I GET LETTERS aka
MY PRINE STORY 2002
UPDATED 01/04/03
This page is where I keep the really good letters . . .
"Yes, Virginia, John Prine really does have internet fans"
Send in Your Prine Story HERE
Name: Johanna, Portland Oregon
I discovered, quite by accident, one day that
Cian, my 3 month old son, has a favorite song. I sing him all sorts of things, anything melodic that I know the words to. None have ever had much of an
impression when he's cranky. But one day I sang John Prine's
Grandpa was a Carpenter, and he got quiet. Hmm, tried it again
later, same thing. Just for science, sing it then switch to
something else, quiet then cranks within about 4 words. Switch back and he gets quiet again. It continues to work. I can sing it from another room, or if someone else is holding him. No other songs work the same
way. Of course it doesn't work when he's really hungry and
cranky, but otherwise... Sometimes in the car I've sung it over and over for 20 minutes or more to keep him happy.
Name: Rob-- Ohio
Wow, I feel like a snot nosed punk sitting reading about all the stories of you great folks. I would just like to share a story of how I turned an entire high school on to John Prine:
Back when I was in high school (I'm 23 now) I started listening to John Prine. And believe me, I was the black sheep. All my buddies were into rap and all that fake garbage. But thankfully my dad and my uncle had some good sense and turned me on to the likes of John Prine, Jimmy
Buffett, Jerry Jeff Walker and Gordon Lightfoot at a young age. I loved this type of music and it was great for a budding young guitarist because its fairly simple. Anyways, I began taking my guitar to parties and and I added a few Prine ditties to my set (Saddle In the Rain, Illegal Smile, Sabu Visits..., and Sam Stone originally). Whether it was the beer, the dope, the pills or a combination, by the end of the summer I found all these rap fans sitting around a fire singing John Prine songs. Then pretty soon I would hear someone with a Prine CD playing in their car. Pretty soon I was being asked to come to parties and play Prine songs and everyone loved them. I continued my little minstrel show through college and I have converted countless doubters.
John Prine has helped me through alot of tuff times, battles with addiction and women, and being addicted to women!!! LOL But most importantly he's taught me that there's gonna be more bad times, and to just take them in stride...and just whistle and go
fishin'
thanks alot John!!
P.S. not all young Prine fans are jack ass alcoholics but I can understand where your coming from!
Name: Sue Philadelphia, Pa
The first time I saw John Prine I was a young shapely girl, and my date was a long haired hippie, sort of rough looking guy. I think it was in 1978 . We saw him at a free concert at Penns Landing in
Phila. I have to admit I had never heard of John prior to going to this concert. Thought my date was just some sort of cheapskate or something. Fooled me! I had the best time of my life at this concert. So, you know what I did? I married that cheapskate! He already owned every album ( yes album) John had recorded. A couple of years passed and we took our daughter to see John. Our daughters grew up singing Prine! Was fortunate enough to have seen him a couple of more times when he was in town. Last time we saw him it was myself, my husband and our youngest daughter who was I guess about 15 at the time. Now tonight I am going to go see him again at the Mann. Only this time the long haired hippie guy is bald and I am a middled aged chubby woman who will have to wear my glasses in order to see him! I can't wait! thanks for the memories, Mr. Prine.
Name: Devota, New Brunswick, Canada
There are many, many dedicated, long-time John Prine fans in the Maritime provinces of Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island). We often talk about and wish that he'd come here, especially with Iris Dement - that'd be a great show. Can you please comment on why he dosen't do shows east of Montreal in Canada?? Please John we wanna see you here.
Name: nancy parker-walters ludowici, ga
LAST YEAR MY BROTHER, COUSIN AND I WENT TO THE LUCAS THEATRE IN SAVANNAH,GA TO SEE THE LEGEND... WHAT CAN I SAY? I WAS TURNED ON TO JOHN PRINE IN 75 AND HAVE BEEN SINGING WITH HIM EVER SINCE... ALL OF MY GOOD TIMES HAVE BEEN SERENADED BY PRINE, WALKER AND CLARK AND BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY I'VE HAD GOOD TIMES! ANYWAY...I THINK THAT THE CAPACITY CROWD IN SAVANNAH SURPRISED AND TICKLED JOHN...AND I KNOW THAT WE WERE TICKLED THAT HE WAS TICKLED! I HAVE TO SAY THAT IT IS THE ONLY CONCERT THAT I HAVE EVER BEEN TO THAT EVERYBODY SANG EVERY SONG AT THE TOP OF THEIR LUNGS WITH A SMILE ON THEIR FACES AND TEARS IN THEIR EYES FROM THE FLOOD OF MEMORIES! WHAT A GREAT FELLOW! WHAT A GREAT TALENT! "HAPPY ENCHILADAS" Y'ALL!
Name: Ashley McBroom
Dear john Prine
Hello my name is Ashley i am 15 years old and i have been listening to your music forever. i love it! well i live in minnesota and i was really SAD to find out that your concert is sold out. i was really hoping to get tickets because my birthday is the day after your concert. that was going to be my birthday presant from my parents. well i was kinda hoping that you would maybe be able to help me out here. in return i will get up on stage and sing thats the way that the world goes round if that helps! i really hope you get this message. please write me back at
Broomy244@aol.com or mail me a letter in the mail 3674 121 ave NW
coon rapids mn 55433.
thanks a bunch
your youngest fan
ashley Mcbroom. (ps) it a happy enchilada and you think your gonna drowned. even thought its a half of inch of water.
Name: Stan Laundon
Earlier this month (December) I traveled from my home in Spain to England for the first time in six years - just to see John Prine in concert. I have been retired in Spain now for almost eight years having moved out here after working for the BBC for 23 years. Twenty-one of those years I was a country deejay and had the pleasure of playing John's music on my
program "Country Time" on BBC Radio Cleveland. Imagine my delight through the internet and the JPShrine I discovered he was due to play a date in Newcastle. Well, it cost me a return airline ticket, hotel accommodation and concert tickets - but it was worth ever penny just to see the man I'd admired and respected all those years. Incredible to say the least! John was on stage for 140 MINUTES - two hours and ten minutes - and his concert to me ranked in the top four I've seen in the 43 years I have been following country music. After the show John made himself available to those fans who'd stayed behind to meet him. He was a gentlemen through and through. He posed for photographs, chatted freely and signed autographs. Friday, December 7th, 2001 in Newcastle, England will be one night I personally will not forget. Still a fan at 58? You bet! I'll get a photo to the Shrine eventually. Thanks again John Prine. Brilliant.
Name: Patty
As I sit and listen to my Prime Prine CD for the zillionth time, I thought wait a minute there must be some sort of Web. site for John Prine. The reason this is important is because, my son, who is 3 1/2 years old, sings almost all the songs on the CD from memory. Every thing from Sam Stone, which of course is not really a preschooler sort of song but has historical and cultural merit to Dear Abbey and what my son calls the River Song. Stuart is such a fan I thought that John Prine should know.. He has change some of the lyrics here and there. the one part of note: "Grandma was a teacher, she went to school in
Bowling Green, (and this is were Stuart adds his own part, remember he is only 3 1/2 years old) she tried to milk a cow with a snow machine." Instead of trading in the cow for a singer sewing machine.
Back in 1982, I was driving in Eastern WA.. when I heard John Prine for the first time He has been part of my life ever since and I have nurtured a Prine fanatic. I know that you are unable to predict the upcoming schedule, but we would enjoy your
sporadic newsletter, which should have tour dates. I asked my son what he would like to say to John Prine and well what he says to every body this time of year is , "I want a fiestation house for Christmas. He figures if he asks every body that one should appear in due time. Enough rambling, just wanted to let you know that there is a fanatic John Prine fan out there and he has been singing his songs since at least 2 years old.
Happy Holidays
Patty
Name: LEMESA DAVIES
I'M IN LOVE, SEEN JOHN LOTS. I ACTUALLY MARRIED ONE. NEXT TIME I WANT TO MEET HIM. TIME BEFORE LAST AT NASHVILLE RIVER STAGES I GOT A WINK, NEXT TIME I'D LIKE TO GET TO WINK BACK. IF ONLY YOU KNEW!
GOOD-NIGHT FROM GEORGIA.
Name: csmith_100@hotmail.com
I have always been a fan of folk music, but somehow, throughout my college days and afterwards, I missed out on John Prine. In probably '85 or '86 he was in Tulsa at our Amphitheatre. He was there along with Arlo Guthrie, who I had actually gone there to see. He came out on stage and after his first song, I knew I had stumbled upon something different and special. The day after the concert I went out and bought every cassette that our biggest music store carried, which turned out to be quite a lot of cassettes. I couldn't believe I had missed out for so long. I now have most on CD and got the Anthology for Christmas the year before last. I probably know all his songs by heart, as long as I can sing along. I saw John again at the Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa in the '90s along with Heather Eatman, another something I had missed. I enjoyed that concert all the more because I knew all his songs by then and felt a real kinship with the rest of the fans.
I wouldn't trade my awakening for anything. I listen to John when I'm sad and he makes me laugh. I listen to John on the road and he makes the trip seem like a treat. I will love his music and lyrics until the day I die.
Name: Jake
Is it just me or are John Prine shows attracting more annoying drunks than ever before? Needless to say, I'm a huge fan. I've been going to see the Man for about 25 years now. The last 2 years or so have become increasingly less enjoyable. John is better than ever, it's the new fans I believe. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy having a beer and smoking a fatty just as much as the next guy. But "Sam Stone" isn't the appropriate time to yell out to your drunk buddy sitting 20 rows away. And "Hello in There" isn't the right time to continuously yell at john that you love him. You're there so he probably knows you like him. 6 O'clock News also isn't the time to climb/fall over people so you can "dance". Don't ruin wonderful songs and their moments for everyone else. These examples aren't from 1 or 2 shows, it's been EVERY show over the last few years. If you can't handle your booze, go hang outside the venue and listen. I've noticed john getting annoyed on a few occasions lately. No, I'm not getting too old. Just a little more respect for Prine and his true fans is needed. Anyone else think this?
Name: Ray White , Chicago IL
One of the highlights of my life was taking a piss in the urinal next to John Prine, at the Iron Rail in Chicago, in the mid 1970's. John appeared as a "Special Guest" of lead guitarist John Burns and The Famous Potatoes Band. It was a totally rockin show and although I saw John preform several times befor that night and many more times afterwards, it was a tremendous thrill to see him play in an intimate venue like the Iron Rail. I don't remember speaking to John in the bathroom. I was kinda drunk and I didn't think John wanted to shake hands just then. He just seemed to want to relieve himself in peace. You can hardly blame a guy for that. God Bless John Prine and his family.
Name: Ken Hall. Liverpool.U.K.
Many thanks for the last 12 months of info etc. Saw
the great man in NEWCASTLE .U.K. with Chip Taylor .A
MAGICAL 2Hrs,45mins. still haven't come down yet. Have a great Christmas and new year.
Name: Dave Ellis
I met someone last night after a gig that said she was the webmistress for the Prine Shrine. Is that you? Didn't know there was a such a site, but I'm glad I found it. I love singing and playing John Prine songs...I always feel a little smarter afterwards. Our duo, The Fry Daddies cover quite a few Prine songs, as do I when I play solo. If anybody lives around the Quad Cities and would like to be on our mailing list, let me know.
Name: Jeannie
I'm not sure how cool it is, but I just wanted to register as a fan. Although, I must say, it sorta sucks that I seem to be alone in this. I try very hard to convert people, and they say "why are you listening to country music?". I don't see it that way, but NYers are a tough
crowd. Anyway, I'm trucking to Trenton to see the man in March, I can't wait!
Name: TOM FLEURY - FL
JOHN PRINE PLAYING DRUMS ON DEAR ABBY WITH STEVE GOODMAN, DAVE MASON AND DOUG SAHM - UPSTAIRS AT MAX'S KANSAS CITY, NYC.
Name: tmcintyr9 - Canada
I was introduced to Prine's music by a friend and immediately was hooked.
It would be so awesome if he could come to Vancouver or even better if he could come to Mission's Clarke foundation
theatre. I hope my prayers will be answered! John sings the truth and is an excellent story
teller. Long live Prine!!!!!!!!!!!
Name: Erica - MD
When is John Prine coming to the Washington, DC area??! We want our "Angel from Montgomery!"
Name: Al - Queensland, Australia
http://al_smith.tripod.com
Hay Gals and guys from an Aussie at the most east point of Oz. Played Sam Stone bulk times while I was
giggin'. last week picked up my first recording of John. a vinyl self titled I think. It has no cover.
So kewl.Made me think about the tricks Bob Dylan maybe learnt off ya. X. Al
Name: Andy
The first time I heard John Prine's music was when I was a bout 7 and my dad was listening to "The Missing Years". I am now 12 years old and
I'm still not tired of his music. Whenever I go to my cottage my dad plays all his songs. My dad plays them because he likes his music and I like it too. I just hope some day
I can go to your concert. KEEP ON SINGING JOHN!!!!!!!!!!!!
Name: Don Morris - Chicago
Lat year, I think, maybe it was in 2000, I went to Nashville to see a friend of mine, Scotty Melton, play a gig at the Suttler, along with Justin Earle and Emmylou's daughter and a band called "Les Honky and the Mo' Tonkies". It was a strange night in Nashville, I thought, because it snowed like a big dog that night.
Anyway the night started off with my son and I sitting right in the front row not three feet away from the performers and right next to Emmylou's ex-husband (her daughters father). At one point Emmylou, who had shown up to see her daughter perform, came up to talk to her ex and my son
accidentally tripped her and she came "that close" to falling in my lap.
The place was filled with great performers, Steve Earle had come to see Justin play. Several other big names had come to be seen I guess.
Anyway I had graciously been allowed to record the performances off the board and at one point had gotten up to change the minidisc. As I walked back to the board, who do I see sitting at a table in a back corner but John Prine, quietly sipping a beer. He had apparently been down the walk playing pool and had come in for a cold one.
It would be an understatement to say I thought I'd died and gone to heaven - John Prine - my word, and just sitting there having a beer.
Out of respect for his privacy, and because I was three feet off the ground, I left him to his business and I went about mine.
Les Honky finally came on and played a Prine song, in kind of a punk-rock tempo and I think forced John to leave out of fear they might do another one.
Soon enough everyone had done their songs and Ryan and I were on our way back to Chicago. Now a trip from Chicago to Nashville and back, in the snow, in one night might seem excessive to some, but to see performances like this and to see John Prine in person in "real life" made it worth the effort.
You might think I am going to say that seeing John was the high point of the night, but you know it, wasn't. The thought, which stays with me even today, of how close Emmylou came to sitting in my lap was the high point of the night, but seeing John Prine was a real close second.
Thanks for being here John you make my life brighter.
Name: Arnie & La Rue Araujo - Manteca, Ca.
We have not seen JP in years. Arnie was in the army with JP and they became a very good friends. We miss him and would like to see him. We
recently moved from Fremont, California to Manteca, California. How
can we contact JP?
Name: Connie Blackburn Augusta, West Virginia
Went to see Prine/Goodman at Capon Bridge WV in Mid-70's. A friend of mine was staying at the Green Lantern Motel where all the acts stayed. he was sitting on the Bed, door open, playing a Prine song and looked up to see John standing at the door! Danny still plays all JP songs. My kids were also at the concert - ages 3yrs and 1 yr, and are still JP fans. They turned a LOT of their friends on to him over the years. Now my grandkids ( 9,4,and3) are getting acquainted with his music. When my son passed away in 94 we played some Prine at the viewing, as he was a tremendous fan! Keep on writing the thought provoking and oh so true stuff! A lot of his songs give us a new prospective on things. It's almost like WWJD means What Would John Do. He is so accepting and throws no blame and is
totally non-judgmental in his music.
Name: Connie Blackburn Augusta, West Virginia
Went to see Prine/Goodman at Capon Bridge WV in Mid-70's. A friend of mine was staying at the Green Lantern Motel where all the acts stayed. he was sitting on the Bed, door open, playing a Prine song and looked up to see John standing at the door! Danny still plays all JP songs. My kids were also at the concert - ages 3yrs and 1 yr, and are still JP fans. They turned a LOT of their friends on to him over the years. Now my grandkids ( 9,4,and3) are getting acquainted with his music. When my son passed away in 94 we played some Prine at the viewing, as he was a tremendous fan! Keep on writing the thought provoking and oh so true stuff! A lot of his songs give us a new prospective on things. It's almost like WWJD means What Would John Do. He is so accepting and throws no blame and is totally non-judgmental in his music.
Name: Shelley Toronto Canada
I first time I saw John was in Buffalo NY. He was great of course. My older bother was a great fan and I fell in love with him too. I am now going to see him in Austin where I am living now. It's been about 20 years and I can't believe it has been that long. A John Prine concert is way over due. It just proves that time doesn't change your feelings about great music. It is timeless. Thanks John
Name: Kathleen Zahn - NJ
Dear Mr. Prine,
I just went to see you last night in Trenton, N.J. It was a wonderful evening for us. I don't
often get to go out for an evening. I have 4 kids and I need to be home, so I don't have much of a
social life. Last night was a "SOUVENIR" for me. That song makes me cry. You have such a
beautiful way about yourself, that you made me feel beautiful and happy singing along with you last night. I know that I will always remember last night as one of the most incredible nights of my life. I am so grateful for the chance to have seen you in person and actually experience you and your gift. I guess what I am trying to say is ...... THANK YOU!
God bless you.
Name: buka , endless mountains, Pennsylvania, USA
saw John Prine once in Philly with another favorite of mine ,Nanci Griffith
.......it was just the best, goodtimes, my story goes back to high school my senior talent show,
I sang " your flag decal won't get you into heaven anymore" that was 1979.
I'm still a fan , I still dig his music, and I am the fishin musician,............fish on john
Prine
Name: Erin-Colorado
I am only 14 years old and I love your music John! My dad listens to this music all the time and when I started listening to it I couldn't stop! Everyone my age listens to rap and pop but I can't stop listening to the BEST SINGER EVER~~JOHN PRINE!!!! LOVE YA JOHN!!!!
-Erin
Name: DEBBIE HOPE HON
BOYOH BOY11HAVE I GOT A FEW STORIES I COULD TELL ? IT HAS BEEN A FEW YEARS A FEW11 LIKE OH MAYBE 20 YEARS11 SO LET ME
STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE,,,,THE FIRST TIME I MET JOHN PRINE HE WAS PLAYING INA BAR DOWN IN
NASHVILLE WITH A FRIEND OF MINE THAT WAS PLAYING BASS WITH HIM, SHE INTRODUCED ME TO HIM.
THEN HE CALLED ME WHEN I GOT BACK TO ILLINOIS, HE WAS GONNA BE PLAYING IN
MUHLENBERG COUNTY WITH THE EVERLY BROTHERS, SO I MADE PLANS TO HOOK UP WITH HIM THAT
WEEKEND. WELL I GOT DOWN THERE LATE-AS USUAL AND THOUGHT THAT MAYBE I HAD MISSED HIM. THEN I SE THIS PARADE COMING THROUGH SO I HAD TO PULL OVER. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD SOMEONE CALLING OUT MY NAME !! THANK GOD IT WAS MR. PRINE CAUSE I
DIDN'T KNOW ONE PERSON OUT THERE IN THAT CROWD, SO JOHN WAIVED AT ME AND GAVE ME A BIG GRIN
AND I KNEW IT WAS GONNA BE OK!! IT WAS A helloffanight THE NIGHT JOHN PRINE WALKED IN ....THANKS JOHN ....HAD A GREAT TIME!!! AND THAT WAS JUST THE FIRST TIME I MET HIM'!!! FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT
D. HOPE HON AT 618-265-3697 623 CO. .RD. 1200 N. CARMI, IL. 62821
HOP
Name: DAN
1976 heard John Prine album. smoked alot of pot and drank alot of beer. 2002 no pot smoking or beer drinking but john is still on my turntable thanks John
Name: Tara - Adelaide, South Australia
I don't know how big Kasey Chambers is getting in America, although I do suspect a lot bigger than John is here in Australia. Anyway she is doing her bit to make him the household name he should be. She regularly covers 'If I Could' and 'In Spite of Ourselves' with James Gillard. Kasey sings these songs great, but the thing I like best about her singing John's songs is that more and more people are hearing his music. It might even encourage more people to buy his albums, and the more sales in Australia may even convince him it's worth touring here again. I can only dream, can't I? 'In Spite of Ourselves' is certainly getting talked about. Thanks for letting me have my say.
Name: Julie Cassidy, Victoria, Australia
G'day. I am an Aussie John Prine fan. In fact I have only come across 2 other Aussies who have heard of, much less love John's work. So, unfortunately, John Prine will never tour here. My husband often tells the story of how on my first visit to New Orleans in 1998 we passed by the House of Blues in Jackson Ave I think. I looked on the blackboard and nearly wet myself - it said John Prine was playing ... until I worked out he played the night before. We had been in New Orleans for a couple of days prior. My husband says I stared at the blackboard endlessly hoping with all my heart the dates would change. But of course they did not. Now I have found this web site I hope when I next visit the US later this year I will be able to track down a live performance. Thank you to those behind the site.
Name: Dave Schmitz, Indiana
Am I alone in thinking that John's Hobo Song is as much of a classic as others he has written, but you never much mentioned about it. are there others out there with my view. Thank You
Name: Jeri Mosinee, Wisconsin
MMMMMMM, John Prine Stories, well there are many, my best friend and I head up to the North woods of Wisconsin, St. Germain area, Eagle River, and The only music we bring along is of course, John Prine. John has been on many a camping trips with us. He seems to bring out the best in us, especially up North, where we can put on our "ILLEGAL SMILES".
I have John Prine on many occasions, and as many as I could. My life long dreams are to meet John Prine, and to see every Baseball park in the United States. I only have 24 more to
go, MMMMMMM, that is also the number of times I have seen John. Wow!! What a coincidence. Well John, You just keep singin' and we will keep enjoying. Always Love you and your Music. Jeri
JBlumenstein@msn.com
Name: Bud-Manchester, Tn
I first started listening to John Prine in the early 70's and I am sure John remembers like I, when radio stations would not play his music during this time. However, I did get to catch John as I grew up in Nashville, many, many times at an establishment called the Exit-In. It seems to me that during this time the country stations would not play his songs because they were too "rock" and the rock stations would not play them hardly because they were too "country". There was no such thing as crossover music then, as you were either country or rock, and John is to be admired for his
perseverance in staying with his style of music, much to the delight of this long-time fan and the numerous fans he has made now that he does get some air time. Thank you John, for continuing doing music your way, to me it seems that with almost each and every song, you have painted a picture with your words and music.
Name: - PA
Shrimp Spine
Praline nuggets
Alpine.
If my name were Brian.
I'd be Brian Prine.
(:))
A friend from work supplied to me my first Prine albums. 3 of them.
Sweet Revenge. The Missing Years. and, Lost Dogs and mixed blessings.
(:))
Name: Sue from PA
Dear John,
This is the first fan letter I've ever drafted (and I'm 44 years old). You just can't tell what
the Lord has in store for you, and I don't want my time to go to "come and go" without letting you
know the influence you've had on my life.
I was around twenty when I first heard your music. We were sitting out back at "Bigg's" house.
Biggs had been paralyzed from the shoulders down as the result of a skiing accident a couple years
prior, and had a group of about 10 very close friends from the neighborhood who would meet to
party out back of his house every week-end. A couple of the guys would bring guitars. Biggs was my
younger brother's closest friend. I was getting reacquainted with my family and old friends after
having spent several years in the company of other drug addicts.
My brother invited me this one evening to stop by Bigg's with my friend Peg. It was he who had
convinced me that you can't win the respect of others until you gain some respect for yourself. We
joined this group of friends that particular evening, and Steve Pulkowski played and sang "Sam
Stone". The words to that song entered my heart that night and have lived on there ever since. I
never again went any further than an occasional joint, and have been completely free to even that
for 20 years. All because of a song?
During the years since that time I've raised a couple of sons on my own, and was recently blessed
with a daughter. I've endured many hardships (a failed marriage, a child with severe medical
problems, being dismissed due to "downsized" after 22 years with the same company). Your music
provides encouragement to realize that people just have to persevere through the good and the bad. Look
at Biggs. He wound up getting his MBA, because he refused to ever feel sorry for himself. Now
that's the way that the world goes round!
I found Jesus somewhere along the way. In learning how to be an effective Christian, it's most
important to love others as yourself. Sharing love and friendship with the needy, and in particular
old people results in the greatest of life's rewards. What great stories and experiences they
share. Hello in there, helloooooo.
I could go on and on (and on), but really just want to say thanks. You probably saved me from a
life of complete misery, and if not that, you certainly have made a difference in my life. God
bless you Mr. Prine!
Name: Randa in Iowa
JP is really cool me and my brother Justin write songs and he's kind of an inspiration to me by the way my brother's eight and I'm twelve we listen to his music all the time!!!!
Name: Tom Brutkiewicz tomster9@aol.com
Back in 1976 I was returning from lunch in my car and Your Flag decal came on the radio. This was the first time I had ever heard a JP song. I sat in the parking lot and listened to the whole song. Then the DJ announced who the artist was and I went to a record store that evening and bought my first John Prine album. I'm proud to say I've been a fan ever since. I do play guitar some and do some of his songs as well as other artists. My wife tells me that the JP songs sound the best out of the other artists songs I
do. (personally I think its because of the warmth in his lyrics and music) Anyway, John if you read these I would like to thank you for the warmth of your songs that you convey so well in a few lyrics. I'm sure that if I got to know you you'd be like a brother. While at my last JP show in Melbourne, Fl 2 weeks ago I couldn't help but feel sad thinking about the feeling in your songs about your divorce. I mean you
exposing your inner feelings. Although I'm glad you've written these for all to experience. I don't know how exactly you come up with these
emotions in a few words but, I'm damn glad you do. Keep it up John and most of all keep your heart. Yours truly, The Tomster
Name: buddy_mobile
In 1980 John was doing a concert at the University of South Alabama in Mobile Alabama. John was unplugged and barred from continuing because the student body MIGHT have been drinking on campus. I will always remember the concert even though it was cut short.
Name:
Helen Hendricks-Kansas
I was introduced to John Prine music from an internet chat buddy a couple of years ago. Since then I have acquired several of his cd's. I had the wonderful opportunity to get to see John in Louisville, Kentucky October 12, 2001 with Pat McLaughlin. What a remarkable and memorable performance. I just loved seeing his sons come out on stage and join him and his lovely wife. I almost passed up his new dvd and I am so glad that I decided to go back and get it. It was
definitely worth purchasing. Every inch of the 2000 + miles round trip (I wont mention how many was spent looking for Paradise, KY) was one of the best trips I have taken. I am so glad I have found his music to enlighten my life. Thank you John.
Name:
American in Hanoi
Hey All You ---- ...didn't hear about NYC until a few days later.. me and my guitar case had been around the Laos/Cambodian border and, well, it takes a few days to get to a phone or comp. down there on the flooded Mekong... when we all started hearing rumors, and there were 10 or so
travelers from about as many countries, we just scratched our heads and hung out and the other American, a guy from San Francisco, had a guitar too... we made a lot of good times drinkin' BeerLao and rice whiskey and playin' Prine's songs back 'n forth... an old German of a legend named Peiter who looked like "Gandolf the Wizard" just loved all the JP tunes... especially "Aw Heck" and "That's the Way...." and "Speed of the sound..." etc. and we played so many and when we all started going different directions I can't even say now how many people asked me to write
Prine's name down so they can hear more... Prine's the most requested one I'll get asked about, always!! So all this stuffs goin' on and we found ways to keep on keepin' on and JP's stuff is one of the ways we could all come together instead of all just going crazy with all our natural responses and uncertainties.. Coincidentally there's now a couple bars in Hanoi with some of John's stuff, "the Haystack debut" as well as "Bruised Orange"-- and I hope to be playin' him live here as well..
Thanks JP and all you other fans who support the stuff he does and has done!! Hope to see you in Ireland in December!
Name:
Tabitha Montgomery-Tennessee
I first heard John Prine's music from my brother. He was quite a few years older than I was. He had (I think) every piece of music that John Prine put out. He loved his music. Due to a long illness, my brother passed away this past May. I miss him so much. I have his music of John Prine now. Whenever I get to missing my brother, I go to the stereo and pop in a John Prine tape. Although I cry, it is good tears because I can see my brother singing his songs as loud as he could with the silliest grin on his face. Thank you John Prine for giving my brother so much joy with your music while he was here. He loved your music and it brought him hours of joy. Thank you!
Name: Terry M. Munson - MN
I have one of John's old guitar cases. It still has the airline sticker with his name and address on it. I'm a letter carrier for the USPS, on my route one day I saw the case in a porch, I asked what they planned to do with it. The gal told me about the case and asked if I wanted it, of course I did. She said she got it from one of Johns tuners while he was doing a show in Alaska. Its in poor shape with some duct tape on it but I like it anyway.
Name: scott wannberg - california
Through the debris of the world
through the tense night
the music of John Prine
walks you down the long hall
toward the rhythm of the heart
and the children who thrive there.
Through the hurting language
through the hard of hearing rhetoric
the songs of John Prine
are resonant islands of longitude and latitude
where you come home to yourself
and the music that lives inside your being.
Name: John Gianoulis - New Jersey
Dear Reeda, I'm Listenin' to John for hours now..... My 16 year old daughter, Diana started by watching studio 54 dvd, her favorite. I am so blessed by having children that love John on their own. and by having you to write to. I live in New jersey and john has not been here in years, I drove 7 hours to Vermont last weekend to see John with my family and it was worth every minute. He is the best most real songwriter ever. The Prine and Dement set is on as I write.
Thank you John..... Thank you Reeda....
Name:
Nicky Kellar
"In Spite of Ourselves" is now a regularly requested song on the Honky Tonk show on WOJB FM in Northwestern WI. I hesitated to play it in a classic country format, now that I have, it's the most requested song on Saturday nights. I've listened to John Prine myself since the first album, always a fan. Nicky Kellar
Name: Steve Cole
Just a note to say that I was blown away when John played for almost 2 and 1/2 hours at Humboldt State University last Monday night. John, it amazes me that you can sing your songs for that length of time. You have all the words and tunes in your head and they all come out with emotion that I can feel. Thank you for playing and singing for us here behind the redwood curtain.
Name:
Angus MacInnis
Hello
I would like to know what John Prine thinks of this ugly situation in New York.
Just today I was feeling overwhelmed by the images of the carnage I thought I could find some comfort by listening to John but it didn't
help, even though during personal troubles Johns music would make me feel at
ease. I know that John is a proud American and he should be because he represents real
Americans Real people. Real people don't want to fight they want to love and protect. I know it's hard not to wish for quick revenge against the guilty but I hope the
American people will take the high road and look for the cause of this insanity.
For what it's worth from what I have seen and heard Canadians are feeling Your
pain. I hope the world will learn from this.
Name: Don Farrell
Picture this, sun setting over the river, loving wife by my side, cold beer in hand, JP walks on
stage, first strum and a chill runs down my spine. I have been to about 50 different concerts and attending JP at the Ottawa Folk Festival sort of makes me feel like I wasted a lot of money over the years at these other
things. I have been a fan for over twenty years and will be until the day I take the big trip to the other
side (hopefully I will be able to take my CDs with me) Keep on truckin' JP and please come back to honour us in Ottawa and the valley with your excellent thought grabbing tunes.
bye bye
Name: Jim Cockrum
If I am right (one hell of an assumption), and John Prine is not and has never been a member of the Grand Ole Opry, this crime must be corrected, and my suggestion is that you start a campaign to correct it! Unless he does not want to be a member, no one who is not is more deserving.
Name: sidney crist
dear, John Prine I am 7 years old. I now all of your songs!! my Daddy and me watched you on sessions at west 54th street Iris Dement was on there with
you. When she left you said ladys and gentlmen Iris Dement I love Iris Dement man and we taped it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
Name: Robert G. Wilson III
John Prine. Steve Earle is the only one who comes remotely close in his songwriting abilities. How can one person put so much meaning in such few words? I have every album you have ever done except "Pink
Cadillac". So much truth in those songs. we all try to digest them.
Anyway, John, please don't scare us to death again. We need your music and your insight into life!
Name: Abbie
My Dad is a loyal John Prine Fan. My parents went to see his concert when they were dating, and I was named after the song, "Dear Abby". I have listened to his music since I was born, and will till the day I die. I've made friends just by listening to him in my car. Someone will recognize a song and say, "Hey, you know about John Prine? He's great!" I just wanted to say thanks for being the Musician that you are from your biggest 19 year old fan.
Name: Steve Moloney
Countless nights I stand at my screen door and stare at the world outside. As tears leak from my cheeks I wonder if anyone in this big ole' goofy world understands the sadness inside my head.
John Prine does.
Thank you, John, for always being there for us with your words and wisdom.
I'll be in the audience on 10/12 in Louisville. Thank you for coming to see us.
Name: Joanne Lias Taylor - Bolton, Lancashire
John Prine came to Manchester, England to play the Bridgewater Hall,
with Todd Snider earlier this year (2001). In my opinion, it had to be the most entertaining evening the Bridgewater Hall had ever hosted. The venue was about 3/4 full and most of those knew of Prine's work. Those who didn't I'm sure have since been converted ... He got a fantastic reception and for me and my dad who took me, (MY DAD WHO JUST HAPPENS TO PLAY JOHN PRINE STUFF IN OUR LOCAL PUB WITH HIS
BAND) the night just could have gone on and on.. Top band, top support and Top John Prine !!!! When are you coming back ??? Soon we hope !!!!
Name: Roger Chaulk - Calgary,Alberta
My brother introduced me to John Prine when I was just 12 years old.
The very first song that I ever heard was "Grandpa Was A Carpenter",
and I was hooked. Its been 21 years since that day, and my love of your
music has never changed.
Its seen me trough some bad times, sad times, and some hella'va good times.
Thanks John. Keep em coming.
P.S. You have gotta come to Calgary Canada some time. Roger
Send in Your Prine Story HERE
|
