How John Prine’s ‘Summer’s End’ Video Addresses the Opioid Crisis

Director's Kerrin Sheldon and Elaine McMillion Sheldon talk about the making of "Summer's End" from John Prine's New Album, 'The Tree of Forgiveness'

FOLLOW JOHN:

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 #treeofforgiveness

[donchristianmusic]

When I saw this video I cried. My wife and I are raising 2 grand children in our 60s because of the opioid crisis. Cant watch without tears but I also cant not watch. Thanks to everyone involved with this.

[stevenrafters]

We lost our daughter to drugs and have been raising her two daughters ever since. This video and song means so much to me that I cant put into words. Thank you so much for the caring and love you put into this video. Wonderful thank you

[treygibson]

I made it out after ten years on heroine. My good friend relapsed and died last month after five years sober. This video came to me in a time I needed. I don’t usually cry but I needed to. I’ve lost so many friends and this music video opened up the flood gates. I love the song and prine for caring.

[kevinmccarty]

What a beautiful song and video. As a grandpa raising a grandchild due to his father's overdose, it immediately struck a chord. I was surprised to hear Elaine mention the loss of mother and daughter, as I assumed it was the father that was lost, the father being absent in the video. To re-watch knowing the mother scenes were flashback and she was a single mom makes it all the more heartbreaking. Thanks John, you've been making me cry for almost 50 years now.

[gandalfshakur]

I couldn't sleep. Been up since 3:30 AM listening to Prine all along for an hour and half (and more). I never knew I was capable of so many tears.

[randyhale]

my mom, who passed, is from West Virginia. This video hits me hard because I was addicted and survived to be a dad to my son.

[mikefox]

I think John Prine was put on earth to make people aware of a lot of things. Now look at the poor guy fighting for his life with the latest thing to be serious about covid19. You two did an extraordinary job directing this video, if this doesn't bring a tear than Old Yeller didn't affect you. The little girl did an unbelievable job of looking totally devastated over the loss of her mom and your Dad looks so much like the picture of a hard working man with great wisdom. This horrible addiction has taken friends of ours sons and daughters so it hits home. Loved the entire thing God Bless you all.

[ivannovotny]

Thank you John and (all involved) for sharing.... the emotional depth and wisdom in this video is haunting and exquisite.

[pamhauglie]

I was so saddened by the news of Mr. Prine's passing. Thank you for sharing him and an important story. My heart goes out to his family.

[patcavasin]

No matter how many times I see this, it always brings some tears....beautifully done.

[mikkibaker]

Typo! Can't get that line wrong! "There's a hole in Daddy's arm where all the money goes". The man sees things so clearly and states them so simply that we can't miss the point or help being moved -- sometimes to tears and other times to laughter.

Damien Einstein of WHFS first played John Prine's music in the DC area. The first song I heard was "Spanish Pipedream". When I heard, "'... I knew that topless lady had something up her sleeve" I was hooked forever. He has the ability to help us see things that have always been there more clearly, as if for the first time. No subject is off limits to John Prine and it's about time he was in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.

[MrWireguy]

Thanks for sharing the background of this video. So often we watch and walk away wondering "What was that all about???". What a privilege and honor to work with John Prine. Such a gentleman.

[pbbthreadkiller]

Clearly, the people behind the scenes of this video are talented and I'm glad they made this video. But the little girl just rips my heart in two. She is phenomenal!

[TyJee]

After watching the Summer's End video, and thinking the people and scenery looked amazingly familiar. I had to click on this video to learn the back story. And was pleasantly surprised to discover the video was filmed right here in my home state by resident film makers. My grandfather was from Nicholas Co. but raised his family in another county farther south-west. John Prine's songs often have unexpected lyrics, sometimes funny, other times haunting, and moving. Being a fan of his music for four decades I was sorry to learn of his recent passing away. The scenes in the video enhanced the emotions and theme of the music very well.

[frozemoments]

Great Job...I’m a huge John Prine fan and a recovering opiate addict from North East Tennessee...Johnson City. Thank You All For What You’ve Done.

[apeel]

Fantastic job on the video! It elevates the song, and John Prine, to an even higher level (if that is even possible?). Truly touching. I cry EVERY time I watch it. I'm crying now, and will be clicking the replay button (again).

[TheAlibash]

captures him the way i think he was, kind and down to earth....great video, well done.

[soldtobediers]

You Dont Have To Be Alone.
What a healing comforting line. 1819

[tekay]

i feel John Prine and Tommy Makem didn't get near enough recognition on their deaths. Always there and always great. RIP

[jeffm]

Thank you to all involved in this video .