Music Monday: Johnny Cash

Music Monday: Johnny Cash

I grew up with Johnny Cash. There was the television variety show he had which was broadcast when I was very young. Then there were the early hits that continued to get airplay (and still do).

“Folsom Prison Blues”

While I’m not generally a fan of country music as a genre, Johnny Cash is one of the few artists that I have always enjoyed. Less concerned with the “show” and “business” he offered up an honesty in his recordings, even when he was completely strung out on drugs and alcohol. Somehow even his bad records are worth listening to.

“The Man In Black”

Even during his rough patches there were songs that shone through his darkness.

There have been collaborations throughout his career, most notably with his wife, June Carter Cash. There were obvious ones, such as The Highwaymen with Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson. Then some that were not so obvious ones, such as Bob Dylan or U2,

“The Wanderer”

Despite some bright spots, the 80s and 90s did not see much success for Johnny Cash.

Then Rick Rubin signed him to his record label and got to work producing a series of albums that put the focus on his voice and guitar with spectacular results. Even when presented with a full band, the focus was clearly where it should be. Most of these are rerecordings of earlier songs (perhaps done right for the first time) or are cover songs. A few duets are sprinkled in the mix as well. Then of course there is the 500 pound gorilla of covers, one that goes far beyond what a cover song can be.

“Hurt”

Much has been written about Johnny Cash, some of which is probably true. I don’t need to contribute more. This stands as a paltry tribute to the man who deserves so much more for everything he has contributed to  the music world.

Don’t pick up a “best of” compilation. You’ll get some great songs, sure, but then the temptation will be to stop there, because, you know, you have the hits. Instead try picking any of his albums at random and see where that leads.