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

Patsy Cline’s live performances were unforgettable, with a voice so powerful and haunting that fans described it as almost supernatural.

What Patsy Cline Was Really Like on Stage According to Those Who Saw Her Live

Patsy Cline’s voice is legendary—smooth yet aching, controlled yet brimming with emotion. Decades after her tragic passing in 1963, her recordings still hold power. But what was she like on ...

Billy Ray Cyrus' six kids—Miley, Noah, Trace, and more—have each made their mark in music, entertainment, and beyond.

Billy Ray Cyrus’ 6 Children Are Making Names For Themselves In And Out Of Music

Billy Ray Cyrus isn’t just a country music legend—he’s also a father to six children who have carved out their own unique paths in life. From Grammy-nominated artists to podcast ...

Journalist Alanna Nash shares a rare encounter with Carl Dean, revealing glimpses of Dolly Parton’s private husband and his sharp-witted personality.

A Journalist’s Rare Encounter With Carl Dean Reveals the Man Behind the Mystery

Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s famously private husband, spent his life avoiding the spotlight. While the country legend became one of the most recognizable figures in music, Dean remained a mystery—even ...

Chris Stapleton delivers a powerful, soulful cover of Vince Gill's 'Whenever You Come Around,' showcasing raw emotion in one of country music's greatest tributes.

Chris Stapleton’s Soulful Cover of ‘Whenever You Come Around’ is Country Perfection

Some songs are so powerful they don’t just get covered—they get felt. And when Chris Stapleton took on Vince Gill’s “Whenever You Come Around,” he didn’t just sing it—he poured ...

Country legend Travis Tritt takes pride in fatherhood, sharing insights on his children—Tyler Reese, Tristan, and Tarian—and his warnings about the music industry.

Travis Tritt’s Kids Are All Grown Up—here’s What They’re Doing Now

Travis Tritt has built a career on grit, storytelling, and a voice that cuts through like a steel guitar. But if you ask him what he’s most proud of, it’s ...

Stella Parton thanks fans for their prayers and support as the Parton family mourns the passing of Dolly Parton’s husband, Carl Dean.

Stella Parton Shares An Emotional Message After Carl Dean’s Death

Stella Parton is expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support following the passing of her sister Dolly Parton’s husband, Carl Dean. Shortly after Dolly confirmed Dean’s death on Monday, March ...

Mark Chesnutt calls Zach Top 'the real deal,' saying he’s bringing real country music back and giving fans hope for its future.

Mark Chesnutt Declares Zach Top the Future of Real Country Music

If you’ve been longing for real country music to make a comeback, you’re not alone. Country legend Mark Chesnutt has watched mainstream country drift further from its roots. Until recently, ...

Alan Jackson never ended a date early over 'putting out'—the rumor stems from Chattahoochee lyrics, a song he once doubted would be a hit.

Alan Jackson and the Chattahoochee Lyric That Started a Wild Rumor

Alan Jackson is a country music icon, but even legends aren’t immune to rumors. One of the wildest—and most persistent—claims about Jackson is that he once took a girl home ...

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean’s lasting love teaches us that privacy, respect, and keeping some things just between two people can strengthen a relationship.

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean Prove That Oversharing Kills Relationships

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean’s love story wasn’t built on grand public displays of affection or dramatic headlines. In a world where people air every detail of their relationships online, ...

A young Luke Combs performs a raw, heartfelt cover of Keith Whitley's 'Don't Close Your Eyes,' showcasing his deep connection to classic country before fame.

Young Luke Combs Took On Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes” And Crushed It

Keith Whitley’s music has a way of cutting straight to the soul. His voice carried an unmatched depth of emotion, and even decades after his passing, his songs remain some ...