The working-class lad from the suburbs of Chicago beat neck cancer a couple of years ago and is still going strong after 35 years.
Not a name that trips off everyone's tongue, former mailman Prine is up there with the likes of Bob Dylan and Kris Kristofferson when it comes to incisive, acerbic and sometimes, downright funny lyrics.
The singer/songwriter, who is now approaching 60, gave us memorable hits such as Sam Stone (about a drug-fogged Vietnam war vet) and Illegal Smile (cannabis) and Unwed Fathers (irresponsible impregnators), plus many more.
He still won't be pigeon-holed and has embraced folk, blue grass, and rock. This is his first album for ten years and he's in charge. Well, it's his label! Here are 14 tracks, some unashamedly sentimental, but all with a message. Prine's fine.
Updated: 16:36 Wednesday, June 15, 2005
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