Bruce Springsteen leads tributes to ‘national treasure’ John Prine after musician dies aged 73
Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow and Nickelback are among the famous faces who have paid tribute to John Prine, after his death aged 63.
The singer-songwriter, one of the most influential figures in US folk and country music, had been in a critical condition after contracting Covid-19.
He died from complications caused by the virus on Tuesday at a hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, his management said.
Tributes soon began pouring in online when the sad news was confirmed, with Springsteen, 70, commending Prine for being a “a national treasure.”
He tweeted: “Over here on E Street, we are crushed by the loss of John Prine. John and I were ‘New Dylans’ together in the early 70s and he was never anything but the lovliest guy in the world. A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages. We send our love and prayers to his family.” [sic]
Country music star Sheryl Crow said Prine’s music would endure.
She tweeted: “My heart hurts learning that John Prine has passed away. He is singing with the angels. You will be missed but your songs will live on.”
Ryan Peake, from the band Nickelback, said on the group’s Twitter account: “Sad news about John Prine. Amazing songwriter and musician. It’s a big loss to the music industry. Bill Withers and John Prine in a week. Goddamn it.”
Oscar-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi, singer Miranda Lambert, and actors Rosanna Arquette and Olivia Wilde are also among those who posted messages of condolence online:
Prine was born in Maywood, Illinois, and learned to play the guitar at 14. After returning from West Germany where he served in the US military, Prine moved to Chicago and began writing songs.
Critical acclaim soon followed and he released his self-titled debut album in 1971.
Over his more than 50-year career, Prine was considered one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, known throughout his more than 50-year-career for lyrics about love and life and for his social commentary.
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Prine fought cancer twice, most recently battling lung cancer in 2013. The surgeries affected his voice but he continued to make music and tour.
Additional reporting by Press Association.
