Watching You Got Gold felt like stepping into a room full of people who not only loved John Prine’s music but also truly understood his heart. I had the privilege of seeing Prine perform live years ago, and even then, what struck me most was his gift as a storyteller. He didn’t just sing songs; he shared lived-in stories wrapped in humor, quiet heartbreak, and unfiltered human truth. That personal memory stayed with me throughout this documentary, which serves as a beautifully heartfelt tribute to one of songwriting’s most enduring voices.
Filmed at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in October 2022, the documentary showcases an impressive lineup of artists and friends who come together to honor Prine’s legacy. Performers including Brandi Carlile, Kacey Musgraves, Tyler Childers, The War and Treaty, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Bonnie Raitt, Dwight Yoakam, Jason Isbell, Kurt Vile, Lyle Lovett, Allison Russell & JT Nero, Valerie June, Nathaniel Rateliff, The Milk Carton Kids, Swamp Dogg, I’m With Her, and Bob Weir take the stage to perform some of Prine’s most beloved songs. That list alone feels like opening a love letter from the music community to a man who quietly and powerfully shaped so many careers.
Directed by Michael John Warren and produced by Fiona Whelan Prine, Dave Sirulnick, and Samantha Mustari, You Got Gold combines exclusive interviews, performance footage, and rare archival material to create something that feels warm and deeply personal. The film doesn’t attempt to canonize Prine. Instead, it allows his work and the stories shared by those who knew him best to speak for themselves.
One of the documentary’s strengths is how it effortlessly captures the intimacy of the tribute. The performances aren’t flashy—they’re honest, often tender, sometimes playful, just like Prine’s songwriting. The behind-the-scenes stories, shared by family, friends, and fellow musicians, add layers of reflection. It was especially moving to watch artists like Bonnie Raitt and Jason Isbell speak about how Prine encouraged authenticity above all else. There’s a recurring theme: he gave people permission to be exactly who they were.
At 90 minutes, the film moves nicely, blending music and memory without overstaying its welcome. If there’s one small limitation, it’s that I wished for even more background on some of Prine’s lesser-known works. But that’s more a reflection of how extensive his catalog is than a flaw in the film.
Ultimately, You Got Gold is not just a celebration—it’s a conversation with memory. For fans like me who had the chance to hear Prine live, it’s a way to be with him again, even if only for a moment. And for those discovering him for the first time, it’s a beautiful introduction to a man who knew how to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary songs.
A fitting tribute to a storyteller who never required the spotlight to shine.