Late country star Johnny Cash is to release one final volume of ‘American Recordings’.
Johnny Cash is one of the most iconic figures in country music. The original outlaw, his recordings for Sun records effectively invented rockabilly, joining traditional styles with a modern slant.
Songs such as ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ defined him as a singer who felt sympathy towards the excluded and downtrodden. Later becoming a hugely influential figure in American society his prison albums became enormously popular.
However Johnny Cash drifted into the wilderness in the 80s. Recording a series of lacklustre albums it seemed as if the career of ‘The Man In Black’ was in terminal decline.
Yet an astonishing revival lay around the corner. Superfan Rick Rubin contacted the singer, urging him to recapture his roots in a series of badass acoustic meditations. A series of stunning albums followed, as Johnny Cash re-interpreted traditional material alongside songs from Beck, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy and more.
Dying in 2003, Johnny Cash left behind him an astonishing legacy. Now it seems as if a final volume of those ‘American Recordings’ is set to be released.
Drawn from sessions towards the end of his life ‘American VI: Ain’t No Grave’ is due to be the final volume in the series. Set for release on February 26th the new volume will include some typically stripped down cover versions.
Tackling the likes of Tom Paxton’s ‘Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound’ and Bob Nolan’s ‘Cool Water’ the collection seems to be dominated by the threat of death. Alongside these covers the new album contains a Cash original called ‘1 Corinthians: 15:55’.
The new Johnny Cash album ‘American VI: Ain’t No Grave’ is due to be released on February 26th.
