John Prine • Interview, 2014
Interviews
•
1h 20m
In this wide-ranging conversation, master songwriter John Prine offers unique windows into his classic creations, speaking with journalist Peter Cooper about his rise from Maywood, Illinois, mailman to beloved icon of American music.
During the 2014 interview—the first held at the Museum’s CMA Theater—a nattily attired, 67-year-old Prine talks about how Steve Goodman and Kris Kristofferson changed his life: Goodman by dragging Kristofferson to a closed club where they took chairs from the tables to sit and hear Prine sing, and Kristofferson by insisting those songs deserved a national audience.
John Prine also talks about influences, from Hank Williams to Chuck Berry, and about writing songs (including his classic “Angel From Montgomery”) and quitting his mail route in favor of singing those songs. (“The postmaster told me, ‘Don’t take your retirement money,’ and I said, ‘Why?’” Prine recalls. “He said, ‘’Cause you’ll be back.’”).
Presented in celebration of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s exhibition about John Prine, “It Took Me Years to Get Those Souvenirs” (November 15, 2013, through May 1, 2014).
FOR MORE
Explore our public programming: https://countrymusichalloffame.org/plan-your-visit/exhibits-activities/public-programs/
Learn about the Museum's exhibitions: https://countrymusichalloffame.org/current-exhibits/
FOLLOW THE MUSEUM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/OfficialCMHOF/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/countrymusichof/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/countrymusichof
Up Next in Interviews
-
Don Henley of the Eagles • Interview,...
Songwriter, musician, and founding member of the Eagles Don Henley sits down for an interview at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, sharing stories from his career and insights into his 2015 album, “Cass County.” The album, named for the northeastern Texas county from which Henley hails, ...
-
Jo Walker-Meador • Louise Scruggs Mem...
Jo Walker-Meador, former longtime executive director of the Country Music Association, reflects on three decades as one of the most influential female executives in country music in this wide-ranging 2014 interview. During her tenure, the CMA built the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in 196...
-
Duane Eddy Songs and Interview • Nash...
Rock & roll guitar great Duane Eddy reminisces about his career and performs five of his classic songs during this February 2016 program at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, part of the Nashville Cats series, recognizing musicians and session singers whose careers have made an indeli...
