John Prine Box Set “The Oh Boy Singles” Set For Release In November

The upcoming John Prine Box Set, titled The Oh Boy Singles, is set to be released on November 24th. This collection features key songs from various stages of John Prine’s career. It includes eight singles, as well as some B-side tracks. These songs were recorded on the independent record label Oh Boy Records, which Prine co-founded in 1981.

The box set kicks off with cover versions of holiday classics like “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” and “Silver Bells,” followed by Prine’s rendition of the 1853 classic, “My Old Kentucky Home.” It also includes The Living Room Sessions, which features some of Prine’s signature songs like “Unwed Fathers” and “People Puttin’ People Down.” Additionally, there’s The Kentucky Sessions, which includes the song “Paradise” that Prine wrote for his father in 1971, as well as a cover of Merle Travis’ “Kentucky Means Paradise.” The box set appropriately concludes with the last song Prine recorded before his passing in April 2020, “I Remember Everything,” along with a string reprise.

Each of the singles is presented in its original artwork and is housed in a replica of the 1935 Wurlitzer Jukebox, a gift from Prine’s friend Steve Goodman in recognition of their collaboration on Prine’s first country hit, “You Never Even Called Me by My Name.”

Jody Celebrates His Stepfather’s Legacy

Jody Whelan, who is part of Oh Boy Records and the son of John Prine’s wife, Fiona Prine, explained that creating this collection was a labor of love. Their guiding principle throughout was ensuring that John would have approved of it. They went through numerous revisions and added some special touches to get it just right, and they believe John would have found it cool.

This box set is just one of many ways that John’s remarkable legacy is being celebrated. On what would have been John’s 77th birthday, a tribute concert was held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, featuring performances by many of his friends, peers, and dedicated fans. This event, known as “You Got Gold: Celebrating the Songs of John Prine,” paid homage to his enduring influence on the world of music.

Additionally, a tribute concert was held at the CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where John’s cherished Wurlitzer Jukebox is now on display for all to see.