Fans Are Rediscovering a Country Legend Counted Among Bob Dylan's 'Favorite Songwriters'
America is a fascinating place. A country so massive and so diversely p[populated has created a cultural stew with a flavor palate the rest of the world simply can't replicate.
We're a nation whose tapestry has been woven by the music we produce. Nothing is as tried and true as the vagabond or the traveler picking up a guitar, and sound tracking the state of the nation. There's a reason we define each decade with the music that came out then.
Nobody is truly as emblematic of the changing tides of the American landscape than Bob Dylan, who truly needs no introduction. Possibly the most influential musician second to The Beatles, Dylan has embodied the American spirit for his whole career with his biting, topical, and personal songwriting. I could go on and on about the ways his career has symbolized the trajectory of America from the '60s onward, but that's not what I'm here to do today.
In 2009, Dylan gave an exclusive interview with The Huffington Post where he named some of his favorite songwriters. A lot of familiar names came up, but the one that I'm focusing on is the legendary John Prine.
Bob Dylan Praised John Prine
Dylan said about the country singer: "Prine's stuff is pure Proustian existentialism. Midwestern mindtrips to the nth degree. And he writes beautiful songs."
Prine came from similar humble beginnings to Dylan. Working as a mail carrier in Chicago, he would visit open mic Folk nights, a venue where Roger Ebert happened to be. Ebert was impressed, and published "Singing Mailman Who Delivers A Powerful Message In A Few Words."
In essence, this is the best way to describe Prine, who went on to win two Grammys, found a record company, and forever change the country music landscape. Prine touched the hearts of so many with incredible songs that combined a sharp sense of the world with a heart and humor. His music feels like you're listening to your grandpa tell stories. I think that's why so many people profoundly feel his absence today, where he is no longer with us.
Fans Mourn John Prine To This Day
A throwback to Prine's NPR Tiny Desk popped up on my feed recently, and I was struck by the amount of sorrow in the comments. There's a profound hole in the music world that Prine left, and it's never going to be filled.
@johnprineshrine "Summer's End" from John's Tiny Desk #johnprine#tinydesk#americanamusic#folkmusic#countrymusic @npr
♬ original sound - JohnPrineShrine - JohnPrineShrine
In the video, Prine performs "Summer's End," the most popular song from his final album, The Tree of Forgiveness. The 2018 album sees Prine in a different place. He had survived not one but two different cancers. Squamous Cell cancer in his neck, and lung cancer. The battles were won but left him vocally in a different place, as a good portion of his neck had to be removed. A year of speech therapy brought his voice to where it is in this performance and on the record. A rougher, more weathered tone than his normal timbre.
Prine left us in 2020 from complications with COVID-19, and his loss still permeates the world, finding its way to the comment section of this TikTok.
"I loved the song… and then I saw the video and was just gutted. I miss him," one fan writes.
"There will only ever be one John Prine. An empathetic poet amongst men. May you rest in peace always remembered. ❤️❤️❤️"
"One of if not greatest songwriter of all time. We miss you John," another commented, which is the general sentiment throughout the comments.
John Prine left an indelible impact on the world. His music and songwriting remain some of the most genuine human things I have ever encountered. For anyone who hasn't been blessed with getting to know his discography, I would highly recommend starting with his self-titled debut from 1971. From the second "Illegal Smile" starts playing, you'll understand.
Rest easy John, you're one of the greats.
Related: Fans Re-Discover the Song Bob Dylan Once Called the 'Greatest Song Ever Written'
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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 9:56 AM.