's test was positive and she moved out of their home to quarantine herself. Then John developed the disease and was immediately hospitalized.
Prine passed away at Vanderbilt Hospital this past Tuesday. He was heavily sedated, but was with his wife, Fiona at his side. He is survived by his wife, John was the love of my life and adored by our sons Jody, Jack and Tommy, daughter in law Fanny, and by his grandchildren.
Click the links below the pictures for sources. Click the links in the text for further information.
©UniqueGuitar Publications 2020 (text only)
4 comments:
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John prine was the absolute best
There will never be another
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That's nice. It was a fine article.
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