John Prine Tribute: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (Home) Concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit — stripped-down sets, an intimate setting — just a different space.

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April 11, 2020 | Bob Boilen -- Every time I saw John Prine perform, he invited friends to join him. The outpouring of love and respect has always been so profound. And so when John Prine died on April 7 from complications related to COVID-19, I knew his friends and those he touched would want to pay tribute to him. Here are five artists performing their favorite John Prine tune in their home (or bathtub) in honor of one of the greatest songwriters of any generation.

SET LIST

Margo Price and Jeremy Ivey, "That's the Way That the World Goes Round"
Courtney Marie Andrews, "Speed of the Sound of Loneliness"
John Paul White, "Sam Stone"
Nathaniel Rateliff, "All The Best"
Brandy Clark, "Speed of the Sound of Loneliness"

[celeryzevil]

Oh John Prine the world misses you so..

[jajooby]

I've watched this dozens of times... and I'm still fighting to hold back the tears during John Paul White's tribute.

[chrishayworth]

I remember hitching from Edinburgh to London about 93 maybe 94 and a guy stopped probably outside Carlisle in the north of England. He asked me to play a song. It was about 2 am, I started to play Hello in there. We sung the whole way to London, he was so happy I knew all the old classics. A lot of time has passed since then I've quit busking and traveling but moments like that don't happen by chance. I'm still in touch with that man to this day. When ever I go back home we'll still play hello in there together. Now his eyes are ancient and I'm about the age he was when we first met. My advice to any young kids learning to play a guitar is learn the old stuff. Those songs are your best friend.

[josephkenny]

"If you're looking for the big picture, you gotta get a real small frame sometimes." -- John Prine

[MandaW-yu]

As long as i have folks to play Prine,
I was always have my dad.
Both one of kind guys.
We would play his songs a laugh and just enjoy time well shared.
The way you all miss Prine.
I miss my pops, he was truly my favorite human

[edwardrichard]

Prine always reminds me of my Mamma. As a kid, I used to see her crying listening to Prine. I couldn’t stand him as a child. Life was hard for a single mother with a 10th grade education. No help from the government. No help from my father. No help from family, they were poor than us. She was the hardest working person, and the most loving person I have ever met. She never had it easy from day one but she sure loved her boys. I have a great life because of her. John Prine is my favorite songwriter. I hope they’re now both in paradise. Singing about an illegal smiles. While fishing and Whistling.

[scotthammond]

I've left this comment on another video. I just love the heart felt comments from all the artists that are paying tribute to this great man. I'm a graphic designer and wish I could be a musician. John went to high school with my older brother and sis way back in the day...Proviso East in Maywood, IL. I did as well but graduated in 1982. Unfortunately my brother passed at 45 when I was 30. That was 25 years ago, but brother Bob introduced me to John and his music. I was fortunate to hear and see him at the Old Town School of Folk Music many times. GOD BLESS him, his music, his family.and all of you who love John!

[Kingrizla-fmrr]

I saw John Prine at a festival in London back in 2004. Only went to see him because it started hammering down with freezing hail and he was playing in a tent. Happiest accident. He was funny, charming and his songs were sublime. Been a fan ever since. Goodbye John.

[terrybenish]

I weep for his words and for our loss.

[TheFleetz]

Truely amazing….John is smiling at the moment!

[cinchfix]

Sam Stone gets me every time. Beautiful song. RIP Mr Prine and great tributes to the man!

[markmunger]

I only got to see John live once. Same with his buddy Steve Goodman. Both remain seminal concerts in my 65 years of living. Thanks, John, for making life better for everyone who ever listened to your music. May God grant you peace and rest.

[SylGreenstein]

I was already gonna cry when I heard Margo’s voice but when she picked up the baby and started dancing I LOST IT

[ItWentChunkaCHUNK]

This has got to be one of the most touching Tiny Desk Concerts of all time. John Prine had an amazing ability to express the human condition through lyrics, whether the song was a funny little ditty or a sad tale.

[Bringmethehorizondude]

Courtney Marie Andrews rendition straight up brought me to tears. Wow.

[davidkaehr]

A Beautiful Tribute to a Beautiful Man❤️

[TheHINYG]

Just when I think I'm done crying about losing John....this happens. I hung in there strong until Nathaniel got me. Others said it before me but it's just so true that I'll say it too: John was the best friend I never got to meet....and though we didn't know each other he wrote my life in song. Thanks for the souvenirs, John...I'll never let go of them.

[xwhite]

The Sam Stone cover was amazing. Thanks.

[kimnesvig]

I keep coming back to the tributes by talented people who learned of John Prine a generation or two after I did. He has given us so much, including a musical connection between those generations.

[joem]

It's 11:20pm and I have to be up at 4:00am. I watched Live at Strombo first and it took off from there. Here at Tiny Desk and I'm telling myself this will be the last but I'm probably lying. What a touching tribute, he brought so much happiness through melancholy. I'm glad we have a new generation that appreciates him.