Country folk and bluegrass artist John Prine has debuted a cover of Stephen Collins Foster’s classic “My Old Kentucky Home, Goodnight” for digital release as well as a limited edition 7” vinyl of the song with a B-side live rendition of Prine’s song “Paradise” that featured Tyler Childers from a 2018 concert. As The New York Times put it, “This country has never needed John Prine more.” The cover is artfully done, with beautiful vocals from Prine and a serence acoustic accompaniment. Prine originally recorded My Old Kentucky Home, Goodnight” in 2004 as part of an album compilation of covers that honor Stephen Collins Foster’s music as a tribute to the artist.
The release of Prine’s 7” follows a —— with his tour de force album, The Tree of Forgiveness, which was released in April 2018, and the announcement that he will be among the inductees for the 2019 Songwriters Hall of Fame for the 50th anniversary of the event. In response to this honor, Prine stated: “I am thrilled to hear about my induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. I have been proud to make my living as a songwriter for almost 50 years now. I have to say it’s a bonus to be elected by your fellow songwriters.”
Prine will be celebrating his accomplishments with many already sold out performances across the globe throughout 2019. And despite growing up in Illinois, Prine’s rendition of the ode to Kentucky is an authentic masterpiece and a must-listen.
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