#TwoStepTuesday: The Man In Black
Time again for Two Step Tuesday!
Today we’re stepping back in time to have a listen from a real legend.
Wikipedia tells us this about Johnny Cash:
John R. Cash (born J. R. Cash; February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003) was an American singer, songwriter, musician, actor, and author. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide.] His genre-spanning songs and sound embraced country, rock and roll, rockabilly, blues, folk, and gospel. This crossover appeal won Cash the rare honor of being inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.
Born in Arkansas to poor cotton farmers, Cash rose to fame in the prominent country music scene in Memphis, Tennessee, after four years in the United States Air Force. Cash was known for his deep, calm bass-baritone voice, the distinctive sound of his Tennessee Three backing band characterized by train-like chugging guitar rhythms, a rebelliousness coupled with an increasingly somber and humble demeanor, free prison concerts, and a trademark, all-black stage wardrobe, which earned him the nickname "The Man in Black". He traditionally began his concerts by simply introducing himself, "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash," followed by his signature song "Folsom Prison Blues".
Much of Cash's music contained themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, especially in the later stages of his career. His signature songs include "Folsom Prison Blues", "I Walk the Line", "Ring of Fire", "Get Rhythm", and "Man in Black". He also recorded humorous numbers like "One Piece at a Time" and "A Boy Named Sue"; a duet with his future wife, June Carter, called "Jackson" (followed by many further duets after their wedding); and railroad songs including "Hey, Porter", "Orange Blossom Special", and "Rock Island Line". During the last stage of his career, Cash covered songs by several late-20th-century rock artists, notably "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails, "Rusty Cage" by Soundgarden and "Personal Jesus" by Depeche Mode.
Today’s Two Steppin’ Playlist:
- I Walk The Line
- Ring of Fire
- Folsom Prison Blues (live at San Quentin)
- Boy Named Sue
- One Piece At A Time
- Tennessee Flat Top Box
- Don’t Take Your Guns To Town
- Personal Jesus
- Ragged Old Flag
- Hurt
See you again soon! Share with me your thoughts about this playlist. If you have a favorite country artist, let me know and I’d be happy to feature them.
I always liked Johnny Cash. Nice post.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Mary! Johnny Cash was such a great singer and songwriter, and versatile too. Another humorous song of his that's a favorite of mine is "Cocaine". I still bust a gut listening to that one!
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