1968, Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison., 1968.
It was 1968, and Johnny Cash was finally at a place in life where he was able to get a grip on his drug addictions — with the love and support of his wife June. Johnny had always wanted to perform at Folsom — ever since he first recorded the tune Folsom Prison Blues back in 1957 for Sun Records. After years of delays caused by management changes at Johnny’s record label, and battles with his own personal demons, the time was finally right.
Backed by the legendary Carl Perkins, the Tennessee Three, not to mention June Carter Cash (a musical dynamo in her own right ), Johnny and company set out to California’s Folsom Prison to put on one helluva show (two shows actually) for the penned-up boys in blue. The resulting live album At Folsom Prison was a huge success that reignited Johnny Cash’s career, and is an enduring classic that is hands-down required listening for all Johnny Cash, American Roots, and Country Western music fans.
From the moment you hear that “Hello — I’m Johnny Cash” and that guitar — you’re flat hooked, brother.
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Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, 1968.
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Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, 1968.
The Selvedge Yard 