Through a mixture of sharp, folksy wisdom, stylistic storytelling and the ability turn an everyday occurrence into a profound moment, John Prine was one of the greatest songwriters ever to live. Unfortunately, he died of COVID last year. But his spirit lives on through the next generations of musicians, because his influence is a giant tree with a ton of branches.
Thats evident on the new compilation Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs Of John Prine, Vol.2, an album in which 12 well-known singer-songwriters each cover one of Prines songs.
The record, which is out today, features two famous Kentuckians in Tyler Childers and Sturgill Simpson.
Childers covered Yes I Guess They Oughta Name A Drink After You from Prines 1972 album Diamonds In The Rough. The fiddle-heavy, honky-tonk drinking song perfectly fits Childers voice, and the 30-year-old from Lawrence County add his own spin and depth to the somewhat under-the-radar, yet classic tune.
Simpson covers Paradise, the quintessential song about Kentucky from the discography of Prine, who is from Chicago, but had deep family roots in the bluegrass state. Simpsons booming baritone lends well to the anthemic remembrance.
Buy Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs Of John Prine, Vol.2 here.
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This article appears in September 29, 2021.
