John Prine John Prine

Recorded during the 2017 Newport Folk Festival, John Prine and Friends is the first-ever release of this celebrated and unique performance. Joining John on stage during this once-in-a-lifetime set were some of our very dear friends including (in order of appearance) Justin Vernon, Jim James, Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff, Lucius, and Roger Waters.

A revelation upon its release, this album is now a collection of standards: "Illegal Smile," "Hello in There," "Sam Stone," "Donald and Lydia," and, of course, "Angel from Montgomery." Prine's music, a mixture of folk, rock, and country, is deceptively simple, like his pointed lyrics, and his easy vocal style adds a humorous edge that makes otherwise funny jokes downright hilarious.

Rhino's Great Days: The John Prine Anthology is an excellent summary of John Prine's prime period, from his sublime 1971 eponymous debut to 1991's Missing Years. This (appropriately) draws heavily from his early recordings (including the aforementioned debut), but it also does a terrific job of finding songs on uneven albums, while giving weight to such classic albums as Bruised Orange. Although those previously mentioned albums are all worthwhile on their own terms (as are many of Prine's other records), this provides a nearly flawless recap of his career – so much so that it's not only for neophytes, but also reminds longtime fans why they loved him in the first place.

Broken Hearts and Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine, Vol. 2, the follow up to the original 2010 tribute record. With tracks from Sturgill Simpson & Brandi Carlile revealed so far, the release adds to an esteemed legacy for Oh Boy Records, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. At least 3 more tracks will be revealed prior to street date. Proceeds from each track will go to a charity of the respective artist’s choosing. John’s last recorded song “I Remember Everything” just won 2021 Grammy awards for Best American Roots Song & Best American Roots performance. Additionally, Brandi Carlile performed the track on the broadcast. This track from Brandi Carlile will be part of this tribute release.