Remembering John Prine’s Life In Song

Plus, more recommendations for finding calm and comfort from some of our favorite artists.

by Marissa Lorusso and Lyndsey McKenna Christina Ascani/NPR In the digital age, there’s an immediate collective mourning that happens when a celebrated artist dies. Across Facebook and Twitter this week, a stream of tributes emerged after the death of beloved singer and songwriter John Prine. For decades, Prine wrote songs about everyday people and hard-won emotional truths, often bestowing dignity on the marginalized and overlooked. “Prine's songs claimed sweet revenge by making room for the wide range of emotions that careen through people as they stumble and dance through life,” writes our colleague Ann Powers. Prine has plenty of fans on the NPR Music team, and like many of you, we’re mourning this loss. On All Songs Considered, Ann joined Bob Boilen for a tribute to Prine, where they listened together to some of his best songs and shared their memories of his music. We also shared videos of Prine from the annual AmericanaFest, including Prine performing “Angel From Montgomery” with Bonnie Raitt; a performance of “Summer’s End” from 2018; and some of Prine’s acceptance speeches. We also put together a playlist of some of Prine’s best songs (and there were a lot to choose from!). Back in November 2017, when Prine came to NPR HQ to perform at the Tiny Desk, it was striking to see how he united generations of listeners. NPR employees brought their parents, siblings, partners and kids. Unlike many of my colleagues, I didn’t grow up with Prine’s music – I first learned about his work through the artists who acknowledged his influence – but witnessing countless musicians honor him at Newport Folk Festival is a memory I’m cherishing a little extra these days.  Nothin’ but big old hearts dancin’ in our eyes, Lyndsey McKenna P.S. A few of our favorite artists felt similarly moved. We’ve compiled a new Tiny Desk (home) concert collection of tributes to John Prine featuring Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff and more.  Newsletter continues after sponsor message New Music Even as the outside world slows to a halt, music still moves. This week, we introduced Press Pause, a new playlist updated daily to help you keep track of the very best new songs released during this time, as selected by our staff. Hear new music from Jason Isbell, Waxahatchee, Ashley McBryde, Thundercat and more, and subscribe on Spotify. Check back for new picks. On All Songs Considered, Bob Boilen talks to Radiohead’s Ed O'Brien, who has a new album out as EOB. That record, EARTH, feels simultaneously bold and intimate, reflecting the landscapes of Brazil and Wales, the two locations that served as sonic inspiration. This week on New Music Friday from All Songs Considered: Laura Marling releases her new album months ahead of schedule; veteran indie rock band The Strokes is back with its first album in seven years; The Walkmen's Hamilton Leithauser releases a stunning new solo album and more. Featuring Every weekday, we’ve been publishing a series called Our Daily Breather, where writers and artists highlight one thing that’s helping them find comfort in the midst of a crisis. This week, Nicholas Cords of the quartet Brooklyn Rider wrote about finding gratitude in music and Margo Price wrote about dance parties with her family — read all that and more on Our Daily Breather. Last week, we launched a series called The Formula, in which acclaimed hip-hop producers break down the art of sampling. This week, 9th Wonder explains the three samples he created for a song on Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning album DAMN. Alongside the video, we have an essay about how Lamar, according to writer Marcus J. Moore, is “a jazz musician in rapper's clothing.” Have your listening habits changed since you began to shelter-in-place? In her latest All Ears column, writer Ruth Saxelby describes the subtle shifts she’s seen, from noticing birdsong in the morning to her neighbors’ musical choices. At home, the transportive ability of music has taken on new meaning.  Hal Willner, the creatively voracious music producer who for decades selected the music used in Saturday Night Live sketches, died this week one day after this 64th birthday. In addition to his work on SNL, he curated wide-range of tribute projects, and brought together vastly eclectic creative personalities together. For Easter Sunday, superstar tenor Andrea Bocelli will stream a live concert from Milan's famed Duomo cathedral. Tiny Desk NPR This week in the Tiny Desk (home) concert series: Black Thought of The Roots premiered three new songs from his home studio. One More Thing The 7th-Inning Stretch, live in your home. What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: nprmusic@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Books, Pop Culture, Health and more! Need a new playlist? Follow NPR Music on Spotify and Apple Music! You received this message because you're subscribed to NPR Music emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy