Music: John Prine
It was good to hear that Mr. Prine won a Grammy for his latest album Fair and Square. I’ve been listening to John’s music since the mid-seventies and mention that fact in the opening chapter of my book. Here’s an excerpt.
There was little conversation as the Winnebago descended from the mountains that surround Phoenix and the neighboring communities. It was my turn with the CD player and John Prine’s lyrics filled the silence.
“The scientific nature of the ordinary man
Is to go on out and do the best you can.”
The song is relatively new but hearing Prine’s voice bought me back to our Arizona days. Cathy and I moved to Phoenix after getting married and three of our four children were born there. We stayed ten years, spending most of that time struggling to make ends meet while raising our kids and listening to John Prine sing about people just like us. I was the common man doing common jobs; construction, sales, retail, and the list goes on. Before Prine found his niche as a songwriter he was a mailman. We knew that he knew exactly how we felt. My niche would eventually be found, but not until the age of 30 when I landed my first TV job. A year and a half later, NBC came calling and off we went.
My NBC job has been great because of the freedom to cover subjects that interest me…subjects like John Prine. In 1986 I spent a few days in Nashville hanging out with John and his friends and then traveled to one of his show venues. John was friendly, funny and considerate. Here is a scene from a late night impromptu concert in his kitchen. In the coming weeks and months I will have more to share.
Click on image below to play movie.
Quicktime | Windows
Mike and John in 1986
February 14th, 2006 at 10:36 am
I had forgotten how much I loved John Prine - I used to listen to him all the time, but I haven’t listened to him in years. It brought back a lot of memories! Thanks for reminding me - I’ll have to pick up his new album.
February 19th, 2006 at 8:43 pm
Meghann,
John Prine will always be one of my favorite musicians because his music is as relevant now as it was thirty-some years ago when I first gave it a listen. My life has changed a lot since then but his take on everyday matters is as true now as it’s ever been. I’m glad you liked seeing the kitchen concert. It was fun to hear such great music from a distance of about five feet. John’s new album is great. Thanks for writing.
February 27th, 2006 at 2:26 pm
dad - are you aware that that was Meghann Mundy who left that comment? Hi Megs!
Love,
Your Favorite Child
March 14th, 2006 at 10:51 am
Mr. Leonard,
Thank you very much for posting this video. I am the biggest John Prine fan in the world (though only 24) and anytime I can see or hear him do ANYTHING, I’m happy.
Have you seen Daddy and Them?
Spence.
July 12th, 2006 at 7:03 pm
Mike,
Thank you so much for posting this video. John Prine was my father’s favorite musical artist and since my father’s passing I’ve learned to love everything about his music. This video is especially vivid to me as I can recall my father telling me of a story he once heard where John was asked to play the “Happy Enchilada” song. Thanks for helping me recall the memory
-Bonnie
September 28th, 2007 at 7:24 am
Mike,
I saw the John Prine video, “That’s the Way That the World Goes ‘Round” on Youtube and had to find the original source. I grew up thinking this song was the “Happy Enchilada” song. Seeing John Prine himself refer to it as such was enlightening. At the ripe old age of 35, I am ensuring my children grow up with Mr. Prine as well. I cannot express how much I appreciate your posting. It is not everyday that you see John Prine videos floating around. He has been an inspiration to many even though record sells do not correlate with his phenomenon.
September 28th, 2007 at 7:25 am
I guess he’s an inspiration to more than one Bonnie.