Prine LP archival due in October

The celebration for songwriter John Prine is reaching a new level of brilliance. Ahead of his 80th birthday, the music world is diving deep into the vaults of this legendary figure, bringing a treasure trove of archival material to light.

Oh Boy Records has released Found Dogs, a newly curated collection that resurrects the creative sessions behind Prine’s beloved 1995 album, Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings. This isn’t just a reissue; it’s an intimate journey back into the making of some of his most cherished songs.

Found Dogs offers fans a rare glimpse into Prine’s process, featuring alternate takes, acoustic performances, demos, and five previously unreleased originals recorded during that era. The collection immediately grabs attention with the unveiling of the newly featured track, “World Without Love,” accompanied by lyric videos built from never-before-seen Super 8 footage of Prine enjoying a family vacation in the early 1970s.

The archival release aligns perfectly with an extensive slate of tributes honoring Prine’s enduring legacy. Fans can expect to join events like the all-star Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine concert, taking place at the Chicago Theatre on October 8th.

This tribute is much more than a concert; it’s a community celebration dedicated to Prine’s profound impact on the folk scene and the city of Chicago. The event will feature an incredible lineup including Margo Price, Steve Earle, Nathaniel Rateliff, Valerie June, Joy Oladokun, Josh Ritter, Kathleen Edwards, and many other celebrated artists.

The festivities extend across the Chicago area, anchored by the Hello in There Foundation, which ensures that proceeds benefit charitable causes. The foundation has distributed over $1.4 million in grants to more than 100 organizations since its launch in 2021.

The tribute events also include screenings of the concert documentary How Lucky Can One Man Get, a panel discussion at the Chicago History Museum exploring Prine’s influence on the folk movement, and celebrations in his hometown of Maywood, Illinois. These efforts solidify Prine’s place not just as a songwriter, but as an essential cultural force.