Number 62 - At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash

Number 62: At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash

Doin' time with the Man in Black

Release: May 6th, 1968
Genre: Country
Favorite Tracks: Folsom Prison Blues, Cocaine Blues, 25 Minutes to Go

Where I heard it: 

I can definitively say that out of every genre out there, country is my least favorite and by proxy my least knowledgeable. At my last job, my managers would listen to top 40 country radio every time they were working in the back, and it permanently warped my perception on country music for the worst. Sure, today's country music is deserving of that scathing criticism, but recently I've discovered a wealth of country music from its golden era that has resonated with me after years of total abstinence from country. Artists like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Hank Williams Jr. introduced me to the devious world of outlaw country, rife with tales of dubious activity and life on the fringe of society. Of course, nobody ever did it better than the king of country music Johnny Cash, the Man in Black himself. Even with limited knowledge of country music, Johnny Cash is a pop culture icon and household name that I've known of for years. I only began actively listening to Cash's music in 2017, where my strong detest toward country began to soften in an effort to expand my musical taste. This endeavor wasn't exactly the most fruitful in converting me into a country fanatic, but I did have the pleasure of listening to one of the most iconic live albums ever recorded as a result. At Folsom Prison is an album that raises eyebrows from its venue choice alone, but those aware of Cash's character should know that such an intimidating place like a maximum security prison was the perfect place for a performer like him.

When I was just a baby
My mama told me, "Son,
always be a good boy,
don't ever play with guns" 
But I shot a man in Reno
Just to watch him die
~ Folsom Prison Blues

What to expect:

True to his outlaw country name, Johnny Cash was no stranger to the judicial system throughout his early career. While he never served jail time, Cash heavily empathized with the incarcerated for their lackluster living conditions. His songs about life behind bars cultivated a small but devoted following among inmates across the country. This inspired Cash to begin regularly performing for prison populations across the country in the late 1950's, an unprecedented decision that initially shocked many. By the time Columbia Records reached out to Cash about recording one of these concerts in 1969, he was a seasoned professional both musically and theatrically. At Folsom Prison is the result of a combination between two sets in one day, splicing the best takes from each recording and condensing it all into a 45-minute production. The album progresses so naturally with the flow of the setlist, balancing rowdy jaunts like Cocaine Blues with tender ballads like I Still Miss Someone. Cash specifically includes songs designed to cater to his audience, selecting classic originals like Folsom Prison Blues and I Got Stripes as well as popular song covers like 25 Minutes to Go and The Wall, all of which revolve around the perspective of life in prison. What makes At Folsom Prison such an incredible album is its attention to detail that strengthens the immersion of the live performance. Some transitions between songs leave in snippets of behind-the-scenes production that showcases the charisma and stage presence of Johnny Cash. You can feel the delight of the audience when Cash delivers a racy line or a clever quip. At Folsom Prison captures the magic of the moment within the novelty of it all, featuring segments of the album where the music is secondary and the experience is paramount.

Won't you tell the folks back home I'll soon be comin'
And don't let them know I never will be free
Sometimes write and tell me how they're doin'
And send a picture of mother back to me
Say hello to Dad and shake his poor hardworkin' hand
And send a picture of mother if you can
~ Send a Picture of Mother

 

Why it's my favorite:  

The legacy that Johnny Cash has left behind since his passing is immeasurable. His music, his stories, and his personality were all so larger than life without the eccentrics of celebrity status. At Folsom Prison is a glimpse into the persona of the Man in Black at perhaps his most honest form. Cash sounds unnerved performing in front of thousands of convicted felons because he feels no danger. Rather, he feels even closer connected to the outcasts and disenfranchised than he would on stage in front of a bunch of upper class folk. At Folsom Prison goes to great lengths to humanize the prison audience, and a large part of that credit goes towards Cash's demeanor. Not every track on the album glamorizes criminality; there are plenty of thought-provoking songs that challenge the listener to put themselves in the shoes of a prisoner who hasn't seen their family in years, or who is about to die on death row. One of the best songwriters of all-time, Johnny Cash puts together an unforgettable show for the ages that we are lucky enough to have preserved through At Folsom Prison. It's one-of-a-kind approach ensures a unique listening experience unlike any other.