Happy Birthday John Prine: 2017 Live Collaborations

Born in the Chicago suburb of Maywood, Illinois on this date in 1946, singer-songwriter John Prine is 71 today. Consistently counted among the best storytelling songwriters of his generation, Prine’s earnest compositions have become entangled in the hearts and minds of countless listeners. Prine, who was recently named Artist Of The Year at the Americana Music Honors & Awards, is the type of musician that other musicians feel compelled to openly discuss the influence he’s had on their careers.

Last year for John’s 70th we presented a series of seven collaborations the current Nashville resident participated in during his career. As more fellow musicians continue to share the stage with Prine to perform his endearing songs, here are five collabs between the former United States postman and several talented musicians from the past year.

The 2017 Newport Folk Festival featured a set by Prine loaded with special guests. Perhaps the most special was Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters making an unannounced appearance to join Prine on “Hello In There” (along with vocalists Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig of Lucius). Prine’s Newport set also featured Margo Price dueting on “In Spite Of Ourselves” and Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon assisting on “Bruised Orange (Chain Of Sorrow).” Watch footage of the trio of sit-ins below

Shortly after Newport, Prine appeared at Red Rocks Amphitheatre for a concert on June 4. Kacey Musgraves was also on the bill at the majestic venue outside Denver. The two singer-songwriters paired up for his classic “Angel From Montgomery,” check out the collaboration below:

On March 31 of this year Prine staged a concert at the Hershey Theatre in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Husband/wife duo Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams joined Prine several times during the show. They were onstage as Campbell played fiddle and Williams added vocals to “Paradise.” Watch the collaborative trip to Muhlenberg County below: