John Prine: Hidden Songwriting Gems Loved by Artists Worldwide

How did a Chicago mailman become the "Mark Twain of songwriting" and the accidental prophet of the independent music business?In this deep dive, we deconstruct the genius of John Prine, moving beyond the "Singing Mailman" myth to analyze the mechanical precision of his lyrics and the revolutionary business model behind Oh Boy Records.

Chapters00:00:00 Introduction to John Prine00:00:28 The Singing Mailman00:00:55 Prine's Songwriting Process00:01:53 Debut Performance and Iconic Songs00:04:18 Founding Oh Boy Records00:05:16 Prine's Legacy and InfluenceWe explore how Prine rejected the major label systems of Atlantic and Asylum to co-found Oh Boy Records in 1981, establishing the second-oldest artist-run independent label in the United States. You'll learn how he used his time walking a mail route as a "library" to develop his unique "deceptive simplicity," stripping away non-essential lyrics to create masterpieces like "Sam Stone" and "Hello in There".In this video, we cover:

• The Mail Route Method: How the repetitive rhythm of delivering mail helped Prine write "Angel from Montgomery" and "Paradise" without writing them down.• The Indie Revolution: How Prine fan-funded his 1984 album Aimless Love decades before Kickstarter existed, protecting his creative control from corporate interference.• Lyrical Mechanics: An analysis of Prine's "show, don't tell" philosophy and his ability to inhabit diverse characters.• The Legacy: How Oh Boy Records continues to shape the future of Americana through the Hello in There Foundation and new signings like Kelsey Waldon.From his discovery by Kris Kristofferson and Roger Ebert to winning a Lifetime Achievement Grammy, discover why Bob Dylan called Prine's work "pure Proustian existentialism".👇 Drop a comment below: Which John Prine lyric hits you the hardest?Join us for a compelling video essay that dives deep into the art of a storyteller, exploring how a man discusses music and lyrics. This episode features a fascinating narration, highlighting the unique ways artists convey their message. We'll examine the intricate details of literary studies within songwriting and how to tell a story through sound.Ready to uncover the captivating stories behind your favorite music, musicians, entertainment and discover incredible new artists, venues and live performances? 🤔 Welcome to The Long Island Sound, your go-to place where music, comedy, drama and entertainment discovery truly begins!Are you curious about the journeys, inspirations, and hidden gems within the world of artists, singer-songwriters, entertainers and musicians? We delve deep to bring you the backstories you won't hear anywhere else.Hit play and join the adventure!

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