John Prine on Austin City Limits "When I Get to Heaven"

John Prine performs "When I get to Heaven" during his recent return to Austin City Limits.
John Prine's episode premieres October 13, 2018 on PBS. To check your local listings visit: acltv.com/watch...
Watch Austin City Limits on PBS. For more visit acltv.com.
About the Episode
Savor an hour-long set with songwriting legend John Prine. The veteran musician performs songs from his critically acclaimed recent album The Tree of Forgiveness, as well as gems from his catalogue.
About Austin City Limits
Austin City Limits (ACL) offers viewers unparalleled access to featured acts in an intimate setting that provides a platform for artists to deliver inspired, memorable, full-length performances. The program is taped live before a concert audience from The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. ACL is the longest-running music series in American television history and remains the only TV series to ever be awarded the National Medal of Arts. Since its inception, the groundbreaking music series has become an institution that's helped secure Austin's reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World. The historic KLRU Studio 6A, home to 36 years of ACL concerts, has been designated an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark. In 2011, ACL moved to the new venue ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. ACL received a rare institutional Peabody Award for excellence and outstanding achievement in 2012. Austin City Limits is produced by KLRU-TV and funding is provided in part by Dell, American Airlines, the Austin Convention Center Department and Cirrus Logic. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of Austin City Limits. Learn more about Austin City Limits, programming and history at acltv.com.

[@enm19671]

I hope he's enjoying his cocktail. Rest in peace, sir.

[@adrock1011]

IM so fucking sad

[@hootenanny58]

Gut punched.

[@nunyabusiness9004]

@@adrock1011 This just didn't have to happen. The pretender to the kingdom thinks it's all about him, instead about the innocents, the moral, those who needed a guiding light, instead of a false flag. We've been hurt.

[@slingshotman7186]

just posted the same thing on facebook. cheers to you and pour one out for JP.

[@michaelsimmons8791]

Such a fitting song - glorious!!!

[@chriscawthorn1873]

There was a night quite a few years ago I was wasted and I was flipping through the channels. Contemplating suicide and I fell upon Austin City Limits and this gentleman singing Sam Stone. I had never heard anything so beautiful and I kept listening with tears eunning down my face. RIP Sir. You saved a life that night. And I will always be grateful to both John Prine and Austin City Limits for that......

[@sa-iw4dr]

Wow, what a story, stay safe and hang in there now!

[@chriscawthorn1873]

Thanks lifes good now but that single night is one I'll never forget.

[@jenniferblackmer3091]

God bless you. I am heartbroken. I hope his talent lives on.

[@chriscawthorn1873]

Jennifer I couldnt agree more. I have musical Idols and those people are John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, Gregg Allman and Willie Nelson. John in my book is as great a song writer or maybe greater the Bob Dylan at least i think so. The music from the people above brought me through some hard times andI hope Mr Prine is resting well and has an illegal smile as we speak.

[@juliemead7366]

@@chriscawthorn1873 Amos Lee is awesome, and he's played with Mr. Prine.

[@zaceaston3543]

John, you're shaking god's hand now, holding a vodka and ginger ale in the other, while puffing a cigarette that's nine miles long. Thank you for leaving us all with full hearts and big smiles.

[@jlcollins7673]

💔❤💔❤

[@bridgelaurie9490]

One of the greatest to ever put pen to paper

[@rcjons]

If we ever get a chance to go back to a bar, I'm going to order a John Prine. Effin bartender better know what that is.

[@garylewis327]

@@rcjons If he doesn't, ask for a "Handsome Johnny." If he doesn't know that one, you're in the wrong bar.

[@chadwickhurlburt6529]

God Bless this man. Cause he never sang anything he didn't really mean. You cannot get more honest than John Prine.

[@MichaelRolfes]

John & Jimmy are putting on the Labor Day weekend show

[@sonhopson1]

I have listened to John Prine since the 70’s ! I was only 10 years old but I loved him then and through the years. RIP John! We love and miss you!!

[@reneeinfortmyersfl]

Absolutely ZERO doubt that John Prine is sitting up in HEAVEN. What a BEAUTIFUL soul. ❤

[@BlackbirdSkies]

I'm so sad. We lost one of the greatest ever today. We'll be singing his songs for as long as humans walk this earth. Rest in peace John.

[@toddhenderson8093]

Well said . ! . Still hear him almost every day ! ! !

[@vitorzaupa]

I was here listening to this earlier today and I just got the news John died. Godspeed you sir, hope that farm is just as good as you wished.

[@crshaeffer]

I feel like I have a hole in my heart. 😪

[@dwightmonnier2790]

Rip

[@banjobandit3270]

RIP Mr. Prine. You meant more to the world than you may have imagined. Hope heaven is great to ya

[@timoj24]

He’s there fer sure. Let me be the first to say “he made me a better person”... trying to play his songs and singing his music made me love life a lot more... everyday from now until the end... from this old man, i will miss you everyday. Even though you will never know it from this lonesome soul you are not a “dead peckerhead”. You were amazing.

[@goghman]

he was amazing. he was so much to me.. i love you john

[@kws767]

Likewise brother. I do my best to cover his music too and it makes me very happy...I already miss him

[@nicolegalloway634]

We miss you r.i.p

[@inindian]

What a sad sad day when this giant of a man passed.☹️💙 But how lucky we are that he left such a wonderful catalogue of stories in song. He'll be missed, but we're still listening.🎸💙

[@jbgreer]

I had literally just watched this when my wife came upstairs to tell me the news. God bless John Prine. Heaven gets a fine rock--n-roll band tonight.

[@simonnelerette1971]

when I get to heaven I hope to see and hear John Sing

[@GypsySoul65]

And oh, what a feeling! When my soul Went through the ceiling And on up into heaven, I did ride

[@shane_rm1025]

I started this song in tears after I heard the news... But somehow now I cant help but smile, and I think that's how John would have wanted it

[@steveb796]

Been a fan since the late 70s. Glad he got the recognition he deserved later in life. I got The Missing Years for Christmas in 1991. My dad died unexpectedly 3 days later. The album is about divorce but translated well to loss, loneliness and helped to get me through. RIP John Prine.

[@luchovivanco5450]

RIP Mr. Prine. Please share some of your wonderful music with my sister.

[@tomjohnson1204]

His steel guitar player is off the charts, right on and good.

[@cumoncents]

If likes are like good vibes and peace of mind, the world just hit the goldmine. You live on through your music! Rest in Paradise John

[@tracywaldruff6797]

Mr. John Prine was and always will be a national treasure!!!

[@honestlynothanks]

My brother died a week ago today. This was one of the songs he shared recently with his friends. Thank you.

[@reginarich8802]

HEARTBROKEN , in layers of love of the music and musicians who played your music. Rest in Peace , dear John Prine. I never had enough time with your music. My 65th birthday today. I have had all the emotions of life, today and now, the loss of you / your givings..

[@blueschewy2558]

I miss John Prine like crazy.

[@justinshively9530]

Listening and playing your music has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life. You're a legend John RIP

[@mandyb0725]

Me too ♥️ what a treasure and how lucky we are to have his beautiful words.

[@gerardmackle5673]

Raising a pint of smithwicks to you John! R.I.P.

[@BobLussier]

RIP, Mr Prine. Your music will help the rest of us go on.

[@mandyb0725]

Amen ♥️🙏 we love you , you gem

[@TheIanverse]

I hope he is enjoying his 9 miles long cigarette.

[@MzClementine]

RIP John... can you be an angel and watch over us... 🥺🙏🏻

[@timmccoy4814]

I met John Prine the day he died. I saw the article that John had passed due to complications from the corona virus. The article told about his career....so on to You Tube I went. Started listening (for many hours) to one song after another and I felt like i had just lost a close friend. I laughed and I cried thinking that we lost a real life treasure. Yes we have lost John, but he left us with his music and his lyrics. A treasure I will always cherish. Thank you for stopping by on your way to Paradise (heaven) and introducing me to your music. I am grateful.....RIP my friend,

[@leightnite3056]

"Gonna smoke a cigarette that's 9 miles long" best lyric ever?

[@LazyIRanch]

I want to ride that Tilt A Whirl with him, even though I'm not purty. If I make it to Prine's Heaven, first thing I'm gonna do is find that amusement park and ask for John. I'll bring my kazoo! All of our pets will be there too, or it isn't really my idea of Heaven.

[@Ryan-fosho]

Lazy I Ranch this was really sad to read.

[@odenofasgard3405]

John just checked into Heaven a couple of minutes ago. The streets of heaven are sweeter by his presence there and God will ask for him to keep playing. He’ll get to see his aunts and Doug. Too sad......

[@lisafeatherngill7537]

I hope John Prine is going to town in heaven. God bless John Prine. Thank you for bringing smiles and joy to me and many others!

[@lesterross1]

I have never been at a guitar party anywhere that there was no John Prine played. That is the ultimate tribute. R. I. P. John, I'll keep playin them.

[@kellyfredrickson152]

You definitely went to heaven to meet your Father. You talented genius. He was more than eager to meet you and shake your hand. RIP Mr. Prine.

[@blackiejames1843]

You made it there John and hopefully it's everything you had hoped for. RIP sir.

[@dancrowley488]

America's greatest songwriter. RIP John

[@KylePerkins88]

It will never be too late to listen to John Prine. His words aren't decade-specific, disaster-specific, family-specific, triumph- nor trauma-specific. They'll be relevant until we've all gone wherever John's gone.

[@QueenJane318]

He is truly the encapsulation of "Americana." His songs are American life for us everyday folk.

[@charlie6629]

A legend has left us. RIP sir, enjoy that drink.

[@frankdunne6179]

Just discovered John What have I been missing Rest in peace

[@Skynyrdforever]

John Prine was special and we were blessed to be here with him.

[@debbiesmitherman9295]

A sad day today. We lost John Prine. RIP Heaven has an 😇 angel.

[@GrifterE]

Rest easy. Get yourself that cocktail. Thanks for all the songs.

[@nunyabusiness9004]

John Prine is on his way to heaven, today Tuesday, April 7, 2020. Pulled off the mortal coil by COVID19. He leaves a hole so large in our hearts, that we barely have skin enough to embrace the gentle man he has been for forever. Thank God, nobody bumped his talent in any way but along and up. Thank you to all who helped him be for us all that Big Door Prize.

[@innawoodsmicrowavecookeryi1651]

Spoiler. He didn't go to heaven.

[@ScottyBennitone]

Dude cmon man . The guy was battling lung cancer for the last 7 years . Wtf , Covid?... rip John .

[@davidlinehat4657]

@@ScottyBennitone simple mind, they arent mutually exclusive.

[@laurenceotoole1700]

@@innawoodsmicrowavecookeryi1651 I'm not sure why you'd say that, but I hope God blesses you anyways

[@laurenceotoole1700]

@@ScottyBennitone COVID took a lot of great people.

[@eddean6663]

How can someone make you cry and laugh at the same time? RIP John

[@snmthecloser]

Rest easy, Mr. Prine. As Dylan said, your words were pure Proustian existentialism...Midwestern mind trips to the nth degree. RIP.

[@cirkogl9595]

R.I.P. another Legend gone but not forgotten..

[@jwhit8340]

Begging here. Please, please not yet. We desperately need John. Now more than ever.

[@parileebijou6099]

I miss you Mr. Prine. Your music will resonate forever.

[@quad1000]

Heaven's been waitin' for this night. Go get 'em John.

[@ronaldcarlson918]

John Prine and I don't agree on everything, but I love that man. I never met him, but he means so much to me. I'm grateful I saw him live once.

[@gustanski]

John, I truly hope you’re doing this right this moment. RIP

[@jram2580]

Enjoy that 9 miler, John. RIP. There won't ever be another like you!

[@samuelcook4708]

John Prine will live on through all of us forever.

[@bassflyer]

R.I.P. John .... thanks for the great tunes!

[@pspillow]

John's song is sung. The angel from Montgomery took John Prine home. RIP John Prine.

[@axeman33333]

Miss you John 😢Thank you for being part of my generation and sharing your talent and wit. 😊

[@digr4u2]

My heart is broken. I can't stop crying. He was so strong. I thought he might fight his way back from this too? The world just got a lot colder, like it did when John Denver died. What an amazing songwriter, I think it can truly be said, there will NEVER be another one like John Prine...Rest Well. Have yourself a cocktail and smoke yourself a cigarette that's 9 miles long! Love you always... Your music will live on forever.❤

[@kaitensushi]

all we can do now is listen to his great music for as long as we can..

[@Thats-Cool-Thats-Trash]

Man, this is tough to watch. God bless you, John.

[@farflownfalcon1076]

Don't get there too soon John - get better first!

[@erikolsen1333]

Get well soon Mr prine

[@billymanziel5666]

RIP Mr Prine

[@koolbeans3572]

Rip. COVID-19 sadly took him :(

[@bassflyer]

@@billymanziel5666 :(

[@samuelsam7273]

RIP

[@davidarmstrong1021]

RIP Mr. Prine...thank you for all the memories!

[@OR2891]

RIP my dood. Hope you're doing everything you want and more.

[@agathac6187]

You're in heaven now John. Thanks for leaving us your songs!

[@judithgips2959]

farewell John. we just got the news. you live on in memories, song s hilarious and songs poignant, you wer our real balladeer for my whole life.

[@WildRemedies]

RIP The world will not be the same without you

[@balerjohnson3099]

John is still lifting my spirit..God Bless John Prine

[@BJane58]

😥😥What an unbelievable talent and wonderful human being.

[@davidfinlayson7730]

New to John Prine, great music, great lyrics, wish I had followed him a long time ago

[@KHPpassntime]

This world would be a better place if everyone could listen to one John Prine song a day

[@tootiegrigio713]

I just heard the news and came here.. Rest in peace Mr Prine!

[@garychynne1377]

apr. 7 2020. he's gone. can feel it, just like a real good song. thank you john.

[@gremlinvibe]

You were one of greatest songwriters of all time. We'll miss you, John 😭

[@generallee7692]

Don’t know what to say....you will be missed more than you will ever know....you touched us all John......damn.......

[@angelsonthemountain321]

I thank the Great Maker for the gift of John Prine, his wisdom, and his music. May we all take the time to listen and be inspired. It will make us all better human beings. I miss you already.

[@michaelstevenson952]

This song is it man. What life is all about

[@pattyhaley9594]

Such a clever and insightful songwriter who ALWAYS reached the heart.

[@matthewiles5714]

Rest In Peace John Prine. He died from COVID-19 complications. Born on Thursday 10th October 1946. Died on Tuesday 07th April 2020. He was 73 years 5 months 28 days when he died.

[@pls2028]

Tonight we lost this wonderful man - I hope to God he’s getting to do all those wonderful things he sings about in “When I Get To Heaven” once inside the Pearly Gates. RIP Mr. Prine...

[@mikewatier9493]

You are indeed in Heaven Mr. Prine! Thank you for making us smile so much in all of your songs like we knew you since forever.

[@ElainaDeva]

Rest in Peace John Remember the fun we had way back wanting me to go on the road with you.. "you make me feel peaceful Hippy girl.. even his roadie begged me.. having a sip of Jack D for your home going.. Thanks for the Music..

[@HDGator1]

RIP John. Enjoy that cocktail; you earned it.

[@HughMc74]

Rest in Peace John Prine - he was the greatest, and such a gentleman. This song always makes me smile and cry at the same time. It’s a great gift to the world to have this captured on video for us all to share in this man’s spirit for a few minutes whenever we feel the need for a bit of Prine 👍🏻🇮🇪

[@garyhenry3103]

I sure miss John Prine.

[@mundrubjet]

About now, God is on the receiving end of that grateful handshake John promised Him. I hope He likes it. I only learned of John 2 years ago. Since then I scoured KZbin of all the videos I could find of him. I'm both sad for the many years I've lived without the enjoyment of John's songs and thankful for the years to come after now learning of him. In spite of himself, he ended up a sittin on a rainbow... Ol,. Sarge...

[@kws767]

What a great songwriter RIP Mr Prine..

[@ericphantoms4359]

I can't believe he's gone, I've only been listening to him for 4 months, he instantly became one of my favorite musicians/people when I first heard him, Rest in power John, you were, and always will be one of the best this world has to offer.

[@gbernardwandel4174]

I just come here when I need to cry

[@nomadjeff1922]

John Prine has died and I don't know what to say. I had tickets to see John and Emmy Lou Harris at The Wolf Trap National Park in Vienna, Va. in June with my best friend. I've never been able to see him live and was looking so forward to this concert. I would have given up every concert I would have attended in the future for John to be alive and I would have never seen him in concert. I miss you already John. The song "Paradise" is about Paradise coal fired electrical production plant operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Peabody Coal Company mines coal for them. I started school in Muhlenberg County (Greenville , Ky.) in 1965 while my dad worked (TVA) where John talks about. I left a few years later, but always felt the connection when I heard John sing "Paradise". John actually grew up in Chicago and his parents were from Kentucky. A very common migration for people in those days. I traveled the world and John was always with me. I'm not much of a hero worshiper, but when I get to heaven........I want to see that band John and I hope you're on your third Vodka and Ginger-Ale. Let's fire up that smoke nine miles long! As Kacey Musgraves said, I would have loved to burn one with John Prine. Good bye my friend. I hope you know how many times I listened to your songs in some God forsaken place and you lifted my spirits. And God, if you're listening......well never mind. If John made it, maybe I will. :)

[@kathy2092]

With your heart, you will get your wish to shake Mr Prine's hand!! 😇🤜🤛❤🥀

[@Olhamo]

Nomad Jeff God’s listening. and loves you more than you can even dream of. I just felt called to type that, though such stuff is pretty new to me.

[@sprthrwwychnnl73]

I hope to meet you up at the Tree of Forgiveness some day. We’ll both see John live.

[@DBYSSELLE55]

I'd give you one of the times I saw him. Sorry you missed him.

[@rjh1226]

We will all be together again. I only started listening too John after his passing. I heard about him forever but I was “stuck in genre” My Music mind never ventured too far from my Rock music. I guess my closed mind missed out for decades. Time to make up for lost time . Da da da da da da, da da da da da because this old man is going to Town Now I’m playing his songs and singing them too get closer too him . I’ll see him one day and maybe he will let me sing along with him. Either way, I’m singing along with him while I’m still on Earth. Knowing he is in Heaven , I’m not afraid to die. Rest In Peace John , you’re my best friend who I’ve never met yet. I will though…

[@debbieduraj9389]

My brother died Saturday unexpectedly at the end of great day. This is for him.

[@joshuawaltz9484]

Love John Prine. He was so great. He impacted a lot of lives.

[@JasonRoeHotelier]

Love you brother. You will be missed. Sad to see another country music legend leave us.

[@kevinb2014]

I have to watch this for some comfort tonight. John will always make me smile, even through tears. God bless you, John.

[@lucycat4305]

Amen! Let's all just be in heaven NOW!

[@Momo-mw4ef]

This man is a poet. Yes, he is a talented musician but at his heart he is a poet. Get well John, please get well

[@ocelotaardvark9053]

Unfortunately, that was not to be. Rest in Peace, Mr. Prine … and shake God's hand for me.

[@kathy2092]

YES!! Always said he could make you laugh, make you cry & sometimes both at the same time!!

[@misterjim4458]

Thank You John Prine. For the soundtrack to my life. You are LOVED. RIP

[@edwardholland9474]

Only met him once for thirty seconds but musically he felt like my best friend since I first heard Illegal Smile in the early seventies. RIP John. Ya done a lot of good in this world. I'm sure a cocktail is waiting in the best suite on the top floor.

[@muskogee9948]

We lost him today to COVID-19. What a treasure!

[@Matt-we2jc]

I got goosebumps and tears in my eyes seeing this, what power John had! Thanks for all the souvenirs JP

[@doeper]

I miss him so much already. Thank you, John.

[@margaretricher4474]

Loved John Prine for over 40 years. He certainly had a way with words and making creative songs. He had a way of making funny subjects serious and serious subjects funny. Saw him many times through the years and each concert was different but the same, if you know what I mean. His song, "Onomatopoeia" from years ago actually got my son an A+ in English his senior year in high school (92). He had to define what onomatopoeia meant and he wrote the whole lyrics from John's song to explain what it meant. By the way, he didn't plagiarize the words he had written. He wrote in small letters at the end on the right hand side of his paper "by John Prine." RIP John.

[@JaredOLantern]

The afterlife is grand because you’re there now. Thank you for the music, memories, and laughs. R.I.P. John.