The sounds of John Prine‘s poetic words echoed through the Ryman Auditorium during the second annual “You Got Gold: Celebrating the Songs of John Prine” benefit concert on Tuesday (October 10). Held on what would’ve been Prine’s 77th birthday, the event serves as a fundraiser for The Hello in There Foundation established by by Prine’s family in the wake of his death with the mission to support, “People who are marginalized, discriminated against, or for any reason, are otherwise forgotten.” Prine passed away in 2020 at the age of 73 from complications from COVID-19, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable songs that are bound to last a lifetime.
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Lukas Nelson, Tanya Tucker, Amanda Shires, and Rodney Crowell were among the many esteemed performers on hand to honor Prine’s legacy by performing some of his finest tunes in an effort to help raise money for the Foundation, with the 2023 event benefiting multiple causes ranging from the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition to mothers recovering from substance abuse. Check out some of the highlights from the special night.
5. Amanda Shires – “Clocks and Spoons”
Prine has left an indelible mark on many artists, one of whom is Amanda Shires. She took the Ryman stage to perform “Clocks and Spoons” and shared fond memories of her time with Prine. Following an introduction from Prine’s widow, Fiona Prine, who referred to Shires as “my sweetheart,” Shires recalled how Prine invited her to tour with him overseas in 2016 when she and husband Jason Isbell’s daughter, Mercy Rose, was nine months old.
Shires honored that memory with a lovely performance of “Clocks and Spoons”–a song that she and her husband would often sing for Mercy when she was a baby. Shires’ Dolly Parton-esque voice soared alongside her sharp fiddle playing that added a gentle effect. She made Prine’s words sing, marking one of the standout moments of the two-hour show. She ended the sentimental performance with a humorous video she took of her and Prine on the side of the road in Canada after they ran out of gas.
4. Tanya Tucker – “I Just Want to Dance With You”
Tanya Tucker got the crowd roaring and on its feet at the sight of her presence. Despite feeling under the weather, Tucker was a delight with her cover of “I Just Want to Dance With You,” which was penned by Prine and made famous by George Strait. Even though Tucker missed a couple of notes, she still captured the spirit of the song, its fun-loving nature matching her own.
3. Susan Tedeschi – “Angel From Montgomery”
“Angel From Montgomery” is one of Prine’s most well-known and beloved songs, and Susan Tedeschi honored its legacy with her guitar-driven interpretation. Tedeschi addressed the crowd saying that Prine “touched the country” and the world at large with his songs. She then launched into a powerful rendition of “Angel From Montgomery,” turning it into a nearly five-minute soliloquy that combined the power of her voice with that of her elite guitar playing, bringing the audience to its feet in a standing ovation.
2. Aaron Lee Tasjan – “Lake Marie”
Aaron Lee Tasjan brought the house down when he took the stage with “Lake Marie.” The song blends spoken word with lyrical prowess, as Tasjan breathed new life into the song by turning it into a rollicking rock and roll number. He came to the stage with high energy, embodying the spirit of the song with his lively delivery. He was seemingly lost in the music and his positive spirit could be felt emanating from the stage as he jammed with Prine’s band.
“I love you, John, I miss you so much,” he shouted to the ceiling as the crowd roared with approval and a standing ovation for one of the best performances of the night. Tasjan then got personal as he recounted growing up listening to Prine’s music and how it was formative to him as a young writer, particularly when his friend played the 1976 album, Prime Prine: The Best of John Prine.
“This sounds like what you’re trying to do,” Tasjan recited of what his friend said at the time. “He was right and I’m still trying.”
1. Lukas Nelson – “Hello in There”
The evening came to a fitting close when Lukas Nelson emerged to perform yet another Prine classic. Nelson gave a commanding performance of “Hello in There,” one of Prine’s most compassionate songs and the namesake of the Foundation created in his memory. Nelson was the ideal match for the song that encourages us to not simply acknowledge people who are elderly, but truly see them. Nelson let each word have its moment, embracing the heartfelt nature of the lyrics with his strong, sturdy voice. The crowd rewarded him with a standing ovation, as his compelling performance captured the true spirit of the evening and Prine’s incomparable songwriting.
Photo by Keith Griner/Getty Images
