John Prine - All The Best - The Missing Years

John Prine singing "All The Best" from his 1991 album "The Missing Years"

FOLLOW JOHN:

Lyrics:
I wish you love - and happiness
I guess I wish - you all the best
I wish you don't - do like I do
And never fall in love with someone like you
Cause if you fell - just like I did
You'd probably walk around the block like a little kid
But kids don't know - they can only guess
How hard it is - to wish you happiness
I guess that love - is like a Christmas card
You decorate a tree - you throw it in the yard
It decays and dies - and the snowmen melt
Well, I once knew love - I knew how love felt
Yeah I knew love - love knew me
And when I walked - love walked with me
And I got no hate - and I got no pride
Well, I got so much love that I cannot hide

Singer. Songwriter. Poet. Icon.
John Prine was an artist’s artist with a list of admirers and collaborators that cut across musical genres and generations - names like Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Brandi Carlile, George Strait, Kurt Vile, Miranda Lambert, The Everly Brothers, Emmylou Harris, among others.

Though he was born in Maywood, Illinois, in 1946, John declared himself “pure Kentuckian” throughout his life. His parents, Willian and Verna, were natives of Paradise, Kentucky. The family would spend summers there in Muhlenberg County, where John listened to bluegrass music and studied the guitar styles of country music heroes Doc Watson and Merle Travis with his older brother, Dave.

In Maywood, he worked as a postman before being drafted into the army in 1966. It was as a postman that John began to write the songs that would connect with so many. He sang at Chicago folk clubs, where he was introduced to singer-songwriter Kris Kristopherson, who invited John to open for him in New York. It was there that Jerry Wexler, president of Atlantic Records, first heard Prine and offered him a recording contract. His self-titled debut album was released in 1971 and featured a list of songs now regarded as classics, including “Paradise,” “Angel From Montgomery,” “Illegal Smile,” Hello in There,” and “Sam Stone.” Prine received the first of his 13 Grammy nominations in 1972 for Best New Artist. He would record three more albums for Atlantic and another three with Asylum.

His profound impact on American music was amplified in 1981 when John co-founded Oh Boy Records, and independent label where he released most of his subsequent work and which gave voice and respect to so many fellow singers and songwriters.

In his distinguished career, John won four Grammys and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2020). He was a three-time recipient of the Artist of the Year Award at the Americana Music Honors & Awards, which also honored him with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting. He won the Pen/New England Song Lyrics of Literary Excellence Award (2016) and was enshrined in the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2019). In addition, John was named Honorary Poet Laureate of Illinois (2020).

John Prine passed away on April 7, 2020 due to complications from Covid-19. The outpouring of grief and love from his fan community was staggering. Over 500,000 viewers participated in an online memorial and tribute that raised more than half a million dollars for Covid-related community causes. In 2021, the Prine family created the Hello In There Foundation to honor John’s spirit of generosity towards those in need. Fiona Prine and her sons continue to operate and expand the reach of John’s independent record label, Oh Boy Records.

#johnprine #themissingyears
Yeah, I got so much love that I cannot hide
Say you drive a Chevy - say you drive a Ford
Say you drive around the town 'till you just get bored
Then you change you mind - for something else to do
And your heart gets bored with your mind and it changes you
Well it's a doggone shame - and it's an awful mess
I wish you love - I wish you happiness
I wish you love - I wish you happiness
I guess I wish - you all the best

[DenverDerwood]

If there was ever a song the world could use right now….

[dingdongsaysthewitch]

Wishing you all the best up there John it was a pleasure to have met you.

[crystalpope]

Been listenin' to Prine for most of my life. Unbeatable lyrics. American treasure. Love you, John.

[chuckymcdeel]

I just discovered John Prine. This is my favorite song. I had heard the song for years, never found out who the artist was. Thank you John.❤

[christinedureau]

Every time I hear this, , I think of someone I should have sent it to (years ago). One of the costs of discovering Prine too late.

[Xtomorph]

I don't think it's possible to be a bad person and a John Prine fan.

[amydarrah]

The Missing Years was an important album for me in college. I’m so sad John Prine left us today. His music will keep speaking to us.

[jimkeegan]

Now are the missing years John... We're all missing you. Thanks for everything.

[kristijones]

My late husband introduced me to John Prine. I can't go anywhere without his music. He is one if a kind. Love ya John. Your awesome!!! Hugs from Oregon

[MegaRanaaaaa]

You're still very much alive within us, John. Rest easy.

[mathmusic]

John, boy we miss you like hell. But we've still got your voice, songs and music. Hey fans: This song is from the double LP "The Missing Years". You're gonna' like EVERY SONG on

[TBlanktim]

Every thing is cool, and this. Anthems.
God Bless John Prine.
R.I.P.

[timland]

2023 and I just discovered this gem. Little late to the Prine party but glad I eventually made it!

[dannybarquera]

This song is amazing, Perfect melody, perfect flow, Just right.

[brianmccarthy]

RIP John.
Thank you for all the memories.

[akgypsy]

One my very favorite songs by John Prine.🥰🎶♥️

[keekee]

R.i.p. one of my all time favorite songs.

[BenSHammonds]

a song I have always related to, deeply

[signalahead]

John, thank you for making a few minutes in my life a little better. I haven't figured any of this out yet at fifty, but your songs make me feel like I might be a little closer to doing so.

[peterballan]

JP gives one the license to listen to beautiful music and songs, and at te same time, lsten to your heart, your soul and realise there's good in neself after all. JP could heal the most tortured soul. I love the memory of that beautiful man! RIP, JP !