Bruce Springsteen and Sheryl Crow have led tributes to one of the most influential figures in US folk and country music.
John Prine took to songwriting after serving for the US military in West Germany, launching a 50-year-career which eventually resulted in two Grammy Awards.
He began singing at Chicago open mic nights in the late 1960s, and released his debut self-titled album in 1971 to critical acclaim.
During his career, Prine was considered one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, known for lyrics about love and life and for his social commentary.
Between 1972 and 2018, he was nominated for 11 Grammy Awards, winning best contemporary folk album in 1991 for The Missing Years and in 2005 for Fair and Square.
Prine fought cancer twice, most recently battling lung cancer in 2013. The surgeries affected his voice but he continued to make music and tour.
His final album, 2018’s The Tree of Forgiveness, peaked at number five on the US album charts.
Prine died aged 73, due to complications from coronavirus, at a hospital in Nashville, Tennesse, on Tuesday.
Revered rock star Bruce Springsteen, who emerged on the national stage around the same time as Prine – with both garnering comparisons to Bob Dylan – paid tribute to a “true national treasure”.
He tweeted: “Over here on E Street, we are crushed by the loss of John Prine.
“John and I were ‘New Dylans’ together in the early 70s and he was never anything but the loveliest guy in the world.
“A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages. We send our love and prayers to his family.”
Country music star Sheryl Crow said Prine’s music would endure.
She wrote online: “My heart hurts learning that John Prine has passed away. He is singing with the angels. You will be missed, but your songs will live on.”
Country music singer Margo Price was also among those paying tribute to Prine, who Rolling Stone called “one of America’s greatest songwriters”.
She tweeted: “It hurts so bad to read the news. I am gutted. My hero is gone. My friend is gone. We’ll love you forever John Prine.”
Oscar-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi said: “RIP John Prine. This sucks.”
Harvey Mason Jr, chairman of Grammy Award organisers The Recording Academy, said in a statement: “We join the world in mourning the passing of revered country and folk singer-songwriter John Prine.
“Widely lauded as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, John’s impact will continue to inspire musicians for years to come.
“We send our deepest condolences to his loved ones.”
