Prine's wife and manager Fiona had contracted COVID-19 following a European tour last month. Despite isolating from his wife, Prine would become infected and hospitalized. It certainly didn't help matters that Prine had two bouts with cancer in 1998 and in 2013.
It was an awful end to a musical career which spanned half a century. Although Prine never had any hit singles he didn't need any. When your music catches the attention of Kris Kristofferson and Bob Dylan the people will eventually follow. Over the years, Prine became a popular concert attraction the world over. I can personally attest to this having seen him perform at the Ottawa Bluesfest in 1999. As the years passed, Prine's popularity only grew. His 2018 album The Tree of Forgiveness proved to be both his best selling and highest charting reaching #5 on the Billboard charts. Earlier this year, Prine received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
My former roommate Christopher Kain was one of Prine's biggest fans. In fact, I learned of Prine's passing on his Facebook page. Christopher said, "Well, coronavirus, this sh*t just got personal."
I'm sure Christopher is far from alone. But the best we can do for now is to remember Prine's music and find some happiness. With this in mind, I leave you with "Illegal Smile". R.I.P.
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