John Prine Biography (2025): Age, Height, Wife, Career, Net Worth & Key Facts in 2025

John Prine was an iconic American singer-songwriter, revered for his profound storytelling and influential folk-country music. Renowned for his poetic lyrics and enduring contributions to the music industry, Prine’s legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans worldwide. His distinctive voice and heartfelt songs have left a lasting mark on American music history, making him a celebrated figure in Nashville and beyond.

John Prine Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth

Quick Facts

Full Name	John Edward Prine
Profession / Occupation	Singer-Songwriter, Guitarist, Record Producer
Birth Date	October 10, 1946
Age	73 (at the time of his passing in 2020)
Birth Place	Maywood, Illinois, United States
Nationality	American
Famous For	Influential songwriting, folk-country music, multiple Grammy Awards
Known For	Albums like “John Prine,” “The Tree of Forgiveness,” and classic songs such as “Angel from Montgomery” and “Sam Stone”
Ethnicity	White (Irish-American descent)
Zodiac Sign	Libra
Height & Weight	5 ft 8 in (173 cm), approx. 165 lbs (75 kg)
Hair Color	Gray
Eye Color	Brown
Education	Proviso East High School, Maywood, Illinois
Religion	Christian
Marital Status/Spouse	Married to Fiona Whelan Prine (third wife)
Relationship	Previously married to Ann Carole and Rachel Peer
Children	Three sons: Jody, Jack, and Tommy
Relatives	Brother: Dave Prine (musician)
Hobbies	Reading, songwriting, traveling, performing live
Employer/Organization	Oh Boy Records (co-founder)
Years Active	1971–2020
Net Worth (Estimated)	$10 million (at time of passing)

Early Life & Education

John Prine was born on October 10, 1946, in Maywood, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Raised in a working-class Irish-American family, Prine was exposed to music from an early age, learning to play guitar from his older brother, Dave. He attended Proviso East High School and developed a passion for writing and storytelling. After high school, Prine briefly attended classes at a local community college before serving as a mailman in Chicago, a job that inspired many of his early songs.

Career Journey

Beginnings in Chicago

John Prine began performing at open mic nights in Chicago in the late 1960s. His unique blend of folk, country, and witty, poignant lyrics quickly caught the attention of the local music scene.

Discovered by Kris Kristofferson at a Chicago club.
Signed to Atlantic Records in 1971.
Debut album “John Prine” (1971) received critical acclaim and established him as a major new voice in Americana music.

Milestones & Breakthroughs

Released influential albums such as “Sweet Revenge” (1973) and “Bruised Orange” (1978).
His songwriting addressed social issues, war, love, and everyday life with humor and empathy.
Classic songs include “Angel from Montgomery,” “Sam Stone,” and “Hello in There.”

Later Career & Recent Activity

Co-founded Oh Boy Records in 1981, pioneering independent music production.
Released “The Missing Years” (1991), which won a Grammy Award.
Continued touring and recording into the 2000s and 2010s, including “The Tree of Forgiveness” (2018), his first album of new material in 13 years.
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019.

Legacy & Achievements

Widely regarded as one of America’s greatest songwriters.
Influenced generations of artists, from Bob Dylan to Kacey Musgraves.
His music remains a staple in folk and country circles.

Watch: John Prine performing “Angel From Montgomery” live.

Personal Life

John Prine married three times, with his final marriage to Fiona Whelan Prine being the most enduring. Together, they had two sons, Jack and Tommy, and John had another son, Jody, from a previous relationship. Prine was known for his warm personality, generosity, and love of storytelling. He enjoyed reading, spending time with family, and supporting young songwriters through his label, Oh Boy Records.

Prine lived in Nashville, Tennessee, for much of his career and was deeply involved in the local music community. He was a cancer survivor, having overcome two bouts of cancer, and was admired for his resilience and optimism.

Awards & Achievements

Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album (1992, 2006)
Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting (Americana Music Honors, 2017)
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2019)
Multiple nominations for Grammy and Americana awards
Praised by peers such as Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Bonnie Raitt

Physical Statistics

Height: 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Weight: Approx. 165 lbs (75 kg)
Hair Color: Gray
Eye Color: Brown

Quotes

“I guess I just process death differently than some folks. I think of it as just another part of life.”

“Writing is about a blank piece of paper and leaving out what’s not supposed to be there.”

“You can sing about anything for three minutes if you’ve got the right melody.”

Controversies

John Prine was largely free from major controversies throughout his career. He was occasionally outspoken on social and political issues, especially through his music, but maintained a reputation for kindness and integrity. His songs sometimes sparked debate due to their candid portrayal of war, addiction, and social issues, but Prine was widely respected for his thoughtful approach and honesty.

Favorites

Favorite Instrument: Guitar
Favorite Songwriter: Hank Williams
Favorite City: Nashville, Tennessee
Favorite Hobby: Reading novels
Favorite Food: Southern comfort food

Salary & Net Worth

At the time of his passing in 2020, John Prine’s estimated net worth was approximately $10 million. His earnings came from album sales, royalties, touring, and his independent record label, Oh Boy Records. Prine’s catalog continues to generate significant revenue through streaming, covers, and licensing deals.

Interesting Facts

Prine wrote “Paradise,” one of his most famous songs, for his father about their Kentucky hometown.
He survived two bouts of cancer—neck and lung—before passing away from complications of COVID-19 in 2020.
John Prine was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Germany during the Vietnam War era.
He was a mailman before becoming a full-time musician, inspiring his song “Donald and Lydia.”
Prine co-founded Oh Boy Records to retain creative control and support other independent artists.

Social Media Links

Official Website: johnprine.com
Facebook: facebook.com/johnprine
Twitter/X: @johnprinemusic
Instagram: @john_prine
YouTube: YouTube Channel

Frequently Asked Questions

How old was John Prine when he died?
John Prine was 73 years old when he passed away in April 2020.
What is John Prine best known for?
He is best known for his influential songwriting, blending folk and country music, and classics like “Angel from Montgomery” and “Sam Stone.”
Who was John Prine’s wife?
John Prine was married to Fiona Whelan Prine at the time of his passing. He was previously married to Ann Carole and Rachel Peer.
What was John Prine’s net worth?
His estimated net worth was around $10 million, earned through music sales, touring, and his record label.
Did John Prine have children?
Yes, he had three sons: Jody, Jack, and Tommy Prine.
How tall was John Prine?
He stood approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall.

Conclusion

John Prine’s heartfelt songwriting, unique voice, and compassionate spirit have made him a beloved figure in American music. His influence continues to resonate with artists and fans alike, ensuring his legacy endures for generations. If you found this biography insightful, please share it with fellow music lovers and explore more about John Prine’s remarkable journey.

Sources: Rolling Stone, The New York Times, NPR, Billboard, Songwriters Hall of Fame, johnprine.com