Tommy Prine

Prine was born October 4, 1995, to country-folk musician John Prine and Irish-born costume designer Fiona Whelan.^[3][4] The family lived in Nashville, TN and summered in Ireland.^[5] At the age of 10, Tommy learned how to fingerpick from his father. As a teenager, Prine traveled with his father's tour primarily to assist with merchandise, then occasionally joining him on stage for the encore. Prine studied at Pellissippi State.^[6] There was a period when Prine was involved in drugs. In addition, his loss of two friends to drug overdoses negatively impacted his mental state.^[7][8] Prine reconnected with his childhood friend Savannah, and subsequently proposed to her in Ireland, using his father's wedding ring.^[9][10]

While Prine endeavored to create distinct and independent music from his father, his influence is remembered by everything from covering John Prine songs,^[11][12] to writing songs about his father,^[13] and inscribing ‘John Prine’ on his guitar.^[14] While Prine is often compared to his father, he developed his own path while acknowledging the legacy of his award-winning father.^[15][16][17]

Prine's debut single “Ships in the Harbor'' was released September 8, 2022. “Turning Stones” was co-written with Ruston Kelly and was made available October 2022.^[18]

Prine's debut album “This Far South'' was released June 23, 2023. Co-produced by Ruston Kelly and Nashville engineer and producer, Gena Johnson.^[19]

The accompanying North American tour included 28 cities from May 2023 through March 2024.^{[20][21][22][23][24][25]} Prine debuted at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry Dec 8, 2023.^[26]

Prine was featured on the PBS Newshour January 2, 2024. The segment shared his life story and beginnings of his musical career.^[27]