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#1 Cry, Cry, Cry/Hey Porter
1955
These songs introduced the world to the music of Johnny Cash. With
their first notes out of the famed Sun Studio, these tunes revealed
the essential "Boom Chucka Boom" that would become the mainstay of
the Cash career.
#2 Man In Black
1971
With this song, John painted a portrait of the essence of his
work. The song focused world attention on the struggles of the common
man. Furthermore, John used the song to establish his concern of the
Vietnam war and ending that conflict. This was quite uncharacteristic
for a country song.
#3 Folsom Prison Blues
1968
This rerecording reintroduced the world to JRC. Its dynamic
recording set the musically world on fire and set Cash on a ride that
has continued through today. The natural sound of the prison heard
during the performance further enhanced the uniqueness of this event.
This recording also introduced the world to the unmistakable
handshake of Cash........"Hello, I'm Johnny Cash."
#4 I Walk The Line
1956/1964/1969
No song is more quickly recognized as a Cash standard than this
one. As Rosanne Cash noted during the Kennedy Center Awards, it is
the song that Cash has sung almost every night of his performing
career.
#5 Ring of Fire 1963
This song captured the burning love between John Cash and June Carter.
Written by June written by June who was not married to John at the time, it was
originally recorded by her sister Anita Carter. The John set to work on it with
the help of Jack Clement. John had heard trumpets in a dream and this historic
recording was born. CMT would later identify it as one of the top five most
significant recordings in Country Music history. To June, it was just her love
for John....a burning thing that makes a fiery ring.
#6 Hurt 2003
Cash records a Trent Renzor song that sets the industry on notice. The
following video is a work of art. Cash wins a 3 CMT awards for this performance,
but it is the video that will be an everlasting image.
#7 Sunday Morning Coming Down
1970
Cash recorded this song on his ABC show. The recording captures
the magic of that show with the Tennessee Three and the Bill Walker
Orchestra providing the musical foundation. The song further
established the writing skills of Kris Kristofferson as one of the
most prolific of his time. The recording would later win "Song of the
Year" for Kris.
#8 A Boy Named Sue
1969
This novelty recording captured at San Quentin catapulted Cash's
impacted on the music world. As a result of this recording, he would
win a record 5 CMA awards. This feat has never again been
accomplished.
#9. There Ain't No Good Chain
Gang 1978
Cash recorded this song with Waylon on his "I Would Like To See
You Again" album. I selected this one because it was the first
combination recording that later would develop into the concept of
the Highwayman projects. Cash and Waylon had long been friends. This
recording effort combined Cash with one of the recognized "Outlaws"
of music.....though he himself had long been a rebel of the Nashville
scene.
#10. What Is Truth
1970
This recording was only released as a single. Yet, it ingratiated
Cash with many of the youth of 1970. The songs ask each to look
inside to a see a greater truth. This song had special impact at this
time. The country had just come through a a decade of turmoil with
race riots, assassinations and war protests. A growing chasm existed
between the youth of the day and current leaders. Cash risked open
criticism to reemphasize the message of the youth and a refocusing on
a greater truth. Once again, this effort was quite uncharacteristic
for a country song and set Cash apart from his fellow artist.
Of Special Mention:
Girl From The North Country
1969
This duet recording combine Bob Dylan and JRC. The recording
united two giants of separate music worlds together. It further
established the Nashville music as a hip recording center and would
open the doors for several recording artists whose music didn't quite
fit a specific genre. The recording is on Dylan's "Nashville Skyline"
album.
Ira Hayes 1964
This recording effort focused national attention on the plight of
the American Indian. Cash would later take out a full page add
challenging radio stations to find the courage to play this message.
Though Cash is not of Indian blood, he has often been referred to as
"an Indian in the white man's camp."
Delia 1994
The beginning notes of this recording introduced a whole new
generation to the music of Cash. "Delia" reestablished Cash's career
into the nineties and gave us a view at the pure talent of Cash. Its
natural recording style and acoustic approach revealed the stark
beauty of JRC's music.
If I Were A Carpenter
1970
John and June recorded this song together and would later receive
a Grammy for the effort. The song capture the true never ending love
between the two and uniquely profiles the rough Cash exterior with
the comfort of June Carter. It was that comfort that would help Cash
win many of his personal battles.
Family Bible
1990
Cash recorded this selection as part of his work with Polygram. I
selected this song because of the role that religion has often played
on JRC's work. What makes this a significant recording is the
appearance of Carrie Cash, John's mother, at the end of the song. It
was Carrie who told John as a boy that "God had his hand on you". It
was also Carrie who would refer to John's singing ability as "the
gift". Lastly, it was Carrie's voice John first heard singing those
old time gospel standards, standards that John would later sing time
and time again for millions of people. That same voice joins John on
this recording and completes the circle.
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