We dedicate this edition of The Beat to the late John Prine, the quintessential Americana singer-songwriter who lost his battle with COVID-19 last week.

His music and writing was influential and inspirational to scores of musicians, artists, and music fans in his decades long career. The outpouring of love and tributes to his legacy was immediate and enormous and we have shared a few for you here.

Mr. Prine last played at the Hall in 2008 and in his rider was a request for cake and ice cream. He specifically asked to keep it simple, so we made a boxed cake and picked up ice cream from Stewart’s – delicious! We assumed it was someone’s birthday, but no, it was just the snack he liked to have after a good show. ❤︎

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Brandi Carlile knew John Prine well, and here she pays tribute to John’s musical and cultural legacy with an at-home performance of his 1971 song, “Hello In There.”

From NPR Music’s Tiny Desk (home) concerts: “Here are five artists performing their favorite John Prine tune in their home (or bathtub) in honor of one of the greatest songwriters of any generation.”

Set List:

Margo Price & Jeremy Ivey, “That’s the Way That the World Goes Round”

Courtney Marie Andrews, “Speed of the Sound of Loneliness”

John Paul White, “Sam Stone”

Nathaniel Rateliff, “All The Best”

Brandy Clark, “Speed of the Sound of Loneliness”

Thanks to Scott Sauer, our Board President, for sending along this charming tribute by singer-songwriter Carsie Blanton. In her own words: “Borrowed John’s melody and a bunch of his words, like I often do. They’re embossed on all my guts. I wouldn’t know what songs are without his.”

Presented by the Recording Academy Nashville Chapter, John Prine and Bill Murray talk about songwriting, improvisational comedy, record deals, friendship, and more.

We end with a performance from the man himself. This is from a 2019 Austin City Limit, and he and Bonnie Raitt sing one of his best known songs, “Angel From Montgomery.”

From CBS This Morning, a February 2019 interview with John Prine in his home. A long interview, but we highly recommend it. They discuss the making of his last album The Tree of Forgiveness and the Grammy nominations it received. Click here to view.

Another performance from Brandi Carlile, posted on her Instagram account – just beautiful. Click here to listen.

We will always end our newsletters with a good animal video – enjoy Ninja Cat!

Please share with us any links or videos that have made you laugh, entertained you, or provided a distraction, Please email them to karen@troymusichall.org and we may use them in future volumes of The Beat. Thank you.

We are marking our 145th Anniversary this month.

We are proud of our history and our service to the community. The current crisis has had a significant impact on us, but we look forward to opening our doors and welcoming you back! The music will soar again, but only if we stay strong, stay connected, and stay together. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated, please click here to donate.

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

30 Second Street, Troy NY

518-273-0038 | troymusichall.org