Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Why Did Yellowstone Pay Tribute to John Prine and Who is He?

Who is John Prine on Yellowstone and What happened to him
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

During season four of the Yellowstone series, the show paid tribute to a man named John Prine. It left many of the show’s fans wondering who the man was. So, we’ve compiled some information about John Prine and why the popular show honored him during one of its episodes. 

Who is John Prine? 

John Prine is a Grammy Award-winning country folk music singer and songwriter. He was born in Maywood, Illinois, on October 10, 1946, and died in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 7, 2020. Prine was well-known for his hit songs such as “Angel From Montgomery,” “Illegal Smile,” “I Remember Everything,” and “You Never Even Called Me By My Name.”

What Happened on the Tribute Episode? 

Prine didn’t star in the series, but it did feature his music. Near the end of the “All I See Is You” episode, where John walks back to his truck, Prine’s “Caravan of Fools” song plays. When the episode ends, a tribute card appears to honor the late singer. 

John Prine’s career has had a tremendous impact on the Western genre. He certainly inspired many who work on the Yellowstone show, and that’s why they decided to honor John Prine in one of its episodes. 

A Quick Look at Prine’s Career 

While Prine grew up in the Chicago suburbs, he spent plenty of his childhood summers visiting family near Paradise, Kentucky. When he turned 14, his brother taught him to play the guitar, sparking his passion for music. 

Prine then attended Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music and graduated from Proviso East High School. Later, he worked for five years as a mailman before getting drafted into the United States Army and serving as a vehicle mechanic during the Vietnam War. 

When he returned from the army, Prine started his musical career in Chicago. He performed in open mic evenings at the Fifth Peg on Armitage Avenue. Once he received positive reviews for his music, Prine quickly became a crucial figure in the Chicago folk music scene. 

Then, in 1971, John Prine’s self-titled debut album got released, and his career started taking off. By 1981, he co-founded an independent record label company called Oh Boy Records. 

From there, Prine became one of his generation’s most influential songwriters. He won four Grammy Awards in his career and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award after he passed away. 

In March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Prine tested positive for the virus and got admitted to the hospital several days later. Unfortunately, Prine passed away at 73 years old because of complications arising from his COVID-19 infection. 

As one of the music industry’s most accomplished country folk artists, John Prine left a lasting impact on many people, including those behind the Yellowstone show. 

Latest Stories

Lukas Nelson Honors His Dad with a Heartfelt "Always On My Mind" Cover

Lukas Nelson Honors His Dad with a Heartfelt “Always On My Mind” Cover

In 2013, Lukas Nelson proved that talent truly runs in the family when he delivered a moving rendition of his father Willie Nelson’s classic hit, “Always On My Mind.” Performed ...

Alan Jackson and George Strait's "Murder on Music Row" Honors True Country

Alan Jackson and George Strait’s “Murder on Music Row” Honors True Country

When George Strait and Alan Jackson came together to perform “Murder on Music Row,” it wasn’t just another duet—it was a moment that sent ripples through country music history. These ...

Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, and Keith Urban Unite for "He Stopped Loving Her Today"

Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, and Keith Urban Unite for “He Stopped Loving Her Today”

In October 2010, the Country Music Hall of Fame became the setting for a moment of country music magic. Three legendary artists—Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, and Keith Urban—joined forces for ...

8-Year-Old Annafaith Wows with Cover of Willie Nelson's "Always on My Mind"

8-Year-Old Annafaith Wows with Cover of Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind”

Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind” is one of those rare songs that seems to transcend time, weaving its way into the hearts of listeners for decades. Covering such an ...

Garth Brooks' Daughter Allie Colleen Scores Her First Top-40 Country Hit

Garth Brooks’ Daughter Allie Colleen Scores Her First Top-40 Country Hit

In 2021, Allie Colleen, the youngest daughter of country legend Garth Brooks, proved that musical talent runs in the family. With her single “Ain’t the Only Hell (My Momma Raised),” ...

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton's "Does He Love You" Is the Collaboration We've Been Waiting For

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton’s “Does He Love You” Is the Collaboration We’ve Been Waiting For

When Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton team up, it feels like the stars have aligned over Nashville. These two queens of country music, with careers that have shaped the genre ...

Ben Haggard's "As Haggard as They Come" Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

Ben Haggard’s “As Haggard as They Come” Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

In 2019, Ben Haggard delivered a performance at the Grand Ole Opry that felt like a love letter to his roots and a bold step toward his future. His song, ...

Mo Pitney's "Borrowed Angel" Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

Mo Pitney’s “Borrowed Angel” Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

In a time when country-pop dominates the charts, Mo Pitney stands out as a refreshing reminder of what makes traditional country music timeless. In an episode of Country Road TV ...

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful "Coal Miner's Daughter" Performance

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful “Coal Miner’s Daughter” Performance

In a world where country music continually evolves, some voices remind us of its timeless roots. In 2019, then-18-year-old Texas singer Hannah Kay did just that with her moving rendition ...

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top didn’t just stumble into country music fame; he built his way there from the ground up, starting on a modest farm in Sunnyside, Washington. Far removed from Nashville’s ...