Grammys 2021: John Prine wins two posthumous awards

John Prine wins two posthumous Grammy Awards

March 14, 2021 1:52 PM PT

John Prine has earned two posthumous Grammy Awards for his song “I Remember Everything.” The legendary singer and songwriter, who died April 7, 2020, of COVID-19, won in the American roots performance and American roots song categories for his bittersweet love letter to life.

An emotional Fiona Whelan Prine, his wife of more than 30 years, accepted the award from her home in Nashville. Surrounded by her family, she thanked Prine’s fans and longtime team for their devotion.

Prine, 73, earned 13 nominations in his lifetime.

Best known for classic Americana songs including “Angel From Montgomery,” “In Spite of Ourselves” and “Sam Stone,” Prine visited the winner’s podium on three occasions during his lifetime: In 1991, his album “The Missing Years” landed a contemporary folk album award; in 2005, “Fair and Square” won the same award; and last year, a few months before his death, Prine was given a lifetime achievement award at the ceremony.

After his death, songwriters lined up to praise Prine’s work. “John Prine was one of the greatest artists of my life. Knowing him was a blessing,” said Kris Kristofferson.

Songwriter Bobby Bare called Prine “probably my favorite singer because of his phrasing and delivery — no matter what he did, I loved it. I’ve never heard anything by John Prine that I did not like.”

Those writers were drawn to a lyricist whose final release was an ode to a life well-lived:

I remember everything
Things I can’t forget
The way you turned and smiled on me
On the night that we first met
And I remember every night
Your ocean eyes of blue
How I miss you in the morning light
Like roses miss the dew.

Prine’s work will likely be further celebrated during Sunday’s “In Memoriam” segment, which is slated to honor the musicians and industry workers who died in 2020.

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Randall Roberts

Former staff writer Randall Roberts covered Los Angeles music culture for the Los Angeles Times. He had served various roles since arriving at The Times in 2010, including music editor and pop music critic. As a staff writer, he explored the layered history of L.A. music, from Rosecrans and Sunset to Ventura Boulevard and beyond. His 2020 project on the early Southern California phonograph industry helped identify the first-ever commercial recording made in Los Angeles.

John Prine wins two posthumous Grammy Awards

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