Some songs never fade—they only grow more powerful with time. One of those timeless treasures is “Angel from Montgomery,” a song that still tugs at heartstrings decades after its release.
Let’s rewind to 1971, when a young John Prine introduced himself to the world with this haunting ballad. With its opening line, “I am an old woman,” Prine showcased his rare gift: the ability to step into someone else’s shoes and tell their story with heartbreaking honesty. Though he was a young man at the time, Prine’s empathy and imagination made the song feel real—and unforgettable.
Just a few years later, in 1974, Bonnie Raitt added her own soulful spin to the song. Her version helped cement “Angel from Montgomery” as one of the most cherished pieces in Prine’s catalog. With her aching vocals and emotional depth, Raitt turned the song into a soulful anthem for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, longing, or quietly hopeful.
The magic of this song came full circle in 2019, when Prine and Raitt reunited to perform it together at the Americana Music Honors & Awards. Their performance, which aired on PBS, wasn’t just a duet—it was a masterclass in storytelling through music. Their voices, seasoned by decades of life and experience, melted together in a way that made time stand still.
The crowd sat in awed silence, soaking in every note. With nothing but a guitar and two legendary voices, the performance captured everything folk and Americana music is about: truth, beauty, and raw human connection. When the final note rang out, the room erupted in applause.
Sadly, John Prine passed away in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. His loss left a deep void in the music world. But his songs—especially “Angel from Montgomery”—live on, continuing to comfort, inspire, and connect us, just as they always have.
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