Sturgill Simpson Covers ‘Paradise’ For Upcoming John Prine Tribute Album

A new version of John Prine’s beloved song, “Paradise,” performed by Sturgill Simpson, is out now on Oh Boy Records.

Simpson’s version of “Paradise” is the last song recorded at The Butcher Shoppe—the studio Prine founded with Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer David Ferguson—before the building’s demolition later this year.

Reflecting on Prine’s influence, Simpson shares, “For myself along with many others, he was a mentor. He was very giving with his time and wisdom, and we were all grateful to get to know him.”

The song—whose proceeds benefit UNICEF USA’s Covid-19 Relief Fund—will be featured on the forthcoming Prine tribute record, Broken Hearts and Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine, Vol. 2, which is set for release on October 8.

Each month ahead of the October release, Oh Boy will unveil a new artist and song that is featured on the tribute album. “Paradise” is the second track released, following Brandi Carlile’s rendition of “I Remember Everything,” which she performed during the 63rd Grammy Awards where the song won two awards: Best American Roots Song and Best American Roots Performance. Written by Prine and his longtime collaborator Pat McLaughlin, “I Remember Everything” is Prine’s first No. 1 single and was recorded by Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb and engineer Gena Johnson.

Oh Boy Records, Nashville’s oldest artist-owned label, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Founded in 1981 by Prine and his longtime manager Al Bunetta, the label has since gone on to release more than fifty audio and video recordings while continuing to be a vital part of Nashville’s independent music community.