I tend to call Johnny Cash "OG" for "Original Gangsta" (which is I'm sure not original with me).

I love that gravelly voice, and minimalist guitar. And the very raw emotion in his voice.

I'm reminded of the very good movie "Walk the Line." Joaquin Phoenix as Cash, the ever-perky Reece Witherspoon as June Carter. June Carter has just met Cash, and says something like:

"I love that music of yours---slow like a train, sharp like a razor."

Cash replies, with a very small grin:

"We'd play faster if we knew how."

If you haven't read Cash's books, I recommend them. Sure, he was a pretty extreme leftie, but darn it, he writes about his own faults and highs and lows with great authenticity.

Thanks for posting the Cash clip. I am still moved by this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1...h? v=1e0EQlQXoEo

His voice and that video regularly move me to tears. This is a fellow who knows what it is to lose, and to win....without ever forgetting the losses.

Rick Rubin should be praised for making certain that JC's music still got out there.

By the way, I can't find out the identity of the bearded fellow at the beginning of the video. Ideas?
Eric Blair | 08.21.08 - 7:39 pm | #

I'm not sure who that is at the beginning of the video. Maybe a member of ZZ Top?

My favorite Johnny Cash song was "Cocaine Blues" from his Folsom Prison album.
Mike LaRoche | Homepage | 08.21.08 - 11:40 pm | #

Sadly, not a member of ZZ Top. Those two reprobates I know. I think the guy is a CW singer, but I do not recognize him.
Eric Blair | 08.22.08 - 10:51 am | #

From the VH1 Storyteller's acoustic set, I like "Ghost Riders in the Sky" as performed by JC and Willie Nelson.

"Man in Black" is good, as well. And I grew up laughing at "A Boy Named Sue" and never realized it was written by Shel Silverstein.
Eric Blair | 08.22.08 - 10:53 am | #

I think the guy is a CW singer, but I do not recognize him.

Maybe it's David Allan Coe.
Mike LaRoche | Homepage | 08.24.08 - 9:01 pm | #