John Prine was a prominent American country and folk singer-songwriter who touched the hearts of millions of people worldwide with his music. Born on October 10, 1946, in Maywood, Illinois, John began writing songs at the age of 14. His songs were inspired by his childhood experiences, love, heartbreak, and social issues. Due to his exceptional talent, John rose to fame in the late '60s and '70s and became one of the most respected and beloved musicians of his generation.
John Prine's career spanned more than five decades in which he released 18 studio albums, won multiple Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His music was known for its simplicity, honesty, and sincerity, and it resonated with people of all ages. Some of his most famous songs include "Angel from Montgomery," "Paradise," "Sam Stone," "Hello in There," and "In Spite of Ourselves."
Aside from his artistic achievements, John Prine was also a generous and empathetic human being who used his influence to support various causes and organizations. He was involved in environmental activism, supported independent music, and helped young musicians who were just starting their careers. During his lifetime, John acquired a net worth of $10 million, which he earned from his music career, tours, and songwriting royalties.
John Prine passed away on April 7, 2020, due to complications from COVID-19. However, his music and his legacy continue to inspire and touch people's hearts around the world. This article aims to provide a complete bio of John Prine, including his age, height, figure, and net worth, to honor his life and achievements as an artist and a human being.
John Prine: A Complete Bio
Early Life and Career
John Prine was born in 1946 in Maywood, Illinois. He began playing guitar at the age of 14 and was inspired by country music legends such as Hank Williams and Roger Miller. In 1971, he released his debut album, which included the hit song "Sam Stone". This propelled him to fame and he quickly became known for his unique blend of country and folk music.
Personal Life
John Prine was married three times and had three children. He was known for his sense of humor and down-to-earth personality. Despite his success, he remained humble and always put his family first.
Height and Figure
John Prine was of average height, standing at around 5'8". He had a lean build and was known for his distinctive voice and gentle demeanor.
Legacy and Net Worth
John Prine passed away in April 2020 at the age of 73 due to complications with COVID-19. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest songwriters of his generation. His net worth was estimated to be around $10 million at the time of his death.
Discography
- John Prine (1971)
- Diamonds in the Rough (1972)
- Sweet Revenge (1973)
- Common Sense (1975)
- Bruised Orange (1978)
- Pink Cadillac (1979)
- Storm Windows (1980)
- Aimless Love (1984)
- German Afternoons (1986)
- The Missing Years (1991)
- Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings (1995)
- In Spite of Ourselves (1999)
- Fair & Square (2005)
- For Better, Or Worse (2016)
Early Life and Career
John Prine was born on October 10, 1946, in Maywood, Illinois. Growing up, he showed an early interest in music and learned to play the guitar by the age of 14. Prine attended Lake Forest College for a year before dropping out to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
After returning from Vietnam, Prine began performing at open mic nights and eventually landed a job as a mailman in his hometown of Chicago. During his free time, he continued to write and perform his own songs, relying heavily on his experiences in the army and his observations of everyday life.
In 1970, Prine caught the attention of legendary singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson, who helped him secure a recording contract with Atlantic Records. Prine's self-titled debut album was released the following year to critical acclaim, featuring classics such as "Sam Stone" and "Angel from Montgomery." This marked the beginning of a long and influential career in the folk and country music scene.
Music and Songwriting
John Prine is known for his unique style of songwriting, which often combines humor, wit, and poignant observations about life. He drew inspiration from his experiences growing up in rural Illinois and his time as a mail carrier in Chicago.
Prine's music is often categorized as folk, but he incorporated elements of country, rock, and even gospel into his songs. His lyrics were often character-driven, telling stories of everyday people and their struggles, hopes, and dreams.
Some of Prine's most famous songs include "Angel from Montgomery," "Hello in There," and "Sam Stone," which tackled themes of aging, war, addiction, and death. His songs have been covered by numerous artists, including Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash, and Miranda Lambert.
Prine's songwriting earned him numerous accolades throughout his career, including induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019. He continued to write and perform music until his death in 2020, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of America's greatest songwriters.
Personal Life and Tragedies
Early Life and Family
John Prine was born in Maywood, Illinois in 1946 and grew up in the nearby town of Maywood. He was the third of four children and was raised in a working-class family. His father worked at a nearby steel mill and his mother was a homemaker. Prine's love of music was instilled in him at an early age by his grandfather, who played the guitar and the five-string banjo.Marriage and Children
John Prine was married twice in his lifetime. His first marriage was to high school sweetheart Ann Carole Dupont, whom he married in 1966. The couple had three children together. In 1984, Prine divorced Dupont and married his second wife, Fiona Whelan, whom he met while recording his album The Missing Years. The couple had two sons together.Tragedies
Throughout his life, John Prine faced several tragic events that had a profound impact on him and his music. In 1998, he was diagnosed with squamous cell cancer of the neck, which required surgery and radiation therapy. He was able to recover from the cancer, but the experience had a lasting effect on him and his lyrics. In 2013, John Prine's wife Fiona was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in 2018 after a long battle with the disease. Prine wrote and recorded many songs about his wife and her illness, including the poignant "Hello in There." In April 2020, John Prine passed away from complications of COVID-19. His death was a profound loss to the music industry and his fans around the world.Legacy and Net Worth of John Prine
Legacy
John Prine, who passed away in April 2020 due to COVID-19, left behind a notable legacy in the music industry. Over his 50-year career, he earned recognition for his ability to blend folk, country, and rock music. Prine's songwriting skills were praised by numerous artists and critics, and his songs were covered by many musicians. Some of his hits include "Angel from Montgomery," "Paradise," and "Hello in There." Prine was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019, recognizing his contribution to American songwriting.Net Worth
As of 2021, John Prine's net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. The majority of his wealth came from his successful music career. Over the years, he released 18 albums, and his touring schedule was filled with sold-out shows. Prine's music became more popular later in his career, and he was able to earn royalties and residuals from his songs. Additionally, he had several small acting roles, including in the movie "Roadie" and the TV show "The Knick." Prine was also an avid collector of vintage guitars, which may have contributed to his net worth.FAQ
What is John Prine's net worth?
John Prine's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
How tall is John Prine?
John Prine was 5'8" (173 cm) tall.
What were some of John Prine's biggest hits?
Some of John Prine's biggest hits include "Sam Stone," "Paradise," "Hello in There," and "Angel from Montgomery."
What is John Prine's background?
John Prine was born in Maywood, Illinois, on October 10, 1946. He grew up in a musical family and began playing guitar as a young child. In the late 1960s, he moved to Chicago and began performing in local clubs. He gained a following with his unique style of songwriting and became known as one of the most influential figures in the folk and country music scenes.
When did John Prine pass away?
John Prine passed away on April 7, 2020, due to complications caused by COVID-19.