I was introduced to John Prine through my cousin Alex. I know, I didn't hear a John Prine song until about fifteen years ago. I didn't know about his Western Kentucky and Muhlenberg County connections. I didn't know the song "Paradise", yet. I did know I was going to like Mr. Prine and his honest stories about life and what he knew.

I remember the first time I saw Prine, it was at one of the last Everly Brothers' Homecoming concerts. It was just him, another guitarist, and a young guy playing an upright bass. They were all dressed in suits. I'm not sure where you would put Prine in the music bins; is he country, folk, or a little of both? His voice was raked with years of smoking and drinking, and it wasn't very strong, but it suits him.

Here's the lead track off of 'John Prine', and it's one of my favorites, "Illegal Smile".

From what I've learned over the years, Prine is best known for two songs: "Paradise" and "Angel From Montgomery". They are both on his debut album. Wow! But so is "Spanish Pipedream", "Hello in There", "Sam Stone", and "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore". Oh, there are many more, however, this is the album you want to get to prime yourself, no pun intended. And this is an illustration in the liner notes. I have no idea what it means.

Erin Grant
Erin Grant
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Early reduced ticket sales for next year's ROMP go on sale for 12 hours only this Friday (12/11) at Noon. Click here! I think I need to go next year.

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