John Prine (October 10, 1946 – April 7, 2020) was an acclaimed American singer-songwriter known for his country-folk style and sharp, often humorous lyrics that blended wit, social commentary, and heartfelt emotion. Raised in Maywood, Illinois, he began playing guitar as a teenager and honed his songwriting skills in Chicago while working as a mailman. Prine's 1971 debut album, featuring classics like "Angel from Montgomery" and "Sam Stone," established him as one of the most influential voices in American music. Over his long career, he released numerous celebrated albums, co-founded the independent label Oh Boy Records, and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Despite lifelong health struggles, his blend of satire, compassion, and vivid storytelling left a lasting impact on generations of songwriters and listeners.