It’s a new edition of our Corona “Stay at Home Companion” with sounds of solace and uplift to see us through solitude and the unknown. From Blue Skies and the Milky White Way to downhome and earthly struggles with Mavis Staples, Elvis, Bill Monroe, and Louis Armstrong.

John Prine, the beloved songmaker, singer, and guitarist passed away from Corona Virus in Nashville on April 7, 2020. This week we present our memorable 2006 interview with John as he walks us through his life, from suburban Illinois back to Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, and catalog of enduring songs. Throughout his career, John Prine performed songs that presented wry and darkly humorous looks at everyday America. We’ll hear about his Vietnam-era protest songs like “Take the Star Out of the Window” and “Sam Stone,” and his starkly personal environmental broadside “Paradise.” There are also performances of Prine’s songs by others and his own live appearances during this two-hour visit, which has long been a favorite of American Routes listeners.

It’s a Spring Awakening and we’ve got songs about bunny hops, rockin’ robins, and fragrant flowers but also lonely hours, gospel prayers and sad losses. In hopes that the real and surreal can commingle with joy and hope in our Corona Global Companion for your consideration and pleasure, including music from Gillian Welch, Stevie Wonder, Bob Wills and Fats Waller… as well as our recently passed musical heroes and friends, the late John Prine and Ellis Marsalis.