Singer-songwriter John Prine has died. He was 73.
According to his family members, Prine was admitted to a Nashville hospital in late March after being diagnosed with COVID-19. In social media posts, his wife stated John was in intensive care and was in critical condition.
Prine battled cancer several times and was perhaps best known for his gravelly voice and humorous lyrics, with songs like Dear Abby and Please Don’t Bury Me.
Prine’s musical career spanned more than five decades. After leaving the army, he moved to Chicago where he worked as a letter carrier. On the side, he wrote and performed songs and eventually gave up his day job to work in the music business. He released his first album in 1971. Earlier this year he was given a lifetime achievement Grammy award.
Prine performed in Newfoundland several times since the 1980s with concerts at Holy Heart Theatre, the Arts and Culture Centre and the Convention Centre. His most recent performance was at the Arts and Culture Centre in St. John’s back in May of 2017.
