The Most Influential Song of 2020: “Ode to John Prine,” by Charlie Overbey

About twenty years ago, in 1999 or 2000, I was on a flight from Los Angeles, California to Salt Lake City, Utah. Seated next to me was a band member of the group Custom Made Scare. In those years, I owned a famous Chicago deep-dish pizzeria and developed a restaurant on Main Street. We talked on the flight about how the band should stop by my restaurant and have something to eat on their way to their gig. Surprised when they arrived, we welcomed lead singer Charlie Overbey and his band with open arms, as is customary of Greek restaurant owners. This Greek tradition of sharing, or “philotimo,” honors our friends.

Back then, Charlie had an uneasiness to him and I sensed he had a wild past. Nevertheless, I knew he was an awesome guy. I felt the responsibility he had for his band. His body was covered with tattoos that crawled out to his hands and fingers, something that was unusual back then, but marked his personality. Surprisingly, what stood out most was his hat: an irreplaceable cream-colored straw hat with lots of details. With a distressed look, pinched downward in the front and back, the brim curled upward on both sides, it was an unforgettable country-western hat. My son and I recall later trying to replicate this vintage Charlie-inspired look.

About two weeks ago, I came across a song on YouTube? that was unrelated to anything I was listening to. However, the music video had a distinct sound and look to it, and showed a guy with a remarkable hat, a sort of trademark I felt I knew. “Unreal!” I declared, as I turned up the volume and replayed the song.

This man was singing a tribute to John Prine, a musician who started his musical journey in my hometown of Chicago and went to the rival Proviso East High School. Prine had an influence on other singers, even female vocalists like Emmylou Harris and Trisha Yearwood. Prine was one of our gifted American poetic song-writers who died of Covid-19 earlier this year. Prine’s wife contracted the virus and went into isolation. A few days later, John Prine was also diagnosed with the virus and was soon called by our Lord. God is likely putting together a heavenly band with other legends by Prine's side.

After a few seconds into the song, I recognized the familiar singing of “LP,” or Laura Pergolizzi, who I have admired for her song “Lost on You.” Her unique style built a special place in my mind, one-of-a-kind and next to artists such as Bob Dylan, Janice Joplin, Roy Orbison and others. Her unique voice and vivid whistle, like a Vesper Sparrow, are her own and admirable.

What a combination: this guy on guitar with a great voice, accompanied by “LP.” First, the lyrics are a tribute to John Prine, but the song advances and creates another level of interest. “That’s it! He’s the same lead singer of Custom Made Scare. I know this guy!” I then recognized a friend from the past, Charlie Overbey. It was him, and he created a masterpiece.

After searching online, while listening to the song on repeat, I found that he has since developed a hat line, Lone Hawk Hats - a perfect match for his personality and affinity for hand-made vintage headwear. He has recreated and sculpted hats with sharp crisp lines and pinched crowns, dressed with a rare look and his bold signature feathers. They are of quality, all-American and hand-crafted in the USA. His music and endurance are also part of that spirit. This year, he has offered gratitude and provided the United Natives, the charitable organization, with a special auction of hats. With help from several musicians like Barry Gibb, Sheryl Crow and Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes, the event helped raise over $100,000 for the Navajo Nation Covid Relief Fund just a couple months back.

His song, “Ode to John Prine,” was released on October 23rd with proceeds supporting the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA)’s Save Our Stages initiative. The soulful recording was created with exceptional thought as a collaboration of artists and Grammy Award winning record producer Ted Hutt, bringing together two great singers, the terrific full-bodied vocals and signature sounds of Charlie Overbey and “LP.” They are joined by the talented Jimmy Vivino, known as a music director and guitarist for The Tonight Show and Conan O’Brien, together with Steve Ferrone (from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) on drums, Darryl Jones (from The Rolling Stones) on bass and Rami Jaffee (from The Foo Fighters) on keyboards. Another thoughtful addition and probably most important for Charlie, was to include his gifted 14-year-old daughter Katie, who shared her talents on the violin with her father as he meaningfully sings, "Girl, you can change the world..." What a dramatic, but underemphasized, group to create this epic song for 2020.

Over five decades of music in my life have shown that the most influential songs are related to some significant cultural or political impact on this earth. The message is usually one of positive change or unity. Remember when Bono, George Michael, Sting, Boy George, Paul McCartney and others got together for “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by the supergroup Band Aid? Remember John Lennon’s “Imagine,” which came out when I was just a child? I remember singing it, my father reminding us to eat our meals and encouraging us to somehow help those in need in Vietnam. These messages highlight controversies but deliver harmony and offer solutions through music.

We need to reflect and assess what brings peace, especially in this past year of grief. Charlie has not created controversy with this song. He emanates his powerful spirit to point to better times, put a spotlight on the issue and asks to improve humanity. It will save lives, to be cautious with the contagion. Otherwise, we only have the memories of a better time. This is a patriotic song, reflective on our compassion as a nation and our American values. It is not always easy living, but the style showcases the pleasures of our lives often lost in difficulties. Sensitive to the heroism of John Prine, it is a beautiful tribute wrapped into a cautionary tale. We do not want any more wounds. It is time to come together as a community and heal, regardless of personal views.

"...a beautiful tribute wrapped into a cautionary tale."--Dr. Nikos Linardakis

As such, this song and music video are completely understated, and that is where its genius lies. Not only is it a song about Covid-19 and its effects on the music industry, but it generates momentum for the importance of wearing masks, not being political and being understanding in this worldwide effort that has created a major industry and lifestyle lockdown. Since March, Covid-19 has been an indoor concert cancellation cascade, stopping live shows at music venues as a result. I am pleased to say this song is a positive image and musical drive to build awareness and create understanding, to be mindful of how to limit the spread and to develop support for our arts, the healing wonders of music in this case. This virus affected everyone, and it is time to be alert and kind to help others.

At one point in the music video, an angel is announced. With misty eyes, Charlie glides his arms above his guitar dangling in the wind, a perfectly-timed visual of the video

This song can change the world, safely taking people to another time. If you are wondering how his voice resonates and charms, the likeness is closest to Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seeger or John Cafferty. His name, however, is Charlie Overbey. The “Ode to John Prine” by Charlie Overbey should be the song of the year for 2020. This music single is my prescription for the year. It benefits NIVA’s Save our Stages, some wonderful human beings and the talent and music that was donated was created for us to enjoy. Take a moment to listen to this creative tribute. You can thank those in the music industry. You should even send a note to that guy in the custom hat (Charlie Overbey) - tell him, “Dr. Nikos sent me.”

The United States and the world need this song to help process some of our losses. Find a quiet place to listen to this song in solitude, then imagine a time traveler’s tale. “Ode to John Prine” by Charlie Overbey is an official entrant for the Pulitzer Prize in Music for 2021, as his unique American group had an outstanding first recording. The song is especially impactful for those understanding the devastating effects that arose from Covid-19—and the courage it has unveiled worldwide.

Charlie Overbey’s new single can be appreciated at:

Watch Charile Overbey perform "Ode to John Prine"

Save Our Stages and the NIVA (National Independent Venue Association) Emergency Relief Fund can be supported at:

SaveOurStages.com

United Natives can be supported at:

UnitedNatives.org

Dr. Nikos Linardakis daylights as a physician executive, biologist and innovative entrepreneur. He is the published author of several articles and medical books with McGraw-Hill Co. in New York, and most recently a book of poetry, LOVE: Poems of Longing. Dr. Nikos is a bass guitarist and the past Founding Chairman of the Motion Picture Incentive for the State of Utah. He has been involved in the music and film industry for over thirty years.

Photography Credits: 1. Safi Alia Shabaik, 2. Chris Phelps

? 2020 Nikos Linardakis

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