Stephen King, a literary giant of the 20th and 21st centuries, has long captivated readers with his storytelling prowess. However, his admiration extends beyond literature into the realm of music, as demonstrated by his profound respect for the songwriting legend, John Prine. King’s admiration for Prine was vocalized both before and after the musician’s passing, highlighting a unique artistic appreciation that transcends genre boundaries.
While Stephen King and John Prine may not initially appear to share artistic similarities, King’s appreciation for Prine’s work reveals a deep mutual respect. King expressed his admiration during Prine’s life and continued to celebrate his legacy after his death, showing reverence for a fellow creative powerhouse who mastered the craft of storytelling through song.
Both King and Prine excelled in the “show, don’t tell” rule of storytelling. Prine’s lyrical prowess, characterized by vivid imagery and emotional depth, mirrors King’s literary style. King often cited a particular lyric from Prine’s song “Grandpa Was A Carpenter” as one of his favorites for its eloquence and personal resonance.
In his book, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, Stephen King applauded the lyric’s nuance: “Grandpa was a carpenter / He built houses stores and banks / Chain smoked camel cigarettes / And hammered nails in planks / He was level on the level / And shaved even every door / And voted for Eisenhower / ’cause Lincoln won the war.” King shared how this lyric resonated with him personally because his own grandfather was a carpenter, highlighting Prine’s ability to capture universal truths through specific, personal images.
King’s admiration for Prine extended beyond individual songs. Following Prine’s passing in 2020, King, typically reserved in his public interactions, took to social media to honor the musician. Acknowledging Prine’s significant impact, King wrote, “Coronavirus has taken one of the great ones: John Prine, dead at 73. So many memorable songs.” Such public admiration from King underscores Prine’s extraordinary influence on those who value authentic storytelling.
Despite the limited information regarding any direct relationship between Stephen King and John Prine, the respect between these two masters of their crafts is evident. Their mutual admiration enriches the narrative surrounding their individual legacies, offering fans a glimpse into the ways creative minds intersect and inspire one another.
This tribute to John Prine from the perspective of Stephen King highlights the profound connections forged through shared values in storytelling, artistry, and the universal truths conveyed through their respective mediums. As fans of both continue to celebrate their work, the acknowledgment by King serves as a poignant reminder of how great art, whether in written or musical form, connects creators across different domains.
