I GET LETTERS 2005

This page is where the good stuff is stashed or
"Yes Virginia, there really is a John Prine"
Grab a few fingers and go write HERE

Last updated03/05/06

Name: erin griffin
the only artist i can honestly listen too all day, all year, for the rest of my life and not want to throw out the window after three albums. CLassic, classy, combustible PRINE ALL THE TIME

Name: brian trenton, ont.canada
think your music is great,my brother used to play it all the time and i got hooked on it now i find myself going around work and home trying to sing it.my brother passed away in 1996 and i really miss hearing him playing your music.he was a true prine shriner if anyone was .keep up the great work.

Name: Bill & Jennifer Gilmer
My husband and I are big fans! We are having our house remodeled and our contractor is an even bigger fan. He plays your music, John, so beautifully that it makes our hearts sing. We would love to have you come to our house in March (near Washington D.C.) and join us in a celebration of Jeff, our contractor's, finished product, which happens to be our home. John, my brother who is a talent agent knows your agent, and he said that it would cost us many unaffordable thousands to have you come and play at our party. We are writing in a desperate attempt to beg and plead for you to make an appearance. We have some money to offer, but, more importantly, we have admiration and love to give and share with you!!! Jeff, our contractor, will be forever grateful to have you in our presence! This is a shot in the dark, but, knowing you and your kind heart, we hold a flame of hope that you may take us up on our offer, or, at the very least, make contact with us!! nipgilmer@verizon.net is our email address. Hope to hear from the king of poetry and music...Bill and Jennifer

Name: Andy Bailor - Houston, TX
Yeah, my mom was good friends with him before I was even born, so I grew up hearing his music as a kid. I'm looking for an address so mom and I can send some letters...I remember a couple of years ago he sent me a letter with some kind words and a few autographs. As soon as he comes down to Texas again I'll be in the front row. I like most how he can write the saddest, deepest songs in the world, such as Sam Stone, and then go right into humorous tracks like Jesus, the Missing Years.

Name: Courtney Bartlett- Bay D'Espoir Newfoundland Canada
Having been introduced to John Prine at an age that I cant even remember by my father, who is a huge fan, 24 years old I find myself playing and singing his songs which I have been listening to for 24 years . . ha I was fortunate to experience a concert with my family it was nice to finally be able to listen to him in person which was an incredible experience! Your songs are great and they touch a certain part of everyone who has the privilege of hearing them! Everything is Cool! Courtney Bartlett

Name: Seamus Rooney Belfast
Oh I forgot to ask. Does anyone out there know what type of guitars he plays in his concerts. Both acoustic - one seems to have been around for a while and the lighter coloured one sounds like a Gibson. I couldn't get close enough to see so if anyone knows.... Just interested - I'm a bit of a n Anorak ...Seamus there is guitar information in this site follow the link- http://www.jpshrine.org/red/gits/index.html 

Name: Seamus Rooney Belfast
Went to see JP in Concert in Belfast last night. Great venue - purpose built Concert Hall and he was just awesome. The music is so simple and yet totally effective. him on Acoustic guitar, a dude who's name I've forgotten on Double Bass and jason ? on Electric Guitar. Atmosphere was truly electric and standing ovations were the order of the evening. Sam Stone was so powerful with the "new" voice and Hello in There had me in tears. I notice he has just another 3 dates finishing in the West of Ireland so i guess he's going to stay in his Irish home for a while and rest. I reckon he probably needs it because I think he tires dramatically through using his voice so much - if you know what i mean. I've always been a deeply committed fan and just love the man's music and words. He really is on the top of his form and I cant wait for him to come back. By the way, its the first time I've really seen his audience - what a bunch of sorry looking individuals - including me of course!

Name: Anita Lightfoot - Madison, WI
I've seen a great many concerts over the years given by a wide variety of artists...but... It is my very humble opinion that John (I hope he doesn't mind me calling him by his first name... he feels like family) is by far one of THE best on stage (above and beyond recording mediums, of course) - his music is incredible, touching the hearts of anyone listening... We've been fans for years and have made it to all of his concerts when he's in Madison, Wisconsin. Our kids (20 and 22) are huge fans now and sing along with us when we play his songs - which is all the time! Here's my story from last year's performance... When we heard John was coming to Madison, we had the idea of purchasing ten tickets to get a bunch of friends together for an evening. However, the week before tickets went on sale, my husband found out he was laid off... Even that didn't stop us entirely... In the end, being laid off was a blessing in disguise because that enabled him to be first in line when tickets went on sale, getting two front row center tickets... Imagine.......... The experience sticks with me to this day, putting a smile on my face whenever I go back in time. It was a dream come true... I felt like he was singing to me alone......... no one else was in the place...... Oh, yeah, and my husband thanks you too! ;-) If it were in my power, I could easily purchase 50 tickets and find enough folks to come along for the ride. It's a start, isn't it? If there's anything I could do to get him to drop by, let me know. I'd happily do whatever it takes to bring him back!!! May you rock 'n' roll for years and years to come! Anita Lightfoot
 

Name: Derek Elder, Edinburgh, Scotland
After years of failing to see John in concert, my brother and I got to join a hall full of fifty-somethings and their kids in Glasgow on 1 November to hear John and his band. It was well worth the wait. Sam Stone remains brilliant and poignant, but there's a lot of wordly-wise and wry observation in the rest of the set and the kind of music that comes only from good musicians playing well and enjoying themselves too. Try some!
 

Name: Chuck Micallef Newcastle-u-Lyme U.K.
It was 1988 and Mariposa Folk Festival (Barrie Ontario Canada) was in full swing. I had been a devout fan of John Prine for16 years at that time. My good friend Ron Dann who was playing pedal steel with one of the acts, had given me his back stage pass and I nervously but with resolve made my way to the access gate. When I got back stage I mulled around a bit then bumped into John Allan Cameron. While we were chatting I mentioned to him that John Prine had been a hero of mine since I first heard his debut album and asked if he would do me the honour of introducing us. As luck would have it, Mr. Prine was walking close by. John Allan asked me to stand were I was and he approached him with my request. My eyes were fixed on Mr. Prine as he was looking at the ground listening to John Allan. Lifting his head, he looked over at me then with his characteristic smile, he came walking over to shake my hand. It was a short conversation but one that I'll remember for along time. It was a really great moment meeting the guy who had inspired me for so many years. I'll be attending his concert at The Symphony Hall in Birmingham on October 28th and no doubt many of my life milestone memories will come flooding back with each song that he sings. I am really looking forward to it.
 

Name: Arline Fawcett--ST Petersburg FL, Center of the Universe
Fifteen years ago I migrated south from New England for the SUNSHINE STATE -- horrified that this IS the South, Jeb Bush is Governor, that the Good Ole Boy System is alive and well, yet couldn't leave the SUNSHINE. Finally, I am not the only one driving a 1996 Saab with political bumper stickers (old hippie that I am). So, what's the point? Heard Johnnie has moved here too--probably lured by the SUNSHINE and wondering what the F**K he's doing here or maybe he just fit right in. I think I moved here fifteen years ago to meet him. Only own the Best of CDs--can sing to all songs (although I certainly don't sound like an angel), I eat like a bird--constantly putting an almond in my cheek like a squirrel, and sipping endless cups of coffee, water or wine while smoking Shermans. Used to call my mom for help with the crossword puzzles, she died 2 years ago, so I'm stuck with blanks. Wish I had been born in the early 1900's as I'm certain I would've solved enigma single-handedly during the last Great War. I think I'll meet you in Haslams--I'll be the woman with the illegal smile, with the Sunday NYT puzzle from the Perspective section of the St Pete Times in my hand (the only reason to buy the paper except for the Travel section), waist long hair, tattooed neck, haunting blue eyes. Fridays? I'll hand you a shell roasted peanut for Sabu. Okay, so I have a few stored in my cheek too. Tanti auguri, Arline

Name: GINA REED LEITCHFIELD , KY.
BY READING THAT YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT UH - OH LISTENING TO PRINE AND HAVING A DRINK OF VODKA!!!!!!!!!!! PICTURE SHOW !!

Name: GINA REED LEITCHFIELD, KENTUCKY
I REALLY HAD NEVER HEARD OF PRINE, UNTIL I ACTUALLY GOT TO GO TO A GRATEFUL DEAD SHOW, THEN DYLAN OF COURSE & UH, OH "PRINE" I LOVE JOHN ,HE PUTS A SMILE ON YOUR FACE AND A TWITCH IN YOUR HIP AND HITS HOME , RIGHT TO THE HEART!!! "SAM STONE"!!! AND MY FAVORITE IS LAKE MARIE!! I SAW JOHN IN LOUISVILLE, KY. "THE PALACE" WE MET JOHN OUT SIDE AND HE SIGH OUR TICKETS AND TOLD US ABOUT THE BLUE BIRD CAFE AND ALSO GOT TO DRINK A DRINK OUT OF HIS GLASS "VODKA OF COURSE" ALSO JOHN I LOVE BROKEN THE SPEED OF SOUND OF LONELINESS , YOU & NANCI GRIFFITH DONE A WONDERFUL JOB!!! YOU HAVE TO COME BACK TO THE HILLS OF KENTUCKY JOHN !! THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES AND MUSIC KEEP UP THE ACOUSTIC IT IS WONDERFUL!!!!

Name: rob nickel surrey bc canada
I can't even remember who it was that first introduced me to John Prine. Took one listen to his first album, the one with John sitting on a bale of hay on the cover and still hooked until this day. Thanks Mr. Prine for all the great tune's and memories over the year's. Have even managed to catch you live a couple of time's, and your always more than welcome to return to the west coast of canada.

Name: Brian - Newfoundland, Canada
I first heard J.P when I was about 13 years old. Me and my friends began to listen to him alot and our parents use to laugh because all of our friends were listening to Poison, whitesnake and bands like that while we were singing "thats the way that the world goes round". I am now 34 and still a Prine fan. I think "fair and square" has some of the best lyrics ive ever heard. I especially like Long monday and clay pigeons.The only problem i have is that I grew up learning to play guitar to Prine's tunes and now all the songs I write sounds like a J.P tune. I recently lost one of my best friends in a tragic accident and I did not pick up the guitar for a long time but when I heard Clay Pigeons I could of sworn that he wrote it for me, Especially the line about "start livin again" "sing a song with a friend". I dont feel like I am a John Prine fan. I feel like he is my unknown friend.
 

Name: Steve Tuck - WV, USA
The 3rd Annual Mid Ohio Valley John Prine Birthday Tribute Benefit will be held in Parkersburg West Virginia on October 8th Saturday (we know this is not John's actual birthday) at 7:30 pm at the Boreman Wheel House. Musicians will perform John Prine songs and we will have stories and contests (with Prine Prizes) $5 donation to the Children's Home Society of West Virginia. contact: steve tuck at stuck@childhswv.org or call: 304-485-0650 for more information. thanks!
 

Name: Janet Brier - PA, USA
A good friend called last night to say that he thought "Some humans aint human" was about the war in Iraq, but it is really about the flood.
 

Name: Kristen- Los Angeles, CA
HOW CAN YOU GO ON TOUR, AND NOT COME TO L.A., let alone CA? I saw you are going to perform with Amos Lee on the 12th of November. That's funny, because I'm trying to get tickets to see him solo on the 18th of November in Santa Ana. I'd just die if I could see both of you at the same time, but you're not coming?!?? Play at the House of Blues or something! I'll be the first to buy tickets!! Please add L.A. to your tour! -Kristen  (Kristen, John Prine DID play L.A. May 14th of this year - Tom Russell opened)
 

Name: Buckie
First heard John Prine on the "Old Grey Whistle Test" and just loved the great sadness and humour in JP's songs. Billy the Bum & Far From Me are my favourites. Looking forward to seeing my hero at Shepherds Bush Empire in October.
 

Name: PRINE FAN
John, Please, Please, Please come to my area of Illinois...Peoria or Champaign sound good? We would love to have you back.
 

Name: siobhan conmy
my friend sorcha introduced me to the song sam stone and since then i have loved john and his music and am looking forward to seeing him in november in dublin. cannot wait have introduced all my friends and they also love his music'.
 

Name: http://greenfireonline.org/
Just FYI, what some of John's fans in Tucson, Arizona are doing to share their love of John's music. A Loving Tribute to the Music of John Prine, Saturday, August 27th at 7:30 pm. The Green Fire Music and Arts Collective, 925 East Ft. Lowell Road, (just east of 1st Avenue), Tucson, Arizona Featuring Robert Oser (Host), Donna Baker, Dave Irwin, Kevin McCalix, Dennis Pepe, Don Simpson and Brad and Gail Refreshments will be available. Free admission! For more information call Green fire at 408-0677, Robert at 293-7770 (work) or Donna at 622-0272. For more than 30 years John Prine has been considered one of the premier American singer/songwriters, with dozens of albums and hundreds of great songs. Still touring, still singing, still writing (his latest CD is titled "Fair and Square"), John continues to be a major force in folk and Americana music. Some of his local fans would like to offer this loving tribute to John by sharing some of our favorite John Prine tunes for your enjoyment. Please come join us for an evening of love, laughter and great music from a living legend.
 

Name: Jody Mac Neil , Sudbury, Ontario formerly Cape Breton
John Prine is my God...I believe that everybody in this world can relate to at least 1 song of his.... I personally can relate to a few.. thanks Master John Prine!! his songs can reflect all types of lives...concert November 2004, Sydney, cape Breton!!!!!
 

Name: Candice Lougheed - Alberta Canada
Hi John, I wrote you back in 2003 promising I'd be the first in line for tickets if you came to play in Edmonton again. Well I kept my promise and was at the Folk Fest on Sunday August 7th. It was a day I will never forget and the concert of a lifetime for me. I didn't have a very good view from where I was sitting, but a kind man sitting nearby encouraged me to go up close to the stage even though there was no sitting room. Well, sure enough I went up close to the stage and started singing and dancing to "Souvenirs" and "Fish & Whistle." I noticed other people around me starting to dance as well. All of a sudden a lady came over to me and asked me to go sit closer to the stage. I didn't want to anger anyone around me, but she ensured me I'd be ok. Once I was sitting down (2 rows from the front, dead center of the stage) you sang "Angel From Montgomery" and the tears filled my eyes. That song is the mirror image of my life 5 years ago and I felt you must have somehow knew. I purchased your Fair and Square CD months prior to the concert and studied the music and all the lyrics. I was so happy to see you play them live. After you finished your concert, I went back up to the top of the hill to my companions, laid down on the grass and said "if I died tomorrow, I'd be a happy woman." I'm a true fan of yours. I didn't laugh when you sang "sat the fat girl daughter of Virginia and Ray" I was singing right along with you. Thank you so much for sharing your special gift. Maybe one day I'll see you sing about "Jesus" live. Guaranteed, when you come back to Edmonton, I'll be there!
 

Name: Sherry Mission, B.C.
My husband Glenn introduced me to the music of John Prine when we first starting going out. (I met and married Glenn in prison so it could not be called a conventional courtship.) Some twenty plus years later, I went to see John in concert in Vancouver, B.C. on August 5th 2005. I took our 8 year old daughter Victoria. The concert was fabulous- both Victoria and I loved it. Glenn phoned in from the maximum security prison he is in and for ten minutes we were all there together listening to John Prine. After the concert, we asked for a poster that we could give to Glenn. The manager of the Orpheum got us a picture of John with the Oh-Boy contact information. John Prine is a treasure. Thanks for the experience of seeing him live.
 

Name: Kaylee White-Miramichi New Brounswick
I don't really know if this is a story but 3 yrs ago we had a BBQ (I was only 11) and I never heard of a John Prine but my family and family friends started playing it and the first 2 songs I ever Heard was That's The Way The World Goes Round and Its A Big Old Goofy World and I loved them and still do...then I decided to look up on him and find out what music he wrote and played and know I'm 14 and I'm very proud to say John Prine is my favorite artist of all time and always will be. My friends think I'm kind of crazy cause there into the hip hop and rap music and all I listen to know is John Prine...So I guess this is my story of how John Prine is and always will be my favorite artist.
 

Name: Tim- Miami
I just got the new CD. It took awhile via Buzzflash premium contribution purchase - while I might have bought it a lot quicker locally. Anyway, it was well worth the wait. Once again, uplifting in times that need it. I heard a lot of the new stuff at concerts in New Orleans, Miami and Key West over the last couple of years - thanks for that. I look forward to another opportunity to catch a tour date, and hopefully soon. You are a truly great, American treasure. Thanks for everything.
 

Name: Fabio Massimo - Rome, Italy
Thank you Mr. Prine for the wonderful music. A little fan in Rome (Italy)
 

Name: HeartBroke
There oughta be a John Prine song named after me
 

Name: JOHN AND CINDY WALLACE/ JANESVILLE,WI.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE IF YOU RESIDE ANYWHERE IN THE MADISON, WI. AREA AND ARE TRUE LOVERS OF JOHN PRINE. THERE'S A PERFORMER BY THE NAME OF BENNETT COOKE WHO WE RECENTLY HEARD AT THE BISTRO IN JANESVILLE, WHO HAS TO BE THE CLOSEST THING TO THE REAL THING. HIS VOICE, WELL JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES AND YOU WON'T BELIEVE WHAT YOU HEAR. HE'S A ONE MAN BAND WHO PLAYS TWELVE STRING GUITAR [A REAL NICE TOUCH TO PRINE'S MUSIC.] YOU HAVE GOT TO CHECK HIM OUT- WE KNOW HE'S AT THE BISTRO TWICE A MONTH, AND ALSO EVERY WEDS NIGHT AT THE MILL STREET INN & PUB IN CAMBRIDGE. HIS BUSINESS CARD SAYS WWW.BENNETTCOOKE.COM FOR UPCOMING GIGS. WE RECOMMEND HIM MOST HIGHLY!
 

Name: A Fan
When I posted on this board , I never expected all the hullabaloo. I will not be replying to any more posts and I apologize for any bad feelings or misunderstandings. I still , and will always , love John Prine's music. I wish him All the Best. I will now put this matter Far from Me. Sorry for the Sour Grapes. A Fan
 

Name: Andy-South Florida
I spent a lifetime listening to John, and started playing his tunes on guitar when I was 15, now at age 40 I got to see him again at Bonnaroo. I have been to Bonnaroo every year and with out a doubt it is the best music festival going. The line up was as diverse this year as always and my second favorite band, Allison Krause and Union Station was playing on another stage overlapping into the first 30 minutes of Johns set. I Left Union Station and heading to Johns stage thinking that at a rock show, while other bands were playing that I may get up close to John. BOY was I wrong! The place was packed out into the field, standing room only. I thought John looked a little overwhelmed to see how many people showed up. Every one was singing along and cheering and the songs went by way to fast. I hope John becomes a permanent part of Bonnaroo, it was an honor and privilege to see him there. And the band was great!
 

Name: Mike Wasson Stoney Lake Ontario Canada
John and fans. I live near A old hippy you used to chum with a bit. He says you stayed at his place for a few nights. He still laughs at the dude that made his way back to New York with his pockets empty and his fronted stash gone. I guess near the end of the stay he was soiling his shorts. you probably know who I'm talking about Ronnie Hawkins. I got him to sign the picture of you four in the anthology booklet. Maybe some day you can sign it too. Hope I don't sound like some bubble gum chewing groupie, but I do think your poop don't stink. I'm not going to go on about how your work changed my life, looks like you get enough of that. Actually your music had a lot to do with me being the whiskey and guitar poundin head I am. thanks. Sang your tunes for years and when I started on the gitbox I only Knew C and G so when the D came around Id just sing through it loud.Shure have had some times with your tunes. Just this weekend I was playing some of your magic and I told this hen, that this next tune will make ya cry. I wasn't barely in to the second verse when the water works started. You got quite a few panty removing tunes too .Thanks again. I have gone to some awesome concerts of yours and always have shit happen. Off to Toronto to see one of your shows, which is a real big deal for us country folk. I was 16, buddy was 18. We were just going through Peterborough, me driving, cloud in the car and I stalled the standard car at a stop light. Buddy behind us, rams us from behind. We get out to see how much rust he knocked of our ride. Up comes buddy, saying sorry and how he just looked down for a second. He said Would 150$ fix it. My buddy who owned the car says I think 200$ would fix it up proper. Dude agrees and off to the big smoke we goes, with a weeks wages each in a car that cost 100$ The concert was great ,it being the first show in a two show night. Leaving the convocation hall we noticed cables running from a CBC sound truck through a door and into the hall. Both of us had a skin full of whiskey so a no brainer we were going in. We made our way down a hall way to a room that stored chairs. We went up to this curtain and opened it up. We were right on the stage behind the curtain. We couldn't believe our luck. After the laughing and back slapping died down, we settled in for the next show. Some lad that worked there walked past the door and asked what we were doing. I replied ,we have been moving stuff and we were just taking a break. Ok he says, and leaves. Imagine The shit eatin grins we would have bin wearing then! It wasn't long lived though . Another dude comes past and knew we didn't belong. Being the punks we were we had to be carried out. Sorry. then the fun started. We were going to stay at UofT residence with my cousin, who was going to school there. We weren't sure where his was so we started trippin through just any one. It was a blast talkin to hens and seeing where the brainers lived. Turning down a hall we were greeted with that lovely aroma of the herb. There was a door open to a room and in we goes. We was met with a lot of attitude off these five brainers. What ya doing here etc. We eased out in the hall and while I was telling them to go pound there hat my buddy starts turnin on this fire hose that are in those glass cases. that made these lads real sour and one yelled lets get them. And the race was on. Being the trailer they got a hand on me just at the exit door. I turned around and fed this guy a couple, Pushed him into the other ones and took off again. We had only run 50 yds or so and turned a corner and there was my cousin with a whack of his friends. Filling them in on the deal, back we goes, They were still at the exit tending to the guy with the sore lips. My cousin sees them and says hold it there my friends! So we ends up partying with these knobs for a while, with the one guy holdin a Kleenex to his nose the whole time we we were there. We left there with the idea to get a hotel with our 200$ we got that day. Going up the elevator to our room I felt I needed a pull of The 40 ouncer of whiskey we had . Just as it was to my lips the doors opened up and two of Toronto's finest standing there. One of the officers took the bottle and there wont be no more of that tonight. Just as the doors are closing mouthy me says fnpigs . A hand comes in the crack and the doors open up. This officer pulls me and my chum out of the elevator and into this janitors room. I felt I was in the army. This officer was yellin in my face as loud as he could. Saying he don't know what us hillbillies get away with at home but were in big city now. When he finished his speel. I said I was sorry that it was the last of our grog and the party we were having with these girls we met would be real fun now. He swallowed it. Checked my id told the other officer I was of age and off they went. Meanwhile my buddy holding a huge piece of fudge in his pocket, sweating his jewels off. Well John I wont tell you about the two teachers we met from Rochester. I don't know how you yanks take to us messin with your women. When you return with your reply save all the sappy thanks fan stuff . Just send money. I will tell Ronnie I found this page thing. He's doing all right I guess. But you guys were -are awful hard on yourselves. As the H
 

Name: Tim Miami
Dear A Fan and any other concerned folks, Please accept my humblest apologies. Neither snide remarks (from me) nor vitriol (from you) have any place here. By way of explanation if not excuse, I got trigger happy at once again hearing the suggestion that anyone - performing artists included - must put limitations on their First Amendment freedoms when the subject is their (not "your") president. I apologize.
 

Name: tgandy florence sc
c'mon guys you're desecrating the shrine with all this back and forth crap . this is a place for jp stories. here's one. I'm 46 ,with a wife & 2 boys 6 & 8. they left 2 days ago for a 10 day visit with the in-laws in Ohio. I gotta work. might sound stupid but I miss the hell out of them. I just got through listening to the entire aimless love album on my front porch with a couple of cold beers. takes me back, sits me right here, pushes me forward. thanks JP
 

Name: A Fan
Hey "Tim - Miami", Thanks for your rant. That and $1.50 will get you a cup of coffee. I'm trying to remember asking for your opinion but I can't seem to remember it. Isn't it ironic that the same people that scream for "freedom of speech" when it comes to burning American flags , or whatever , hate the fact that I may have a different opinion and that I have the right to speak it? There's only supposed to be "freedom of speech" for your ilk , right?? And anyone who may have a different thought should just shut the hell up , right? I didn't personally attack John Prine , but you personally attack me , the President , Charlie Daniels and Toby Keith , and anyone who dares to disagree with you as "right wing nuts". That says a lot about your inteligence , or should I say , lack thereof. Your statement - "Honest to God, I can't imagine how anyone could love this artist and have anything but disdain for your precious president." - truly shows your lack to form an independent thought. Do you really believe that I can't like John Prine's music and have my own beliefs on other subjects? Do you realize how utterly moronic that is ?? What you are saying , in reality , is that all Prine fans are only capable of being mind-numbed robots who all toe the party line , right ?? I love John Prine's music , and have for many , many years , but I don't worship the ground that he walks on . I've never been a celebrity worshiper. By the way , I've never been to a Charlie Daniels or Toby Keith concert. I couldn't name ONE Toby Kieth song , as I have never listened to his music. That's just YOU trying to put me into a mold that YOU want to lump everybody who doesn't hold YOUR opinions into because you are so small minded that anyone who thinks differently than you must be characterized in a negative stereotype so as not to make you admit the fact that not everyone one earth thinks like YOU. In my original post , I was speaking directly to John Prine , not you , but thanks for exposing yourself as an intollerant , hate-filled Kool-aid drinker. I was simply stating that perhaps he should just perform his music , WHICH IS WHAT I PAID FOR. He's welcome to hold any opinion that he wants to and I don't have any problem with that. As a matter of fact , I take great joy in knowing that we live in a society where we are free to believe and speak as we wish to. I just don't want to PAY to hear it. That's cheating me and others who paid soley to hear him perform. "Lighten up and let the sun shine in." Uhh , yeah , drop some more acid and head out to a protest somewhere. Perhaps YOU need to lighten up. A Fan
 

Name: Tim - Miami
Hey "A-Fan", You might "like the music" but really miss the boat if you don't hear the "politics" of love, truth, and (God forbid, for right wing nuts) REALITY, which John Prine's poetry gives us. Honest to God, I can't imagine how anyone could love this artist and have anything but disdain for your precious president. He is the anti-Prine. And perhaps the long missing anti-Christ. You've never heard anything political at, say, a Charlie Daniels or Toby Keith concert. I haven't, as I could not possibly attend one, by the way. Lighten up and let the sun shine in.
 

Name: Josh - Atlanta
I would like Sharon to know the duo that plays alot of Prine will be at MacCraken Firehouse in Marietta, June 24-25.
 

Name: Sharon - Atlanta
Would like to know more about the band in Atlanta (Marietta/Bulkhead area) who plays a lot of Prine music...any more news on that? Like to get my "fix" until I can get out to see John again. Have seen him 2 times on his new tour and had the pleasure of meting him. Great man, warm heart!
 

Name: A Fan - Pa
One thing that annoys the hell out of me is paying to hear someone's musical talent and then having to listen to their political rants. I paid to hear you sing and play, not to bash our president. It's not the appropriate venue for it. If you are giving an interview to a magazine or such , have at it , but when you bash the president in the middle of a concert you are "robbing and cheating" the part of your audience that holds opposite views (yes , we do exist , after all this is America) and it pretty much ruins the remainder of the show for us. (The show that we paid for just as much as anyone else). How about just singing and playing , like I paid for? Yes , I'm still a fan of the music , but I feel like I was cheated.

Name: Dan Sullivan - MI, USA
Long Lost Lyric: Back in 1985 I interviewed John Prine for a local postal worker's newsletter after a concert at the State Theater in Kalamazoo, MI. One of the questions I asked him was if he had ever written a song about his letter carrier days. Prine smiled that ‘aw shucks' smile and said he started one about a carrier calling in to tell the boss he wouldn't be in to work. Then he laid it on me: /"Hello Sam, I am calling in today/ My battery died in the cold outside and I won't be in ‘til May." / After we both laughed, John said that was as far as he got on the song. I don't suppose anyone but John Prine could come up with that line. I still laugh every time I think about it.

Name: Joseph G - MS, USA
Lord, I've listened to this guy since the early 1980`s. Don't remember who turned me on to him. I'm a union electrician and I've been everywhere. He knows about working people and the things we go through every day. He sings to addicts , he sings to fat people, to vets, creeps, and just every day people. God bless John Prine

Name: Steve Uhlir - OH, USA
John, I have been listening to your great music for a long long time, we just saw you in Cleveland...It was the best night out my bride and I had this year. My son, age two, wants me to play "Jom Pryme" every time we get in to the jeep, his favorite song is the "Happy Anchelatta" song. My daughter likes the "Eat alot of Peaches" song, and my wife and I, well we love all of you and love to have you to dinner! Thanks John, your the best

Name: Martha Turner, IN, USA
We have a grand-son who will be 3 years old on March 19,2005. He absolutely loves John Prine!! We have the VHS tape Session's on 54th street. He watches it all of the time, plays his guitar along with "John", and sings along with him. He constantly ask when we are going to take him to "John Prine's house". Is John going to have a concert this year in or close to Indianapolis, IND.? We would love for our grand-son to go to a John Prine concert with us.

Name: Tim Beidel - ME, USA
I flew across the country to see John Prine in Eugene in 1983. (I was living in SE Pennsylvania at the time.) The theater - I believe it was called the Soreng Theater - was gorgeous and was one of those pin-drop quiet kind of halls. John had one guy with him. There was a woman in the top balcony who screamed through the show - at all the quiet moments - for "Illegal Smile." Referring to the region's magic mushrooms (I assumed), she kept imploring, "This is Oregon, John: Illegal Smiiiiiiile!" This continued through the night and seemed to be causing some discomfort for everyone, not the least Prine, who pretty much couldn't say anything. At one point late in the show, John was saying something and was interrupted yet again by the young woman. There was an awkward silence, broken by a man downstairs who yelled, "Stairway to Heaven!" (It was the first I had heard that joke, although I've heard it many times since. There were a lot of people at the time who earnestly ! loved "Stairway to Heaven.") The place broke up with laughter and John laughed and said, "We can do that one!" And immediately launched into "Illegal Smile."

Name: John Gough - Dublin 16, Ireland
I'm just new on the net. I love the guy. Fabulous songs. I saw him with Emmylou, Steve Earle and Elvis Costello a couple of years ago, he was great, as they all were, performing for "Land Mine Relief" a great cause. I heard somewhere he had major surgery. I hope his help is still holding up. I'd love to see him in concert with Rodney Crowell, they're regularly in Dublin, but not together. How about it. Soon. Maybe a Trio with Emmylou. That would be good None of us are getting any younger. Cant wait for the new Album. Just a thought. Sure I might as well dream here as in bed. See Ya.

Name: Ed Dooley - New South Wales, Australia
I have been a long time fan of yours since 1979 and look forward to the release of your new album. My name is Ed Dooley originally from Canada currently living in Sydney, Australia, hope your new album makes it's way down under.

Name: Jason Stoker - GA, USA
I heard my dad play some covers of John Prine when I was a kid never knowing who John was. As I was coming up I had forgotten the music. When I was about 20 one of my bosses turned me on to his music again. Christmas of 2001 I was a member of operation Enduring Freedom. A long time living in a world so far and different than mine - John Prine brought me home. John's songs have helped me to remember the reason we were over there and why it so great to be where I am. I doubt you will ever get this message John, but THANK YOU for bringing me home so many times when home was so far away!

Name: Derrick - FL, USA
My father has seen John live several times, I am only 20 years old and waiting for the day I get that chance. I've grown up listening to it from my father and just recently grew appreciation and great respect for his music. I would like to see more of our younger generations like mine learning from his music and his words. So if John comes near you take my fathers advice "see him live if you ever get the chance".

Name: Mike Abrams Chicago, IL
Saw John preformed here in Chicago recently and again was fill with a wonder of new discoveries. Reading about and listening to him comment about the origins of the song clay pigeons, I get a lump in my throat every time I hear it. Thanks John for the castle of memories and for singing again.

Name: john-roswell, nm
Like all fans, Johns' songs are about my life..first heard him back in late '71 or early 72..knew right away this man's livin' my life from "Sam Stone" to "Quit Hollarin' at me" (must have know my ex) John's songs find a thread in everyones' life. I have found solace in his music in those hard times that happen from my Mom's death from cancer to my brothers' untimely death by his own hands I have found comfort in his music. Just wanted to share some of this with him and his fans.

Name: BENNETT COOKE/ EDGERTON,WI.
HEY Y'ALL, IT'S ME AGAIN, THE BIGGEST OF THE BIGGEST JOHN PRINE FAN OF ALL TIME, COMMENTING ON HIS HONOR'S NEWEST RECORDED EFFORT ''FAIR AND SQUARE''. FIRST OFF, JOHN HAS FOREVER BEEN A STRAIGHT SHOOTER WHEN IT COMES TO KEEPING THINGS REAL AND SIMPLE, SO TO USE THIS TITLE TO DESCRIBE HIS FIRST STUDIO RECORDING IN EONS, IS COMPLETELY APROPOS! SECONDLY, SINCE I LAST SAW HIM IN MAY OF 2002 [CORONADO THEATRE/ROCKFORD, IL.] HE SANG THE SONG 'THE OTHER SIDE OF TOWN' AND IT HAS SINCE BEEN MY ALL TIME FAVORITE PRINE TUNE. HE SAID WHEN INTRODUCING THE SONG THAT IT WOULD APPEAR ON HIS NEXT ALBUM. WELL HERE WE ARE 3 YEARS LATER, AND MY IMPATIENCE HAS FINALLY PAID OFF. NOW I CAN HEAR IT WHENEVER I WANT [AND HE'S GOT IT LIVE, HOW EXCELLENT!] AND LASTLY, I AM PROUD TO SAY I AM A BUSH SUPPORTER, BUT I CAN TOTALLY UNDERSTAND JOHN'S FEELINGS AS FAR AS HUMANS BEING INHUMAN [A DAY DOESN'T GO BY THAT I SHAKE MY HEAD AND PRAY FOR THOSE BRAVE SOLDIERS WHO PASS ON, BUT IT IS FOR THE RIGHT CAUSE...JUST MY OPINION! OPINIONS ARE WHAT MAKES AMERICA GREAT, BUT JOHN PRINE MUSIC IS WHAT MAKES IT THE GREATEST. KEEP IT GOIN' MR. PRINE, WE'RE COUNTING ON YOU. CHOW FOR NOW!

Name: Lyndon Sears
I just wanted people in the Atlanta area to know. There is an incredible duo, Ben and Josh (in no particular order), that plays more Prine than any act I've seen. They play all over ATL, but, are difficult to find somehow. Often they are booked as what appears to be a solo gig, (Josh Mostyn). Other times they are billed as "No Particular Order". They have vocals that are like Simon&Garfunkel, but they can blind you with their guitar/bass licks. They seem to frequent Buckhead and Marietta. If you get a chance check them out. Zach Lemmon

Name: Debbie - Bowling Green, KY
I am an avid fan, and have seen him perform several times. One time, in New Mexico, I was getting ready to leave there after living there only a few months, and went to listen to a 2-man bar band. We were in the middle of Grants, NM, a small town and here this little band knew every John Prine song. Well, I was in heaven.....considering "Paradise" is only about a 45 minute drive from where I currently live. I was leaving for home in Kentucky the next day and had a wonderful send off by this group. I never knew their names or anything else, but they sure sent me back to Kentucky with great music. I saw JP perform twice here in Bowling Green, KY; once with Linda Ronstadt and in Nashville, TN once with Bonnie Raitt and Delbert McClinton. I have never been disappointed by his shows. Another time was in Muhlenberg County, KY, with the Kentucky Headhunters at the Everly Brothers concert. I have fond memories of all his concerts. And, I would love to see him again!

Name: Amy Embler - Portland, Oregon
My mom gave me my first John Prine tape at the age of 14. I am 24 now, so it has been ten years of growing up with Mr. Prine in the background. He was with me through my youth and now young adult-hood. I was fortunate to purchase pre-sale tic's for his Portland, Oregon stop this past weekend... and they were FRONT ROW!!! I had my mom, and very best friend with me. The show was a rockin' good time. The man brings tears to me eyes. We were able to find the stage door after the show... we waited for like two hours... but finally, the legendary Mr. John Prine greeted me, my friend and mother (who, by the way, was introduced to John's music by her brother when she was around 12 years old). I was awestruck! He is a gentle and soft-spoken spirit, and I feel so fortunate and blessed to finally meet the man behind those words I have been singing along to for ten years. Thank you for your music! I wish you all the best, Mr. Prine! Live long, and come back to Portland soon :) Peace and Love, Amy Embler

Name: wyck holland 
I used to love ya' man, but now I see you have drunk the kool-aid and are really just a mindless Bush-basher. hollandwyck@yahoo.com

Name: Jim - Edmond, OK
I'm almost 55 years old, been a Prine fan since the moment I heard him on a public TV show in Cal. in 1972. Having played guitar since I was 15, I began playing Prine songs ASAP, to family, friends, & anyone else who would listen. I have 2 children (& 2 ex-wives) that were raised on Prine. I don't have enough time to tell you all that Prine has meant to me during my entire adult life: the happiness his songs have brought us, the special relationships & bonds with other Prine fans (I have tried to turn everyone on to "John who?"), the bad times he has seen me through (deaths, divorces, & dealing with dummys), & the wisdom his songs have provided me. I have got to meet John twice, which meant so much to me. One of my favorite stories: A friend took my daughter Sara with her child to the opening of a new Christian book store when Sara was about 5 years old. A local Christian radio station was broadcasting live from the new store. The DJ asked if any children would like to come up and sing "live" on the radio. After the children sang "Jesus Loves Me", Sara sang the chorus to "Spanish Pipedream" ("Blow up your TV....try to find Jesus.."). Everyone present was knocked out and the DJ asked her to sing some more songs! Obviously, they didn't know they verses to the song and fortunately 5 year old Sara couldn't remember them yet, but she had sang the chorus with me since she could talk. Sara will be 20 this year & I don't understand some of the music she listens to, but we both still lock in together with John Prine's songs. Thank you Mr. Prine for enriching my life and helping me understand things. Your songs, which I still pick with a friend every Friday night, are like old friends to me. PS: thank you for the talking part in "Some Humans Ain't Human", it gives us anti-Bush folks a great line to tell our dear misguided Republican friends!
 

Name: Fabiomax
Thank you Mr. Prine for the wonderful music. A little fan in Rome (Italy)

Name: Henry Anderson Central City KY.
MR. John Prine Is Good. I have taken pictures of him while he played on stage in Central City KY. and the kids though he was something keep up the good work you are still liked as well as loved in Muhlenberg County your home Place. p/s in passing thru I would love to take your photo up at Lake Malone that would be fun.

Name: Jack Burnett
Last night at dinner before the show I was remarking to my friends about how many times the lyrics from Mexican Home rang through my head during this last week. We buried my Dad on Thursday. They encouraged me to write a note to John to let him know how I felt. In it I asked him if he could slip the song into the set. With a touch of class he sang quietly, emotionally, and signed the song, " for Tony...". For this man to take the care and consideration for a strangers request is an elegant gesture that I will be grateful for every time I think of my father or John. ...mighty beholdin' to ya...

Name: Ed Wellens/Aliso Viejo, California
Sitting here listening to "Fair and Square" for at least the tenth time I am still convinced John is one of three top singer/songwriters of my generation. It's been a long wait but well worth it.

Name: John Lindsey - IN, USA
My parents were from Muhlenberg County too. I spent summer weeks visiting my grandparents in Drakesboro, Ky, about four miles from Paradise. There were still people living there when I was a teenager but the store was closed. Before long all the houses were gone and the TVA plant was the only thing there. My dad took me down to the rocks at Paradise to swim one day before the cooling towers were built. The water in Green River was hotter than bath water, to hot to even jump in. When I see John sing Paradise in concert, I just look around the audience at the people and wonder what picture of Paradise they have in their mind.

Name: Terry Roland
The first time I heard John Prine was 1972. My friends and I couldn't decide between watching an old Bogart movie or checking out this new singer/songwriter playing on KCET. We were sucking back the wacky tobaccy pretty liberally in those days so we had the brilliant cannabis inspired idea of putting two TV's up in the living room and then deciding from there. As we past the smokes around and ate fried chicken, we started with the Bogart movie. As John went into Everybody Needs Somebody...we shut Bogart off and listened. For the first time I heard Flag Decal, Sam Stone, Hello In There, Donald & Lydia. I heard all of those songs in my head for the next two weeks. I couldn't get them out of there. When I finally got the record it was about all I listened to for the next few months. So that was the day that John Prine beat out Humphrey Bogart while my friends and I smoked pot and ate fried chicken. Strange I know, but somebody's gotta do it! Them were the 70's.

Name: pougles - tennessee - pougles@hotmail.com
I'm sitting here listening to John's latest, Fair & Square, and thinking about many things from the past, everything from 1971 when I first discovered what I wanted to be, a John Prine fan, to the 80's when I first attended a concert, him and Arlo together in Knoxville, Tennessee, to the several other times I have seen him, including the infamous Wogstock in Indy and at the Ryman auditorium with Iris, both of which included visits with PMS Red and several others of the original chat room. Miss all of you and hope to make contact again. Has been a trip.
 

  Name: Brent Hoodenpyle - http://www.brenthoodenpyle.com
I saw John for the first time in 1992 at the Olympia Theater in Dublin, Ireland. I was spending the summer there after college and managed to score a front row seat to the show.
  It was just John, his guitar, a pack or two of cigarettes and a whole lot of beer.
  Anyway, anyone that's been to a show knows how people love to shout out song requests between songs. And, if you've been, you know how responsive John is to those requests.
  Well, there was this one guy there who wanted to hear "The Accident," and he had the best seat in the house to make his request heard. He was in a box right over the stage. Kind of like the one that a dignitary would sit in to view the opera or whatever.
  Anyway, this guy was nothing if not persistent. After every song he would yell out "The Accident, John, play 'The Accident'". He was so prominent and so persistent in voicing his request that it kind of got to be a running joke with Prine and the rest of the audience.
  And this guy's timing was impeccable. He would wait until just the right moment, when everyone could hear him, to request the song. And he was cracking up Prine and everyone in the audience.
  Prine, of course, was using all of his one-liners including, near the end of the show, "You know these are going in alphabetical order..."
  But the guy persisted.
  Finally, just as John was about to end his set and play "Hello In There," he said, "I won't be able to sleep tonight if I don't play this
song." 
  He played "The Accident." And, the place went NUTS! 
  Keep in mind there were a lot of drunk Irish folk in there by this time in the evening.
  Prine made a huge stage bow toward the box, and I think the guy even gave him a standing ovation.
  Then, it finally quieted down, and John was just about to start in on "Hello In There" when, from that box above the stage you heard that now familiar voice say...
  "Play it again, John."
  And that time, the place REALLY lost it!
  I'll never forget it.
   You have a great site. Keep up the good work!  Brent
 

Name: christina halikas - ontario, canada
John was wonderful as usual Wednesday at the Flynn in Burlington ... even with his head cold ... the rough was magnificent, because, John's spirit it what is the magic ... thank you yet again, john

Name: Kimble950
You're Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore...could not think of a better song for our current so-called patriotism agenda. I got to find that CD, it is around here, somewhere, and I only got one more beer in the fridge, maybe when I find it , there might be some grass around my apartment...somewhere. Maybe in Lake Marie....
 

Name: BENNETT COOKE / EDGERTON,WI.
FOR OVER THIRTY YEARS NOW, I HAVE BEEN A SINGER/SONGWRITER/12 STRING GUITARIST WHO HAS BEEN HEAVILY INFLUENCED BY MR. JOHN PRINE. THE LAST SHOW I SAW HIM AT [CORONADO THEATRE-ROCKFORD,IL. 2002] HE PLAYED A WAYLON JENNINGS TUNE THAT I HAD NEVER HEARD. AND BEFORE THE SONG WAS OVER, HE HAD BROKEN AT LEAST 4 OF THE SIX STRINGS ON HIS GUITAR, MAN...HE WAS JUST WAILING ON THAT THING [MOST IMPRESSIVE!] JOHN, IF BY SOME MIRACLE YOU READ THIS MESSAGE, I WOULD LIKE YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU HAVE BEEN A VERY INTRICAL PART OF MY LIFE- MUSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY, AND AS FAR FETCHED AS SOME MAY THINK, SPIRITUALLY ALSO [I THINK THE GOOD LORD REALLY DIGS ON YOUR LICKS, I REALLY MEAN THAT!] IF BY ANY CHANCE YOU WOULD EVER NEED A REPLACEMENT FOR TODD SNIDER FOR JUST ONE GIG, PLEASE CONSIDER ME AS THAT REPLACEMENT. MY ORIGINAL STUFF IS RIGHT UP YOUR [OUR] ALLEY. YES, THAT WOULD BE VERY, VERY COOL! TO FINISH UP, JOHN AND I ARE ACTUALLY DISTANTLY RELATED. HIS SECOND COUSIN, JULIE SMITH-COOKE, IS MARRIED TO MY YOUNGER BROTHER BRYAN COOKE. COME ON JOHN, FATE IS CALLING OUT TO YOU- MY E-MAIL IS BENNETTCOOKE@YAHOO.COM. TAKE CARE, AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU IN ALL YOUR ENDEAVORS! WITH LOVING ADMIRATION, YOUR FRIEND, BENNETT COOKE

Name: Joel Goovert-Sterling hts MI
My story is about Mr Prine and his history with my life. I was introduced to Mr. John Prine by Album and letters from his mother my aunt. He has been someone in our lives, that is my Mother brother and sister and my self Mr. Prine will always be that special artist he has been allover the country east coast to west coast. I am still waiting for him to come to Sterling Hts MI All he would have to do is call his aunt or E/mail joelg11@juno.com For someone that is so well known by the arts .

Name: Hog - Kelowna, B.C. Canada
I had a dream John was showing me how to play a tune [I play about a dozen of his tunes] this was a tune never heard before in the key of ''d'' and I woke up before he showed me the words but showed me how to play the notes and I went to my guitar and it played exactly how it sounded in the dream and played the same too. Man, it was spooky! Hey can I get ahold of John? I have a ski lodge up @ big white ski in and I would like to invite him up. [I'm no freak but they hire players up here was wondering if he'd go? If not my buddy :ess Copeland [blues player] say's his agent can get ahold of John's agent. I 'm not a freak about the guy just think he's an awesome lyrics dude

Name: Mike - Jonesborough, TN
I moved to Tn about 12 or 13 years ago, but before that I took a friend of mine to John's concert at the Tower Theater just outside Philadelphia as a wedding present. I was a Prine fan already, but I was awed by his ability and presence on-stage live. Well, I have since gotten a new love in my life and I introduced her to Prine music by playing her some songs on my guitar and letting her hear my Cd's. Last night I took her to see him in Asheville, NC at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium kicking off his tour for his new album "Fair and Square". We had front row seats and it was awesome! He played a two hour set of both new and old music and it has to rank as one best evenings of music that I have ever experienced. I will always love John Prine's music, and I hope that someday I might have the wisdom to write lyrics and music as well as he does.

Name: Nathan Hemmis Pennsylvania
I have been listening to Prine for about 3 years now. And just recently started learning to play his music. And I just wanted to thank JPshrine, for having such a good selection of tablature. So us musician's can spread Prine's work. P.S. Come see us in State College John

Name: tag gandy florence sc
For years now I've been telling everybody that after we are all dead and gone the talent and genius of JP will be fully realized and he will become somewhat of an American icon. I'm glad to see I was wrong and its starting to happen now. Congrats on your visit to DC,John, and thanks for 30 something years of great stuff.

Name: Gary Emmett - Dublin, Ireland
I met Mr. Prine twice in 1990: just before release of Missing Years and served him lasagna in Italian restaurant in Dublin. Great guy - very funny. He told me "back home would call what I had to eat pig food." On leaving the restaurant he bought a bottle of vodka to take away. I thought I was in the presence of T. V. Zandt. I said to my boss: "Do you know who that is?" Hilariously he replied "I knew he was famous its [CHARLES BRONSON]. Always knew Italians loved their music."a

Name: Rick Levin - Humboldt County, CA
I was playing in a bluegrass/ole-timey blues/jugband called Red Mountain String Band back in 1976 in Ann Arbor Mich at a great club called Mr. Flood's Party. John Prine and Steve Goodman were in town playing that night at the Hill Auditorium. After their show, they came down to the club and sat around and listened to our last set. I had the chance to play "They Oughta Name a Drink After You" which was one of our regular tunes for John Prine and as I was singing it, I looked over at John and he had a big old grin on his face. I think he enjoyed our version of it. Great night that I have never forgotten.a

Name: Brendan Hawley Newmarket ON CANADA
HI John , I'm very much touched and inspired by your music that I devote myself to practicing at least an hour before and after work (afternoon shift) plus at least three hours on the weekends to perform your songs to the best of my ability since picking up the guitar in AUG04. I'm going to be 47 my next b'day so I want to be reasonably accomplished player to be remember by and it is your music and lyrics that has given me some kind of destiny inside me to carry it out. I THANK YOU VERY MUCH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!a

Name: DAN LEONARD......TALBOTT, TN
UNFORTUNATELY, I HAVE NO STORY AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME...HOWEVER..IF GOOD OLE JOHN EVER NEEDS TO GET SOME PLACE IN A HURRY..WE DO HAVE A KINGAIR 200 & A LEARJET I COULD GIVE HIM A LIFT IN...OH...I AM THE GUY THAT DROVE OVER TO NASHVILLE JUST TO HAVE A FEW BEERS WITH JOHN PRINE.....HOWEVER....WE NEVER FOUND THE RIGHT PLACE TO BUY HIM A BEER......

Name: Nancy pa
I don't have a good story just looking for a song it goes like this oh daddy wouldn't y take me back to m??? burg county down by the green pastures, where paradise lays, I'm sorry my son but your too late in asking, Mr. Peabody's coal train dun hauled it away. there was a part in the song went somethiing like so. and empty pop bottles was all we would kill, got to get the rest of the song help, help Love all people, if y have rest or name of song, please, e-mail me at yto1258@msn.com
Hi Nancy - you're email address doesn't seem to work so I'll answer you here: The song is one of Prine's most famous and favorites - it's called 'Paradise' and he often introduces it as "Daddy Won't You Take Me Back To Muhlenberg County" - you can find the lyrics and more information about the song Paradise at this link here  ~Reeda

Name: Twomato/Just North of the Platte
Do you know what just makes me smile big? " ...and we'll whistle and go fishin' in heaven".

Name: Janet - FLA (previously of ALA)
I'm 38. Grew up listening to John, Kris, Willie, Norm Blake (our homeboy), my dad and his pickin friends that still gather on Wednesday nights to do what they do. My mom taught me that song writers are the modern generations' poets. May as well throw "philiosper" on their name tags too. "Hi. I'm John Prine. Philiospher. Poet. Rolling Stone." Thanks ya'll...all of you thoughtful song poets who write down what our hearts know AND those of you who repeat the wisdom in small circles of friends and listening children on any given night of the week in thousands of living rooms across the land...it's the musicians that hand down our folk heritage...knowledge hard won and not necessisarily fun...and I, for one, am very glad to have the practical and spiritual benefits of it: Whenever I catch myself looking "out the window and get mad and get madder" I have to smile instead...just thinking of that old bruised orange that my little 12 year old brain used to conjure up and how "it don't do no good to mad. So help me I know."

Name: ken Pennsylvania
John, Where do you get off writing about life and getting famous for it. You got more brains than me. Saw you at the folk fest last year and you did well. Maybe I'll see you around. Good luck.

Name: LoneWolf - Fargo ND
Way back in 1976......you came to the Fargo Theater and all us boys where there.........Thanks for bringing us through alot of good and the bad times.....We really love you here in Fargo ND, so come back soon and bring Iris Dement with you.....She is a blessing........Spoke with you briefly when you where back in town about 1994.....Thanks for the autograph on my stub from the '76' concert........and say "Howdy" to Todd Eng if ya see him and that the Lone is still doing the Atkins style.....L8r

Name: katie
I had never heard of John Prine before I met my soul-mate 6 1/2 years ago. He introduced me to John Prines' music and I love it. IN SPITE OF OURSELVES is "our song".

Name: vicky benton, ar.
I have been reading all these letters people have written about john prine and I was amazed at how many fans he has. I have always loved different kinds of music and my husband and I go dancing every chance we get. I listen to music alot but in all the years of my life, I have never felt the way john prine's music makes me feel. he has a style all his on and it is by far, the only music that reaches something deep inside of me and pulls at me!! I have every cd he has put out. I probably won't ever get to meet him, but when I listen to his songs I feel I have known him a life time. it must be great to bring so much enjoyment to so many people's have always wondered when I die, if I have ever made a difference to anyone! I hope I have, I know that for me, his music has made a big difference. I don't know why his songs affect me so much more than anybody's I have ever listened to, but his does. it truly makes me really want to enjoy life so much more and to let go of things that bring me down, things like having life deal with me at childhood and on to adulthood that has me expecting to be hurt or being so hard to trust in people. life can do that, but when I feel his music inside me, I do want to get back what life is really about.otherwise,it brings me peace and just loving life. this is the difference he has made in my life's wasn't trying to type all of this letter about myself. I just want to explain how I feel about john prine and how his music alone has helped me where everything else has failed. so thank you (john prine) I love you, for you are a beautiful person and I really hope I can get the chance to meet you someday! but either way, I have your music. so again, thanks from me (Vicky Lilly) for you being who you are. ps.i hope that life brings you as much happiness as your music has brought to me! always, #1fan, Vicky Lilly

Name: Abby-Nebraska
My father was the man who discovered new artists, and listened to them before they ever made it big. John Prine was one of them. My father passed away when I was 2 years old. My dad was my aunt's best friend and she was influenced by my father's choice in music. She loves John Prine and has passed the word on to her kids and so forth. About a 6 months ago I went to her house for dinner and she put a John Prine cd to play in the background. She couldn't believe that I hadn't ever heard of him. Then she began to tell stories about my dad and how much he loved John Prine. Now, every time I go to her house we listen to him, and we tell stories about my dad. While John is playing in the background, we get the sense that my father is in the room...I can't listen to any song by John Prine without my dad being there! What a neat feeling to have and to share with others...John you are such an amazing artist, I love your music. My aunt and I are going to see you in Chicago this summer...I'm sure that my dad will be there with us too!

Name: SAMANTHA
I LOVE YOU CAUSE YOUR SPESHOL ILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN.

Name: Kaylee White/ Miramichi, N.B/Canada
Hi everybody im Kaylee and im almost 14. I only been listening to John for 3 years and I haven't stopped listening to him since. I love his kind of music like Thats The Way The World Goes Round and Inspite of Ourselves. Its wonderful to listen to. This guy named Bobby got me into it one night and believe me I never thought I'd like it but what can I say but John you impressed me very much and you are a great singer.

Name: Melissa Penrod Jamestown Ky
i just LOVE john prine.i grew up listening to his music.in first grade i was the only kid that knew dear abby and sam stone.somebody asked about the song earlier and it was Muhlenburg county.in ky i assume since we have a muhlenberg.i also loved the song grandpa was a carpenter.i grew up and still live about 2 hours from bowling green.

Name: joe owens - sandmountain al.
hi john i just ran across your cite ,thought i say hi .you prodly dont remember me .but im sure you remember my granny(bonnie yankey )ROLL).last time i say yu was in ky at family reuion.its a shame we all cant keep up old family ways.wewll your welcome at our place any time .if close to huntsville al. give me a call .i live in section al. about 35 min from huntsville .

Name: Darla-Lutsen, Minnesota
I've been listening to and singing and playing John Prine songs since the late 70's. Living on the North Shore of Lake Superior for the last 5 years, John Prines music has been my salvation, my friend, my companion. Whether it be my family or my friends when they come to visit, they know that my John Prine music is a part of me, it makes me stop and think, it makes me laugh and sometimes it can make me cry. I do wish that John would do more concert dates in Duluth, maybe someday.....and John if you read this you do have a place to stay in Lutsen, MN. I believe we may have people in common-Garon?? Guitars???

Name: jim clancy dublin ireland
a few years ago,my son martin, was walking down a street in central dublin. by chance, he happened to spot john prine on same street. my son introduced himself to jp.they had a chat,martin told me he was a perfect gentleman, which i knew he would be. martin said my dad sings all your songs in his local bar etc. they said bye, john turned and said : tell your old man i was asking for him,. when my son told me this, i felt old,. so i went to work and found i was a few years older than jp. i hope i die before jp. which i should,i dont want to miss any new john prine songs. love your stuff .... jim clancy

Name: PRINE FAN
JOHN, WE LOVE YOU IN DOWNSTATE ILLINOIS...SOUTH OF CHICAGO...HOW ABOUT COMING BACK TO PEORIA OR CHAMPAIGN...OR SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN. WE LOVE YOU.

Name: Michele "Mike", Ocean County, NJ
My husband Alan, and I saw John with Bonnie R. in Princeton, NJ, about 30 years ago. It was awesome and when we went for something to eat afterwards, there they were, sitting right across the room from us. We tried to act as cool, calm and collective as we could; yeah right!!! We still have the very first alblum, "John Prine." Now, we are going to Philly PA, to see John again. I got the "Anthology-Grat Days," for Christmas from Alan! The tickets for Philly is my gift to him for Valentines Day; shhhhhh, don't tell :-)

Name: Nancy Bjurstrom
I've been looking for a song I'm all but sure it a John Prine sog it goes like this, Oh Daddy wount you take back to m can't spell the country, Down by the green river where pardise lays,I'm sorry my son but your too late in asking, Mr Pebody's coal train dun halled it away...then the song has a line that says,something about empty pop bodle was all that we would kill i have spent 15 years looking for this song, please help. i don't cair if it never was a hit, i never sang hits and can't carey a tune, but sang to my kids from day 1 and this was 1 of the songs i sang, just live to have all the words, Please help me it's just 1 song. I can sing most of them, and most of the words, like, bowl of op. tried to stear me down , what then or We had an apt in the city me and Laratta liked lived there or I just want this little song, help me please pleseI just grow lowsome looking for people to say Hellow and gin. Me and La don't talk much more now the news just that we both seen some day . ok HELP I WOULD NEVER SELL, IT MOST PEOPLE THINK I AM NUTS WHEN I SING IT . MY kids think i am if i could get the words, it would help I know, i didn't make it up.

Name: vicky lilly - AR, USA
john prine is my favourite singer! i have all his cd's and never get tired of listening to them. i love all his music, but the 2 i love best are (lost dogs & mixed blessings) and (the missing years). when i got married, i had them play his song (this love is real). i have never had anyone's music affect me the way his does. he came to my town (little rock, ar. a couple of years ago and i really wanted to meet him, but no such luck. i was so disappointed, especially when i did'nt even get to buy one of his t-shirts. i really wanted one. i tell people all the time that have not heard of him to get his music. not everyone has the same taste in music, but WE KNOW WHO HAS THE BEST TASTE IN MUSIC !! haha! me! anyway any info on him or where i can purchase a t-shirt of him would really be appreciated! sincerly, vicky lilly ps. i bet i'm probably his biggest fan. i once told my husband i've never met the man, but i'd marry him, just to have him sing to me!! haha!! thanks! his music holds special memories for me because my husband introduced his music to me while we were dating. those moments of my life i'll never forget. ok, i know you are getting bored with this mushy stuff so i'll get off here. thank you again

Name: Robert L. Summers - Ohio, US
Hopefully John would be smiling if he heard my fourth graders singing "Dear Abby, Dear Abby..." I used it to study the format and parts of a friendly letter. We changed the last verse to: 
    "Dear Abby, Dear Abby 
    I'm feeling depressed 
    everywhere that I go 
    is a proficiency test 
    with number two pencils, bizarre writing prompts 
    multi-choice, short answer, extended response
 signed, Fried Brain Cells." 
RS

Name: Jesse Rodgers - PA, USA
It is not so much a story, but a big thank you to Mr. Prine. My entire family are huge fans of John Prine and we range in age of 20 (my younger sister) to 64 (my father). Since we were kids my folks and their friends sat around pickin' and grinnin' to a lot of Prine songs. In the past year we all-of-a-sudden lost the oldest of my five sublings. We were close, but not real close. I constantly regret not becoming closer to him, as I am to my other siblings. Anyway, Mr. Prine is the one connection and memory that comes to mind that helps me think of my brother in a positive and wonderful way. We both love his music (and Philly sports). We attended two of his concerts (Philly and Harrisburg) as a family. His music and lyrics now remind me of my brother and the wonderful time that he had at the concert. I don't know if there was too much that he really loved, but I know John Prine and his music is one of them. After the show my brother had such a huge smile, and months later we still reminisced about how perfect the show was. The purpose of this letter is to somehow thank Mr. Prine for what he has unknowingly done for me and my family, knowing that at his shows my brother "was in heaven before he died". John if you read this thank you, you've helped a family cope with a great loss and your music brings smiles and tears to all our faces everytime we hear it. Please, come back to Harrisburg, PA soon, we love ya'.

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