If you’ve been living in a cave for the last year or so, then you missed Sturgill Simpson releasing two new albums: Cuttin’ Grass Volume 1 & Cuttin Grass Volume 2.
You also missed the tragic passing of music legend John Prine, one of Simpson’s heroes.
Both of Simpson’s albums are traditional bluegrass renditions of his 32 greatest hits over the course of his career. Depending on who you ask, the bluegrass covers of his own songs just may somehow be better than the original songs which were all already fantastic.
While the release of those two albums was most certainly a recent high point for Simpson, one of the lowest points of the last year or so was certainly the passing of Prine, one of his heroes. Simpson and Prine shared a special relationship that was built on a love for good authentic music and fast cars.
The two men were so close that Prine even left Simpson his prized 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo after he passed away. Simpson fully restored the vehicle as a tribute to Prine, something that he said was bittersweet, but also something that he will treasure for the rest of his life.
It turns out Sturgill isn’t done paying homage to one of the most pioneering voices and songwriters in music history though.
Last night the Twitter account for Oh Boy Records, the label Prine was signed too posted a cryptic video and caption that whipped music fans into a frenzy. T
Though no details were provided, both the song and the voice singing it are unmistakable and from the sound of things, it looks like a studio version of Sturgill covering John’s smash hit “Paradise” is in the works.
It’s no secret that “Paradise” is one of Simpson’s favorite Prine songs.
Over the years the two men performed the song live a few times, but Sturgill covering the cut with a full studio rendition of his own would be a beautiful way to commemorate the song and expose Prine’s incredible songwriting to a new generation of fans.
If anyone can do the song justice in honor of John Prine, it’s Sturgill Simpson.
Rest assured that music fans will definitely be staying tuned for more on this possible development.
“And daddy won’t you take me back to Muhlenberg County
Down by the green river where paradise lay?
Well, I’m sorry my son, but you’re too late in asking
Mister Peabody’s coal train has hauled it away
When I die, let my ashes float down the Green River
Let my soul roll on up to the Rochester dam
I’ll be halfway to Heaven with paradise waitin’
Just five miles away from wherever I am”
