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Watch John Prine Perform Beloved Songs On ‘Austin City Limits’ Episodes Spanning 1978 – 2018

April 7, 2023

It’s hard to believe it’s been three years since John Prine, “the Mark Twain of American songwriting,” passed away on this date in 2020 from complications due to COVID-19. It seems like both an eternity and no time at all.

Rolling Stone’s comparison to Mark Twain is an apt one. Like Twain, Prine used humor and wit to shine a light into darker corners of American society, which is not the most cheerful of endeavors — even though John often made it seem that way. As acclaimed singer-songwriter Jason Isbell noted in his introduction to Austin City Limits’ 2020 tribute to Prine, “John had the gift and the curse of great empathy.”

All of the traits that made John such a special songwriter are on full display in ACL’s “The Best Of John Prine,” which appropriately kicked off the legendary live music program’s 46th season in Fall 2020. Prine performed on Austin City Limits eight times over a 40-year period between 1978 and 2018.

“Very few artists appeared on ACL more times than John Prine,” ACL executive producer Terry Lickona noted. “It was a mutual love affair – he loved doing the show, and we loved having him (8 times!!). We consider these his best performances, and as always, he will have you laughing and crying – sometimes both during the same song.”

“John loved to play Austin City Limits and was very proud to have made so many appearances over the years,” Prine’s widow Fiona Whelan Prine said. “Terry Lickona has been a wonderful supporter of John’s career and a good friend to our family. Thank you ACL and Terry for opening your season with this special show.“

ACL’s “The Best OF John Prine” comprises 12 performances from classic favorites like “Fish and Whistle,” “Hello In There,” “Illegal Smile” and “Paradise” to late career highlights including two tracks, “Summer’s End” and “When I Get To Heaven,” off John’s final studio album, The Tree Of Forgiveness. There’s also a previously unseen (at the time) 1987 performance of John’s look at the devastating aftermath of war, “Sam Stone,” as well as a 2002 performance of “Angel From Mongomery” with the song’s best interpreter, Bonnie Raitt, who called the collaboration one of the highlights of her career.

To Remember John Prine, watch ACL’s tribute to the beloved singer-songwriter below:

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Fish And Whistle	00:01:36
Hello In There	00:03:57
There She Goes	00:08:06
Sam Stone	00:11:45
Illegal Smile	00:17:20
Paradise	00:21:22
Jesus, The Missing Years	00:23:31
Everything Is Cool	00:31:59
Picture Show	00:34:51
Angel From Montgomery	00:38:31
Summer’s End	00:43:37
When I Get to Heaven	00:47:18

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Channel	Salty One
Band	John Prine (See 41 videos)

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Remembering John Prine

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Remembering John Prine: Performing Live From Los Angeles In 2014
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Happy Birthday John Prine: Performing Self-Titled Debut Album Live
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John Prine Performing Live In Concert Spotify Playlist