American country folk singer-songwriter, John Prine, passed away Tuesday from coronavirus complications at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. He was 73.
“Yes, we can confirm on behalf of the Prine family – John died today at Vanderbilt due to complications of COVID-19,” Prine’s publicist told CNN.
Last month, Prine was hospitalized and intubated after suffering from a sudden onset of coronavirus symptoms, his family said in a statement on Twitter.
“This is hard news for us to share. But so many of you have loved and supported John over the years, we wanted to let you know, and give you the chance to send on more of that love and support now. And know that we love you, and John loves you,” the statement read.
Although Prine never had a blockbuster album or a single hit to his name, he built a devoted fan following and won several Grammys.
He overcame two bouts of cancer to record and tour into his 70s.
Born on October 10, 1946, Prine was raised in Maywood, Illinois. He started playing guitar at the age of 14, taught by his brother, David. He famously worked as a mailman for five years and served in the Army during the Vietnam War era, serving in Germany.
His musical career took off in Chicago in 1970, singing on open-mic nights at a bar when a young reporter, Roger Ebert, of the Sun-Times heard him play. Ebert wrote a review and called him “Singing Mailman.”
Singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson helped him get a record deal. In 1971, Prine’s debut album was a critical success, containing several of his signature songs, such as Paradise and Hello in There.
In 1996, he was diagnosed with Stage III neck cancer, requiring surgical removal of a piece of his neck. The surgery severed nerves in his tongue, changing the tone of his voice. He then performed a year later.
At the time, Prine told NPR, “At least they left with a voice to sing. I think it improved my voice, if anything. I always had a hard time listening to my singing before my surgery. It dropped down lower and feels friendlier to me.”
In 2013, cancer struck again and he had to undergo surgery to remove a spot in his left lung.
Fans and celebrities paid tribute to Prine on social media.
Singer Sheryl Crow tweeted, “He is singing with the angels. You will be missed but your songs will live on.”
“There’s a huge hole in the music world tonight. John did it best,” tweeted country singer Toby Keith.
Singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen tweeted, “John and I were ‘New Dylans’ together in the early 70s and he was never anything but the loveliest guy in the world. A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages. We send our love and prayers to his family.”
