John Prine's ability to weave sublime musical stories around topics that would otherwise seem mundane is a gift that's propelled his decades-long career and delivered a volume of cherished choruses in the Americana songbook.
From a childhood singing and playing guitar on the front porch of his home in Maywood, Ill., to being discovered by Kris Kristofferson in the Chicago folk revival scene, Prine often has woven social commentary into his music, which has been covered by artists ranging from Bette Midler to Bonnie Raitt to Carly Simon. He's survived two bouts with cancer and last year delivered one of his most acclaimed albums yet, The Tree of Life -- and is back at work on a new collection of original songs.