“The Night Steve Poltz ‘Kidnapped’ John Prine: The Craziest Story in Folk Music History”
In the world of American folk music, the stories behind the scenes can sometimes be just as strange as the songs themselves. One of the most frequently retold anecdotes belongs to Steve Poltz and legendary songwriter John Prine. Poltz jokingly refers to it as the time he “kidnapped John Prine,” though in reality it’s a story that’s both humorous and perfectly reflective of the free-spirited culture of folk musicians.
Steve Poltz has long been known for his eccentric personality, sharp humor, and spontaneous style. He’s the kind of musician who can turn any performance into a completely unpredictable adventure. John Prine, on the other hand, was already a towering figure in American songwriting. Songs like Angel from Montgomery, Sam Stone, and Hello in There made him one of the greatest storytellers in American music.
According to Poltz, who has shared the story during many performances and interviews, the incident happened when he and John Prine were both appearing at a music festival. At the time, Poltz was still a much younger musician compared to Prine, and he was both deeply admiring of and fascinated by the simplicity of his idol.
After the show, Poltz unexpectedly suggested that John Prine sneak away from the festival grounds for a while. In Poltz’s dramatic retelling, he says he “kidnapped” Prine, putting him in the car and driving off. Of course, this was not a real kidnapping. John Prine happily went along with the spontaneous adventure.
The two drove around aimlessly, stopping at small bars and talking for hours about music, life, and the strange stories that come with being a songwriter. For Poltz, it felt like a dream. He was sitting next to one of America’s greatest songwriters, chatting as if they were just two ordinary friends.
What makes the story memorable isn’t just the humorous “kidnapping” detail, but also John Prine’s personality. Despite being a legend, he was widely known for his humility and warmth. Prine could sit down with a beer, tell jokes, and talk with anyone as if they had known each other for years.
Steve Poltz has often retold this story on stage as a treasured memory. For him, it represents something special about the folk music community: the distance between legends and newcomers almost doesn’t exist. In the end, everyone is simply a storyteller who happens to use music.
When John Prine passed away in 2020, many artists shared their memories of him. Among those stories, Steve Poltz’s “kidnapping” tale continued to be mentioned as a moment that was both funny and deeply warm. It showed that Prine wasn’t just a great songwriter, but also someone who could turn ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
In the world of songwriters, sometimes the best things aren’t awards or fame. Sometimes it’s just a spontaneous drive in the middle of the night, a long conversation, and a story crazy enough to be told for many years afterward.