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!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@banjobandit3270]

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

[@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 ! ! !

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@snmthecloser]

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

[@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.

[@GypsySoul65]

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

[@jwhit8340]

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

[@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!!

[@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..

[@trezz8]

Hang in there Buddy, Heaven can wait..............

[@lizdavies6796]

Oh. What a brilliant thing to say. Heaven can wait.. are you listening, John?

[@LazyIRanch]

Right on! We need John now more than ever. He will write the best "Rona song when he pulls through this.

[@stephaniejefferson6566]

Laughed and cried my eyes out through more of his concerts than I can count. his songs became the soundtrack for Generations of us. God, we were LUCKY to have him teaching us what mattered. Can’t stop crying now... just can’t.

[@jlcollins7673]

Heart BROKEN 💔 RIP.....

[@trezz8]

@@jlcollins7673 "And it don't do no good, to get angry- so help me I know."

[@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.

[@reneeinfortmyersfl]

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

[@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......

[@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!!

[@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.

[@pspillow]

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

[@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…

[@tootiegrigio713]

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

[@debbiesmitherman9295]

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

[@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.🎸💙

[@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.

[@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..

[@cabbage4254]

I have never heard of this man until he died! I sure have been missing out.

[@susanpaz6096]

Me too! A friend posted the Rolling Stone article about him, I read it and listened to the last song, When I Get to Heaven. I LOVED it, and started listening to everything I could find. So many great songs, but that one is my favorite! I wish I'd known about him all these years.

[@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.

[@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.

[@gustanski]

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

[@simonnelerette1971]

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

[@blackiejames1843]

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

[@Thats-Cool-Thats-Trash]

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

[@rockingv]

35 years ago ,a colleague told me to give JP a try 'cos he wrote some great lyrics. Hooked !!! The man is unique the way Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt are . Poetry and music married seamlessly. I was lucky enough to see him in London UK having put off my divorce hearing for a day to accomplish it. Get well please John.

[@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.

[@gerardmackle5673]

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

[@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...

[@cjcurtis8944]

Well he made it today and we are all left saddened but blessed by his time here. RIP John Prine

[@tomjohnson1204]

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

[@larryb6715]

It's clear to me that John really was enjoying himself. I hope he is having a great time up there now. He can be the house band.

[@quad1000]

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

[@debbieduraj9389]

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

[@OR2891]

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

[@GrifterE]

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

[@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.

[@345kobi]

Charisma without even trying.

[@chadmiller7876]

When I was a teen and into my early 20's and partying constantly, my best friends dad used to smoke one with us some boring nights when nothing was going on. We would constantly talk about music and how he(friends dad) wrote songs and even sent one to Willie Nelson that Willie sang at a local show. One guy he would constantly ramble on about was John Prine. He played him one night when I was lit and I could barely hear it and what I heard sort of reminded me of Bob Dylan whom I detest listening to lol. Years later , actually last year, I decided to give Prine another chance one night when I was bored on KZbin and holy shit did I enjoy him! Kinda funny how things change. Hope John gets better! He has the virus I hear . Hope we get to enjoy him some more when this is all over.

[@trezz8]

"I decided to give Prine another chance one night when I was bored on KZbin and holy shit did I enjoy him! Kinda funny how things change." Kinda sounds like something JP would write.

[@ryanbyrne259]

Amen bro prayer for john

[@steveb9325]

Love it! Great story. Honest. And, we all have been there with different artist or whatever in life. Food. Art. Cars. Clothes. The way we see things etc. Isn't it funny.... Btw: just curious; do you still detest Dylan? JP has always reminded me of Dylan too. First time I saw "Easy Rider " JP is on the sound track singing a Dylan song "it's alright ma; I'm only bleeding " ... Anyway, prayers for JP and family!❤

[@chadmiller7876]

@ Steve B - I respect Dylan for having such a huge body of work but as far as listening to him ,I still find it to be a chore lol. I just find that his tone and mood he sets is boring to me. Prine has a sense of humor about him that I prefer and is just overall more fun to listen to IMO.

[@steveb9325]

@@chadmiller7876 thanks for reply. I dig Dylan, but totally respect other people's opinions and thoughts. Take care!

[@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.

[@tracywaldruff6797]

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

[@rogerwatkins8557]

love this song , my gf was on the tilt a whirl , i reminded here of the song she smiled

[@frankdunne6179]

Just discovered John What have I been missing Rest in peace

[@orkycathcart6397]

SHEER GENIUS AT WORK HERE !!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE WHEN I GET TO HEAVEN CAUSE WHEN I GTE TO HEVEN I SURE HOPE I CAN HOOK UP WITH JOHN AGAIN !!!!!

[@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,

[@Skynyrdforever]

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

[@samuelcook4708]

John Prine will live on through all of us forever.

[@kengerard1540]

We miss 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.

[@blueschewy2558]

I miss John Prine like crazy.

[@suetarjan3875]

Now that you're in heaven, RIP John Prine.

[@JS-wg4px]

R.I.P. You are in heaven now.

[@jasonlucky13]

This song has a deeper meaning than when listened to it a week ago. RIP John.

[@tkordik]

Enjoy that cocktail, John!

[@rcjons]

This old man is coming to town.

[@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!

[@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.

[@honkytonkdragon]

Enjoy that cocktail, John. You earned it.

[@gremlinvibe]

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

[@honestlynothanks]

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

[@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...

[@HDGator1]

RIP John. Enjoy that cocktail; you earned it.

[@keleah01]

One of the greatest singer-songwriters ever. Get well John.

[@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

[@davidfinlayson7730]

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

[@shawnthefarmer5161]

he still had so much music in him. but he also deserves a rest. love you brother. you may not know it, but your music saved my life.

[@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.

[@luchovivanco5450]

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

[@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..

[@garychynne1377]

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

[@pattyhaley9594]

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

[@BJane58]

😥😥What an unbelievable talent and wonderful human being.

[@surfingthechaos2224]

Damn, only John Prine can make me want to belief in Heaven....Keepin him in my thoughts

[@JohnnyNada]

Its real buddy .. Ask Jesus

[@garylandowski361]

Oh Dear John, one week later...When you get to Heaven. I hope Heaven is all you hope for. Oh the Heavenly music has to be Grand. God Bless you. Our heartfelt sympathy, love & care goes out to all of your family, friends & fans. ~Linda Landowski

[@Arlofan1]

Stay here with us, John.

[@emanuelbuesing1]

😭

[@annied8611]

Came back to this video as it’s almost been a year since he left us. This was the first video I came to at the news of his passing. Oh what a year it’s been.

[@balerjohnson3099]

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

[@michaelstevenson952]

This song is it man. What life is all about

[@vickysulfridge4311]

So, so many prayers, John.

[@BellaFirenze]

A great artist. May he rest in peace. John Prine (1946-2020)

[@gregkleinschmidt8856]

I never needed counseling. I've had John Prine all these years. R.I.P. John, I'm gonna miss you. I hope I get to smoke a nine mile long with you someday.

[@larrysheppard8433]

God must have wanted a different style of music in heaven. He found it in John Prine. RIP

[@michaelhildebrand600]

John is gone, It sucks to write that! The Old Man is going to town.. You did good Brother!

[@snaholo]

RIP to one of the all time greats . . . I am sad but will feel better when I listen to your songs today . . . Hot Dog Bun! My sister's a nun!

[@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.

[@petterc188]

Well, my Dad passed away... Passed away on new years day. My bro from Fla came up for the funeral. We spoke a lot bout this and that, then he picked up a guitar I brought over and he played me a John Prine song, of course, I dug it. Bro went home a couple of days ago. Today I went to Dad's place by myself to start putting things in order. I said to Alexis ( we all know what that is hopefully ) play John Prine, and she laid this song on me. Ain't life grand? RIP John P & John C