At the age of 73, legendary songwriter John Prine passed away due to coronavirus complications on Tuesday night. Elevating from a working-class mail carrier to a remarkable country and folk-leaning musician, his influence has traveled with him throughout the decades. Even into his sixties and seventies, he had yet to lose a step as he continued to produce incredible work. With his fingerprint on so many decades and generations of musical talents, fans of all ages and classes expressed an outpouring of grief on social media to honor the legendary songwriter.
Amber Coffman shared how much John Prine meant to her and her music. “I grew up on John Prine’s music- his was some of the first music I remember hearing as a little kid. If you’re not familiar, I highly recommend doing a deep dive. #RIPJohnPrine.”
I grew up on John Prine’s music- his was some of the first music I remember hearing as a little kid. If you’re not familiar, I highly recommend doing a deep dive. #RIPJohnPrine
https://t.co/pQr36Pn9pe
— Amber Coffman (@Amber_Coffman) April 8, 2020
Strand Of Oaks and Jack Antonoff also shared their thoughts and condolences online as well. Strand Of Oaks said Prine “represented everything I love about music,” while Antonoff called him “as good as it gets.”
John Prine represented everything I love about music. Hard to process. To get to share the Earth with such shining lights is a gift. Rest In Peace
— Timothy Showalter (@Strandofoaks) April 8, 2020
john prine is as good as it gets. an honor to be alive during his time making work.
— jackantonoff (@jackantonoff) April 8, 2020
Reactions to the passing of John Prine also came in from Marc Maron, Margo Price, Stephen Colbert, Bon Iver, Andy Ritcher, and more.
RIP John Prine. The real deal. Great American singer/songwriter that found the heart and humor in even the darkest of human stories through song. Genius. Very heavy loss.
— marc maron (@marcmaron) April 8, 2020
It hurts so bad to read the news. I am gutted. My hero is gone. My friend is gone. We’ll love you forever John Prine.
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) April 8, 2020
With a heavy heart, but deep love and gratitude for his gift he gave us all- Goodbye, John Prine. https://t.co/kGkNJYl3hI
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) April 8, 2020
Listen
Last song
On last RecordHe accepted death as a way of knowing and loving life https://t.co/Rb2mQ5krTk
— blobtower (@blobtower) April 8, 2020
Such sad news
John Prine dead; acclaimed folksinger, songwriter created classics of lyricism and storytelling – Chicago Sun-Times https://t.co/JQvKRmsmbz— Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) April 8, 2020
Prine’s influence was felt throughout entertainment, and his impact went far beyond music in many ways.
— william tyler (@williamtylertn) April 8, 2020
John Prine and Bill Withers in a matter of days. This is a hell of a time.
— Hiss Golden Messenger (@hissgldnmssr) April 8, 2020
RIP John Prine. This sucks.
— Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) April 8, 2020
John Prine.
— Mandy Moore (@TheMandyMoore) April 8, 2020
RIP John Prine…
— The Head & The Heart (@headandtheheart) April 8, 2020
He’s gone. https://t.co/VDOB4omwWl
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) April 8, 2020