'Make Him An Angel': John Prine's Death Is A Punch In The Gut For Music Fans
Music lovers are paying tribute to beloved American singer-songwriter John Prine, who died Tuesday of complications from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Prine, who influenced generations of musicians, was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame last year.
In January, he was honored with a lifetime achievement Grammy, with fellow music legend Bonnie Raitt paying tribute to Prine from the stage.
He had penned one of Raitt’s best-known tunes, “Angel From Montgomery.”
Many on social media wrote “make him an angel,” a play on a line from the song:
Others quoted songs such as “When I Get To Heaven”:
But all were sharing the same thought: This one hurts.
From gracing the Opry House stage for those memorable New Year's Eve shows to other special Opry appearances including one alongside the StreelDrivers and Bill Murray, John Prine has touched our hearts with his music. We are thinking of his family and friends tonight. ️ pic.twitter.com/FV3nIfT1kc
— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) April 8, 2020
Make him an angel https://t.co/fCtnrgdRHZ
— Bill Shapiro (@Bill_Shapiro) April 8, 2020
Heartbroken.
— K A C E Y (@KaceyMusgraves) April 8, 2020
Over here on E Street, we are crushed by the loss of John Prine. John and I were "New Dylans" together in the early 70s and he was never anything but the lovliest guy in the world. A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages. We send our love and prayers to his family.
— Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen) April 8, 2020
John Prine.
— lindi ortega (@lindiortega) April 8, 2020
The great John Prine has passed away from the virus. He showed me how to “let it rip” when it comes to songwriting. There’s a huge hole in the music world tonight. John did it best. RIP -T
— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) April 8, 2020
With a heavy heart, but deep love and gratitude for his gift he gave us all- Goodbye, John Prine. https://t.co/kGkNJYl3hI
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) April 8, 2020