Johnny Cash - The Best Of The Johnny Cash TV Show

A first-rate musical education

From June 1969 until May 1971, The Johnny Cash Show not only brought The Man In Black’s music into every household in America, but also the wide range of artists the host engaged to perform, from established acts to up-and-coming hopefuls, from country to blues to rock’n’roll. This 2-DVD set culls some of the best performances, though the first disc is put together like a documentary, with commentary from those involved interspersed between the music. Though the comments are entertaining (Linda Ronstadt’s penchant for not wearing underwear drew ire from Cash’s wife, June Carter Cash), the material would have worked better as a separate feature. The second disc, which just has the musical performances, flows much better. That’s the only criticism, for the performances are such pure gold it’s hard to know where to start. A few highlights: Ray Charles’ beautiful Ring Of Fire; Derek & The Dominos’ It’s Too Late, followed by Eric Clapton inviting Cash and Carl Perkins to join the band in a rollicking Matchbox; Bill Monroe & His Bluegrass Boys offering slow and fast takes of Blue Moon Of Kentucky; Cash and Louie Armstrong on Jimmie Rodgers’ Blue Yodel #9. Not to mention Roy Orbison, Stevie Wonder, Loretta Lynn, Chet Atkins and many others. A glorious celebration of song.

CMV/Columbia/Legacy | 88697 04026 9 9

Reviewed by Gillian G Gaar
<< Back to Issue 343