Prudence Johnson

by David Edin

 

Prudence Johnson's silky voice has taken her from the Midwest to the Middle East, honky-tonks to Carnegie Hall, theater stages to the silver screen — appearing in Robert Redford's A River Runs Through It and in Robert Altman's A Prairie Home Companion. But be it concert hall or tiny jazz club, Prudence is the perfect complement. As one music critic put it, "[There's] not a genre she hasn't interpreted with her ducky, sensual alto voice and terminally good taste."

So, how does one go from a small town like Moose Lake, MN, to the world stage? Were you raised in a musical family?
My father has a beautiful voice and loves to sing. For decades, he was the go-to guy in our area for weddings and funerals. Singing together was something we always did; until a certain age, I thought all families did. People ask me how to learn to hear harmony parts. Ummm … your dad teaches you when you’re four?
I wouldn’t say I had ambition, so much as a certainty that that’s what I was meant to do, and I just put one foot in front of the other. My family of course thought I was nuts, especially since I was a young mother trying to make a living as a freelance musician. I believe it was my appearances on the Prairie Home show in the early ’80s ( it was nationally broadcast by then) that changed their minds.

'Remember Me' with Prudence & Garrison


You’ve released more than a dozen albums, collaborated on many more, written and performed in plays, performed in several feature films, released several multimedia projects combining music and history. With all the time at home due to the pandemic, are there any new projects on the horizon?
I was very busy during the darkest days of the pandemic working at an independent bookstore (Birchbark Books) in Minneapolis. I love the world of books and got a part-time job there in 2008, mostly to support my book habit. But over the years, my commitment deepened and I took on a lot of duties there while maintaining a schedule creating new shows, recording, and performing. To everyone’s surprise, when we closed our doors to the public in spring 2020, the store got much busier than ever before. So I wasn’t really isolated and I had very little downtime. I left Birchbark in the end of May after 12 1/2 years and had a great summer, and I’m just now really giving some thought to what’s next. I LOVE being in the studio but I realize I don’t recognize the landscape anymore — the business of making and releasing recordings has changed so fundamentally. Working with Garrison and with Robin and Linda, as the next incarnation of the Hopeful Gospel Quartet, is sort of a “new old” project that I’m really looking forward to.

You have performed on A Prairie Home Companion, toured with the show as part of the Rhubarb tour, been featured in the movie, toured with Garrison . . . do you have any favorite memories? 

Oh! so many. I thought of the Beatles standing in the very same spot on the Hollywood Bowl stage. My granddaughter celebrating her ninth birthday with me on the APHC cruise of the Norwegian fjords. (She's a 23 yr old Registered Nurse now and has great memories of that time) Feeling Leonard Bernstein's spirit at Tanglewood. Red Maddock's glorious smile. I could go on and on.

Do you have a favorite guest musician you've had the opportunity to meet or perform with on the show?
Odetta! She looked right into my soul! Billy Collins and I sang a duet or two--Billy if you're reading this, my crush has never faded. Linda Ronstadt saw I was facing a lonely night of room service and tv after the show and whisked me off to dinner with her friends. What a sweetheart. Back before there were actual actors doing the scripts, Garrison wrote a sketch for Leo Kottke, Chet Atkins and me. I'm still amazed when I think about it.
Prudence talks about the Department of Folk Songs, Sings and takes a few more questions

On the show, you took over as host of the Department of Folk Song for a period of time. . . .did you choose all the songs to feature or do you have a favorite song that you discovered as part of the Department of Folk Song?
I did a lot of research, brought home armloads of books from the library. I discovered a lot of songs from different centuries about women in various kinds of distress which led to projects with the MN Sinfonia as well as a production called Fearless and Fallen, with guitarist Dean Magraw and cellist Michelle Kinney.
As we covered in our feature on the Hopeful Gospel Quartet, you stepped in as the fourth voice for the A Prairie Home Companion film directed by Robert Altman.   Any favorite memories you care to share about the making of the film?

It was so much fun being on set of the movie; I pretended to be a smoker so I could bum cigarettes from Kevin Kline and hang out with him. Meryl Streep & Lily Tomlin--truly excellent & sweet human beings. The day I sang in the quartet was totally spontaneous. Jearlyn Steele wasn't able to be on set that day, I was, and they wanted to shoot that song, so I learned it....fast!

We had just been on tour for about 3 weeks; how Garrison, Richie and the whole band and crew slipped right into that movie schedule I don't know--I was exhausted. I was asked to costume myself so I chose a suit I had worn sometimes on the tour. After a few 10 hour days in it, I dearly wished I'd chosen something more comfortable. (ok, not so much a favorite memory as a regret)

'Let Your Light Shine On Me' from the A Prairie Home Companion film >>>

You will be partnering up with Garrison and Robin & Linda Williams and Dan Chouinard for a few Hopeful Gospel Quartet dates as well as performing several shows with Garrison . . . do you have a favorite duet to sing with Garrison?
I do! We sing one lately by Ann Reed called If You Were Mine, and one I hope we revive someday is If I Needed You by Townes Van Zandt. Both are sweet wistful love songs and sort of hypnotic to sing. The four voices together is a whole different thing; it's a powerful sound and it's going to be a lot of fun. And any time I spend making music with Dan is happy time.
'Lullaby for Lesha' from Little Dreamer

Since you are a teacher, any prescient advice for someone who wants to pursue a career in music?

Not all jobs require the integration of physical skills, intellect and the heart--some only require one of those--so it's a rare gift to make one's living doing something so spiritually gratifying. Offer your music with love and it will have an impact, and no matter how you weather the ups and downs of the music "business," it will feed your soul.

As a singer, I think of myself foremost as a storyteller, and I encourage young singers, when they are tempted to get frilly and fancy, to concentrate on telling the story.

'Early' with Prudence & Garrison

How can fans best keep up with your latest projects or where you will be appearing?
I may possibly be the world's worst self-promoter, but I am in the process of designing a new website (the current one has been terribly neglected. If you looked at it, you'd probably think I'd died!) But I do usually post notices of performances on facebook. Check in with prudencejohnson.com in a month or so--I have music and projects I'd love to share with you all.

1196 comments

  • Nextgen Affordable motorcycles available
    Nextgen Motorcycles stands out as a leading international wholesaler of Kawasaki motorcycles, providing a reliable source for enthusiasts and riders around the globe. With an extensive inventory, we offer a diverse selection of Kawasaki motorcycles for sale that cater to every rider’s needs and preferences.
    Check iur inventory below
    https://motorcyclesforsale.shop/available-motorcycles

    Motorbike Dealer

  • Buy Real Passport,Drivers License( Whatsapp: +447767767080 )Residence Permit,ID Cards,Certificates,Diploma https://bacheventures.ltd/

    Buy EU Residence Permit Online Home / EU Residence Permit Our Services Buy Driver’s License Online Buy Passports Online Buy ID Cards Online Buy Residence Permits Online Buy Counterfeit

    Whatsapp : +447767767080
    https://bacheventures.ltd/
    Telegram ID : legitdcumentplug infofastdocumentationgmail.com

    Why Choose Us?
    Authenticity You Can Trust: All documents are registered and indistinguishable from those obtained through traditional channels.
    Expert Team: Our skilled professionals handle every order with precision and confidentiality.
    Secure Transactions: Your personal information is protected with advanced security measures, ensuring privacy at every step.
    Global Reach: We cater to clients worldwide, regardless of location or nationality.
    Efficient Process: Avoid lengthy waiting times and bureaucratic delays with our streamlined service

    Whatsapp : +447767767080
    https://bacheventures.ltd/
    Telegram ID : legitdcumentplug infofastdocumentationgmail.com

    #fakecertificates #fakedocuments #fake #fakepassport #fakedriverlicence #novelty #noveltydocuments #fakelicense #fakedriverslicense #faketranscript #passports #fakeid #party #bhfyp #europe #passport #fakebankstatements #driverslicense #adventure #ielts #explore #tourism #fakeschoolcertificates #fakedriverlicense #id #visa #fakecertificate #fakedriverlicenses #buy #fakediplomas #buypassport #ssc #noveltydocs #fakepassports #fakeidcards #fakenotes #usapassport #ukpassports #fakedriverlisence #fakeidcard #uk #americanpassports #paystubs #exam #fakedocument #fakeschooldiplomas #fakeutillitybills #thanksgiving #banknotes #socialsecuritycards #kandi #fakevisa #ietls #fakebanknotes #francepassport #northernireland #hususipassports #birthcertificate #noveltydriverslicense #fakestatements
    https://bacheventures.ltd/

    ROSY LABELLE

  • BUY IN BULK REFINE SUNFLOWER OIL ,CASHEW NUTS,SESAME SEEDS,USED COOKING OIL,COFFEE BEANS , SOYABEANS , SOYABEANS OIL , MAIZE,BEANS ETC Whatsapp +255769293122
    https://agrisphereharvest.com/

    https://agrisphereharvest.com/
    Whatsapp : +255769293122
    email : info@agrisphereharvest.com

    We are suppliers of Agriculural products ,like Cashew nuts , sesame seeds , sisal fiber , refined sunflower oil , used cooking oil , Maize/Corn , Beans m Soybeans , Soybeans Oil , reliable supply — delivered globally, week after week. Contact for more details

    https://agrisphereharvest.com/
    Whatsapp : +255769293122
    email : info@agrisphereharvest.com

    AGRICPRODUCE

  • Buy online Easily Top Quality Fake banknotes Whatsapp : 447767767080 Face to Face Possible
    BUY 100% UNDETECTABLE FAKE BANKNOTES Whatsapp :447767767080
    Website: https://noveltynotes.shop/

    Buy Dollar Bills
    Buy AUD Bills
    Buy Euro Bills
    Buy GBP Bills
    Buy CAD Bills
    Buy undetectable fake $100 dollar
    Buy undetectable fake 20 euro bills online
    Buy undetectable fake $10 dollar

    https://noveltynotes.shop/services
    Whatsapp : +447767767080
    Email : noveltynotes8@gmail.com
    Telegram ID : @legitdcumentplug

    ✅ Legal Uses of Fake Money

    Film and Television Props : Used in movies, TV shows, and commercials.

    Buy real goods or services.

    Pass off as real currency (counterfeiting).

    Deceive someone for financial gain.

    https://noveltynotes.shop/services
    Whatsapp : +447767767080
    Email : noveltynotes8@gmail.com
    Telegram ID : @legitdcumentplug

    There are several platforms and vendors where fake money for sale is available, often marketed for legitimate purposes like props or collectibles but ours is real used for purchases. When choosing a supplier, consider their reputation, the quality of their products, and customer reviews. Opt for vendors who clearly state the intended use of their products. Contact us and get started today!

    https://noveltynotes.shop/services
    Whatsapp : +447767767080
    Email : noveltynotes8@gmail.com
    Telegram ID : @legitdcumentplug

    #counterfeit #fakemoney #fakebanknotes #fakenotes #counterfeitmoney #fakecurrency #fakenotesfordays #pounds #fakenote #fakenotesforsale #fakenotesalready #money #counterfeitmoneyforsale #fakenotesuk #cash #fakecurrencynotes #counterfeitrock #fakenotesstatus #fakedollars #fakenotestilyatakenotes #bhfyp #fake #jamiecampbellbower #fakebirthcertificate #tristanmarmont #jamie #band #bowerjamie #banknotes #fakenotesdetection #jamiebower #germany #jimmycraig #fakepoundsmoney #fakenotesukltd #counterfeitpounds #dollars #fakemoneyteam #banknotesforsale #counterfeitnotes #fakenoteband #poundsterling #fakechatnotes #britishpounds #fakenotestatus #fakenotedetector #fakenotedetectors #fakenotebook #usa #counterfeitmoneymachine #fakenotedectecter #poundssterlings #fakenotebookpaper #countrrfeitsterlings #italy #ukpounds #poundsforsale #uk #makemoneyonline #fakemoneygermany
    https://noveltynotes.shop/services

    ROSY LABELLE

  • HOW TO HIRE A LEGITIMATE BITCOIN HACKER CONSULT CAPTAIN JACK RECOVERY

    This special group of professional tech team(CAPTAIN JACK RECOVERY) was able to recover my money within 12hours. I’m really glad such a group exists and I’m happily sharing this out there with anyone who needs their service to recover their money. You can contact them at
    Email Address … realcaptainjack@proton. me

    WhatsApp… +49 15(782)- (317)-112

    Website… https://realcaptainjack.wixsite.com/crypto-recovery

    Patrick Alex

Leave a comment

Back to Garrison Keillor