John Prine on Letterman, 1992 & 2010

1. February 20, 1992. "Picture Show" and chat.
2. May 26, 2010. With Jim James. "All the Best."
Rest in peace, John.

[@jsnbkr66]

He’s having that vodka and ginger ale right now... smoking a cigarette that’s nine miles long. God speed John. It’s a colder world without you in it. I guess I wish you all the best.

[@btipton6899]

The mailman delivered ❤

[@arthurkurtz2448]

...Probably hanging out with Stevie Goodman catching up on lost times.

[@eddiekaya1]

5 months on and I'm still bereft...

[@rickerobinson]

Thank you for putting that perfectly

[@charlessoukup1111]

How much he aged between these shows,!! Bout or two with cancer in his life, we watched him go from a vibrant young up & coming and Fiona & three boys, always writing and performing. Always right there. And then he was gone. And still, even. with no new songs, he's still there.

[@billyfoster6449]

I'm 43. I'm from Kentucky. Same as Jim James. My father sang to me a song about Mullenburg co. Kentucky on our way to school a lot of mornings. We saw John together at the Lexington oprea house and when he sang "Paradise" the whole place stood up and sang it. That song and John Prine's music changed me and my life forever in a million ways. Country Roads, Sweet Baby James, and Paradise were sung to my 5 children on nearly a daily basis. When I sang John's music in the shower, my wife knows I'm working through " some stuff". I'm babbling because I'm sad. Thank you Dad. Thank you John. God bless Kentucky

[@mickberry164]

Thanks Billy. Boy...I'm sad. It's at least good to hear more admirers of Mr. Prine. "To believe in this living is just a hard way to go."

[@mr.mcbeavy1443]

Did not even hear of John Prine till my buddy turned me on with lost dogs and mixed blessings. Instant fan. A legendary soul, a humble hero . This covid crap just got 10 times more serious for me with the loss of John Prine. Gone but not forgotten.

[@seththomas9105]

Grew up listening to him in Iowa, too. My Uncle used to run around with him when he was delivering mail and playing the Earl of Oldtown. He always said John is a nice guy....He always will be with us.

[@snapperorgans3922]

Billy Foster you’re not babbling buddy, that was a nice tribute.

[@matthewbailey2013]

Hey Billy, come back the first Saturday in Sept. for the derby. KY is always home !

[@thomasryan5132]

If Mark Twain was a musician his name would be John Prine

[@seththomas9105]

Well another bullshitter has been invited to the round table in Heaven. :) John and Mark will have a lot of catching up to do. Wait until he gets going with Dr. Thompson, Hemingway, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly.... It will be quite the shindig uptown in Heaven this Saturday night.

[@thomasryan5132]

@@seththomas9105 yes to bad your not gonna be there but hey it's not Saturday yet hahaha

[@kurtcole9574]

right on

[@johnfetzer9637]

well said !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bethvosburgh8294]

Like a National Treasure to me !! I find inner peace by listening to him , so it’s like a daily thing for me !! Thanks John!! U R missed , but not forgotten ❤️❤️

[@s.f.946]

Hard not to cry as I binge watch videos of John Prine! He will continue to make me laugh and cry as I listen to his songs... my setting sun. Losing those we love is so hard! RIP John!

[@bobcarruthers3226]

Such a friend. What a loss

[@kimdelaney4768]

I cried for 3 days straight when he passed. I can still bow up and get a good cry out when listening to his music. Of course I have all of it.

[@frankduross2]

The best friend I've ever had ! We just never met.

[@junelehman6337]

Fortunate to have seen John Prine in concert several times. His songs are beautiful, and he is a beautiful person. I continue to listen to Prine's music and always will

[@junelehman6337]

Fortunate to have seen John Prine in concert several times. His songs are beautiful, and he is a beautiful person. I continue to listen to Prine's music and always will

[@drrobert8678]

He was a class act from beginning to end. Irreplaceable. Still miss him, probably always will.

[@mathmusic1490]

Jim James....wow........he almost made me burst into tears. What emotion he projects!!

[@lindahuff8976]

Never got the recognition he deserved while alive. A whole new generation(s) discovering him. Better late than never.

[@fmbighair]

never heard him speak until this interview, what a sweetheart...the guys a total legend, everyone has sung his songs yet hes so humble...

[@independentmusicguy]

His humility really came out in concert. Truly beautiful human being.

[@tomsortore8301]

Started listening go John in 1973. Got my full attention!!! Saw him in concert 6 times. Thank you dear lord for that precious gift. I will look you up in paradise fly high my beautiful brother

[@kathrynlandry1211]

My son John just introduced me to John Prine this year . I’m 82 and he’s 60. I can’t believe I never heard of him before He’s one of a kind ❤ I fell in love 🥰 in 2024

[@jimmurphy930]

I feel the same way. I first heard of him on Colbert's Show after he passed away from COVID. What a shame!

[@KBMB47]

Almost exactly the same…I was about 72 and my son was about 38…. So many years wasted on JT

[@jenniferkell4711]

I've grew up listening to my dad play john Prine songs on his guitar, but it wasn't until my dad died a couple of years ago that I began to realize what a gift he'd given me growing up. My dad's sharing a smoke and a cocktail in heaven with John and I know they're playing guitars together ❤️

[@kathrynlandry1211]

@@jenniferkell4711 I’m sure they are!

[@lydiab6063]

he's truly my fave

[@John-wr6yo]

What a story teller. I saw him in Indianapolis some years ago. The man was deeply admired and loved by his audience. From the moment he appeared on that stage he was i complete control of his listening audience. It was one of the best ,honest concerts that i ever heard . What a songsmith.

[@stevegriswold7421]

RIP Mr. Prine. You left great gifts to this world. You will never be forgotten.

[@heidicalder1982]

One of my ALL TIME favorites! I discovered John Prine in the 70's. Thank you, Osa!

[@johnhoyle1647]

Rest in paradise mr prine, the world is better because of you..

[@gilfox278]

Well John maybe you can go join Steve now and delight everybody in heaven. It’s a better place because you’re there

[@JohnNathanCO]

Well it's been a few months now, and I still tear up watching this human being who can never be replaced.

[@bobcarruthers3226]

Yes.....still such a loss . I love the guy . Now what ? ......

[@dogcowrph]

Thank you for posting this. I saw him open for Bob Seger in 1983. Most people just used his set to get in the beer line or find their seats. They missed a nice 45 minute set that was underapperciated.

[@Syd-un1xr]

RIP John...you will be missed. Thank you for all the fine music you made and helped others make.

[@atlcubsfan]

Wow- what great shows on Dave's program. It hurts a lot that he's gone. What an American treasure. I'm glad I knew his music and saw him several times, the last time at The Ryman two Falls ago. Thanks, John. I wish you happiness.

[@jamesedwards2237]

I got to him December 14, 2018 at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix. Fantastic live performance. Sad to lose such an American National Treasure.

[@jamesedwards2237]

He passed a year and one day after my wife.

[@paulbrasier372]

I sat by a fire outside last night and cried...RIP John. Gone to soon.

[@heideggerdowson]

unbelievable sadness ...me too... been playing and watching John ever since the news broke

[@kurtcole9574]

at sat at my kitchen table yesterday morning and popped open my laptop as I do every morning went on facebook and the news hit me like a ton of brick. My brother past in Dec, my poor Mother is on her deathbed with pancreatic cancer. The last two yrs Ive lost friends and family. Johns music has been there to help me through the painful dealings with death. This time its you John, tell my brother Al, Jack, Gary, Tom hello. And Paul Brasier the tears shed after hearing this could float a battleship. R.I.P. JOHN PRINE....PEACE

[@ShannonBurns-ih7yn]

Crying only shows true emotions and how John Prine affected you millions of others.

[@thegolfnut812]

RIP John. I hope you are with your family and friends. Sad you're gone but you left us all with a legacy of your music.

[@mikeeversfield2719]

Thinking about you John. I still have tickets for your show in Vancouver in June. A little nugget of hope.

[@flasheaux]

Gotta love Dave Letterman for giving his audiences a look at some great American musical talents that weren't necessarily in the the mainstream spotlight. Cake was one example. Tom Russell another. Loved that he loved Lake Street Dive. But John Prine was the perfect example. An artist who knew America better than most Americans knew themselves.

[@joshmaxwell7968]

Fred Eaglesmith!

[@mclarryvid]

"Broken hearts and dirty windows make life difficult to see"--my heart is broken, nothing to do but go wash the windows

[@eddisc4205]

[@jeffphilips9279]

I have those words tattoo on my arm so I don't forget or when I get feeling down

[@jamestwolan5562]

John prine inspired me to pickup a guitar and try to finally learn how to play.

[@GypsySoul65]

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

[@davidbee8178]

John Prine could rock with the best of 'em all the while being a sublime wordsmith and raconteur - he was and is a special one.

[@hectorpaniagua1051]

first time i heard John I loved his music

[@transmit13]

An American treasure. Stay strong, John and make it through this.

[@georgemorris4142]

I liked that song , sorry just heard of him passing & took a Listen , seems like a nice guy. God speed sir.

[@joanneclarke771]

I found John Prine in about 2021 (age 71), not long before he died from Covid, just fooling around one night on Pandora. At least he got to see and play in Paris. What a talent, what a voice.

[@donnatritz7865]

I met John a year before he released his first album. It was October 1970. I lived a block away from the 5th Peg where he got his start. A few friends & I happened to see him & were just stunned when he sang Sam Stone (it was currently topical). It was like a punch to the stomach. One friend described the experience as being like seeing Dylan in the East Village in the 1960’s. Seeing John in that small intimate setting was amazing. He described the background of every song before he sang it. I realized that I had a great opportunity & went to almost every show (2 on Fridays & 3 on Saturdays for a $1 cover & 2 drink minimum) for a year. I’d hang out in the bar (he performed in a back room) with him & his first wife Ann Carole between sets. I arranged for him to meet with some women in a feminist collective who had a radio show because his music spoke to us.

[@barb572000]

I am 85 and I just found his music ......so relaxing!!! The lyrics are simple, but intelligent...they tell great stories.

[@oughtssought1198]

one of John's songwriting + comedy partners Steve Goodman - Full Concert - 04/18/76 - Capital Theatre

[@donnatritz7865]

John wrote songs that touched our hearts. I knew him in 1970 when he was just starting out at 23 & I was 26. When I think about it now (at 81)), it’s amazing that he had such a profound understanding at that young age.

[@Jeff-ql3tg]

Rediscovered John Prine a few months ago, started listening to his music. I began appreciating and enjoying it more. Feeling very sad about his passing, I think he was a one of the few very good guys on this planet earth.

[@l.jamesbarlow3137]

Don, thanks for making this treasure available. John, thank you for a heart full of treasure :)

[@shanesawyer5103]

R.I.P., John. Your music meant a great deal to me & I think you were the greatest songwriter America ever produced. Thank god I’ll have your music for the rest of my life.

[@premiersnow331]

Sooo good. Best to do it. If I could go back in time this man would number 1 show to see out of any artist. ❤

[@mayormc]

God bless John Prine. One of a kind.

[@bradleygray2511]

Thank you for posting

[@billhillyer334]

Why am I crying I've only done this for one ether folk I'm glad we got too see him in concert one of the best times I've ever been through wish you all the best rest in peace John Prine you will be gravely missed

[@msdork61]

This vodka and ginger ale & nine mile long cigarette are for you Mr. Prine! Thanks for sharing your beautiful music with us!

[@jeanburrows8103]

can't get enough of this man. I'm playing everything I can find, hoping the vibes of his music reach him

[@Kmunro170]

Beautiful song from one of America's best.

[@mathmusic1490]

John Prine was a gift that I celebrate routinely by playing his music and playing along on my piano. Such joy, such sorrow, such fulfillment and validation of the human condition. RIP my friend. I'll be there soon.

[@mathmusic1490]

I play "The Missing Years" all the time. Picture Show and All the Best are from this double LP. If you don't have it and you like John Prine, man I recommend it. Keeps him alive for me.......his spirit lives on............forever.

[@joeappel1]

This is so great. I miss John Prine. I forgot how wonderful Paul Shaffer and the house band was.

[@n24our]

Thanks all your work Don! Really appreciate it!

[@seththomas9105]

I grew up with this music in the 70's. John went to soon. We love and miss ya John.

[@tonytoner4792]

Ireland and the World weep tonight. Rest Easy John

[@joycebyers6729]

Saw him twice .. once with Steve Goodman in Regents Park and once in a small club in Southampton, early 2000s, where he asked people not to smoke and everyone put their cigarettes out and absolutely wondered at his performance .. I've loved him from the first album, introduced by a friend and I've been a fan ever since .. so so sad news .. love to his family on losing such a lovely man/husband/father/friend .. his music will be much missed by me and millions .. spread the news people and get people listening to his very relevant music to life today .. will always love you John xxxxxxxxx

[@Nick_the_Troubadour]

I like that he's playing the same guitar

[@marcarvermeulen]

Nicholas Erdody me too

[@giovanna8187]

Love him. The real deal.

[@ticnatz]

This is so hard to watch now...

[@timb0man]

I really can't recall another songwriter who touched all the bases in my life. Rest now and say hi to god.

[@nicholasperkins2630]

You are the best and thank you for the inspiration. In my prayers and thoughts!

[@bobfoote4606]

Miss You Already my brother. Those who loved John should remember Harry Chapin as well. I always thought of them together. Songwriters who saw things most of us miss. Peace To All ☮️

[@lincolnmaceachern2410]

I remember him well; he crashed his motorcycle, am I right? Must be 40 years since he passed

[@terrik8577]

I totally agree. Harry and John have been my two favorite singer songwriters since the early 1970s. I’m a much better person because of them.

[@xxCrims0n25Tidexx]

RIP to one of the greatest ever. We will make sure you are never forgotten, John. Thank you for everything

[@frankduross2]

We used to sing his songs sitting around the fire younger when we were camping

[@Pchorney]

JP = American Treasure, may your memory be a blessing!

[@dooleyfan]

It speaks volumes how Paul steps around his keyboard to help Prine rack his guitar. I’ve never seen him do that with any other musician.

[@genecawley]

Thanks for ALL of these videos. John Prine is one of my all-time favorites.

[@MrTube369]

Fair thee well, John Prine. Thank you for everything.

[@gregoryfortenberry741]

Rip, my good friend, you gave us so much, that will forever please my head. Much love to your family

[@andrewwiltzius6228]

Thanks for this post, love the chat he has with Dave in the first segment, second best thing to John's songs are the stories he tells on stage or in interviews,cool guy. Missing him.

[@bobtorabgar2111]

My tears say more than my words ever could. Rest in peace.

[@tonyroberts985]

It's late on the night John died. Almost midnight. He joins good friends like Stevie Goodman, kindred singer-songwriters like Leonard Cohen, and even fellow picture show artists like James Dean. Yes, John was in movies. Two movies, precisely. In both he played the older son with low self-esteem. I've only seen the one he was in with Billy Bob Thornton and Andy Griffith. It was thoroughly forgettable. Prine won't be remembered for his acting, but his songs will live on forever.

[@thomasbusy3632]

Tony Roberts How about mentioning Petty who sang with him in this song and Epstein who produced the album!

[@merricc6911]

Damn CoVid19 😢

[@cesargeronimo1502]

Never a second goes by when his music isn't being played somewhere, Thanks John.

[@plnester]

What a pure soul. You will be missed, but your truths will endure.

[@RMoore-zt7zs]

RIP John...

[@baberoot1998]

Let us say a prayer for John. Hospitalized now for almost two weeks with Coronavirus, he has pneumonia in both lungs. At one point he was intubated. Even though the tube has been removed...he is still in bad shape. Let us pray...this genius pulls through. John is the real deal. And always has been.

[@stukamens]

rip

[@barbarasteed3966]

Time has not been that good to soften the news about John's death..

[@tomclayton6875]

John was/is a national treasure, no doubt about that.

[@monicacubberly-early1901]

Thoroughly enjoyable John Prine as always! Rest in peace and God bless everyone from Patrick

[@EdgeAvl1212]

Will Lee is digging it! Awesome and thanks for sharing! I love John Prine! Please hang in there. We need you right now...

[@MrBagley55]

Our modern day Mark Twain. Get well John,,,,,

[@meomiah9]

Wow, Jim James was icing on the cake for this beautiful "duet"...so lovely. Don't know how I didn't know about John prior to his passing. Our local radio guru, Brian Oak, said recently: "This is a guy that many of our listeners have probably never heard of...I encourage you to listen to Bruised Orange and Sweet Revenge"----There's so many gems, I sense I've just scratched the surface w/ a few dozen already.

[@jblk444]

Thanks for the post. John's loss hurts deep. Listening is sweet medicine.

[@dallas2585]

His music is helping me through these scary times. He was the best. Playing that guitar up in heaven now.

[@kfoster009]

Like we all needed more bad news.....RIP Mr. Prine.

[@russellesimonetta3835]

John went to heaven!! RIP!!! We lost an irreplacable treasure.

[@jeanlouisefinch1593]

RIP, John.... Another national treasure is gone.

[@colinsacks8200]

"He steals a lttle bit of soul." Who is this guy? And who allowed him to have insights like that?

[@seththomas9105]

I suppose John went and checked on his folks and family last night..... This weekend I'll bet he goes to town and gets him a 9 mile long cigarette and stops in the tavern for a few Handsome Johnnys. I just always imagined John as a small town guy even though he spent a long time in cities, I always wished I could go uptown to the tavern and sit at the bar and bullshit with John... When the taverns open back up that's what I think I'll do. Rest easy, John Prine, see ya after while.

[@blusmahn]

Tears and a broken musical heart are all I have today with news of John's passing. For a man short in stature he cast a LONG Musical Shadow !

[@Imissthepostoffice]

A great mailman from Maywood, Illinois. 60153. I worked down the street at the La Grange Post office 60525. Sorry I missed him.

[@Johnsouthshore]

A wordsmith of the 1st order

[@merlinsclaw]

Thank you for posting this, Don.

[@georgeconstantin1714]

Good fishin’ John . Rest you well .

[@marcarvermeulen]

I like how Jason was always keeping a caring eye on John up there on the stage.

[@kiddalingur]

Alan Merrill who wrote the "" I Love Rock and Roll "" song has died from the virus. his daughter said he was kidding around that the corona would kill him after he caught a cold. kinda scary my sister has 4th stage emphysema, Now i caught a cold, i hope it is just a cold

[@giovanna8187]

Wishing you and yours good health!

[@tedszweb5268]

Look at Paul & the rest of the Band loving it & rockin out !😀

[@kevinfitzmaurice4072]

John Prine (1946-2020)

[@RickTorn]

A national treasure lives on through his unique music of America.

[@EdRushing-te3sc]

John Prine is a living legend of Americana. I say living due to his music always staying with us to enjoy.

[@scottcampbell7535]

You are missed, rest in peace, sir.

[@leh3827]

You said it, "If Samuel Langhorne Clemens was a musician his name would be John Prine." Thanks Mark, thanks John. Amen

[@peternmi386]

Sorry to hear of John Prine's passing.

[@michaelerickson3005]

RIP John. You will be missed.

[@paulelliott3220]

Desperately sad watching this but it’s John doing it as only he could RIP John

[@pauleasterbrook2036]

Fortunately John gave me the key two escape Reality love u Brother Budgy Australia RIP

[@spuzzlightyeartoo]

Great guest, wonder why it took 18 years to bring him back.

[@marksoquetjr4693]

Now the second song is stuck in my head! I like the guy though...

[@timsmusic7349]

Damit! So hard that this is happening 😢

[@quinbagwell7515]

Beloved is the man John Prine. His music lives on.

[@RacerPaul3]

Thanks for posting this Don. Two great tracks. Getting misty all over again.

[@timhelgeson7453]

First "met" John working as a teen for the Youth Conservation Corps on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. Our staff were mostly from Oregon, and all played guitar. They were amazing in their own right( Cheechako String Band) . Had campfires after work, and the first song they played wad "Dear Abby", and then " Paradise" Needless to say, John is a revered person forever..his songs are still.a huge part of my life. Rest well John..