Johnny Cash

Yawn. I think my grandma listens to this crap. Johnny Cash has no talent! He isn't played on MTV, BET or was never on American Idol. Why do you freaks listen to him? This music is soo old, too. REAL country is Carrie Underwood! She's a country music legend, not this old talentless buffoon.

I'm a hugh Johnny fan and I dig this cd. I would recommend it to anyone who loves Johnny. Keep on rockin'.

It's fantastic. I orginially had this recording years ago on a 33rpm record, and like a fool got rid of it. I got it as a replacement on a CD format and its the way I always remembered it.

Cash is basically the only country artist that I like. The very fact that he sings about life and its hardships is very appealing to me. Running on the notion that his material is about the struggles of existence, it is only fitting that he would record an album within the walls of a tough state penitentiary.

Songs about life in prison (Folsom Prison Blues, I Got Stripes), the difficulties of life (Busted), and being free (Orange Blossom Special), are strong examples of how Cash expresses himself musically and how he can relate to the audience. In one sense, since the material on this album relates to the prisoners, it can be considered a concept album. A must have for everyone's musical library.

I have to say, I have come to realize this is one of my favorite albums of TIME tied with Houston Marchman's - Naked The Best of Houston Marchman. Both are soooo good and I can listen to their voices over and over again and never get tired. Houston Marchman is special in that his music is filled with soul, passion, and solid lyrics. He truley has THE best singing vioce I have ever heard in my entire life. You should check out the cd if you enjoy j CASH. Both have the best songs EVER!

This is a very good set. It has many recordings I had not heard before.

Johnny Cash was not actually a prisoner at Folsom Prison. He just sang there. He sang good.

This collection has more than twice as many songs as the original album. Plus, Carl Perkins and the Statler Brothers sing. The prisoners really liked the music. But, prisoners are well-known as music lovers.

There were two Folsom shows performed and recorded that day: The first show, the bulk of which comprised the classic, familiar 16-song album; and a longer second show, the bulk of whose 26 tracks (except for two songs) were put on the shelf.
The entire unvarnished 65-minute first show on disc one - expletives intact for the first time, and with seven previously unissued tracks; and the entire 75-minute second show on disc two, with 24 previously unissued tracks (out of 26).

I got this for my dad for Father's Day to play in his truck, I knew it would bring back memories for him, I love Johnny Cash too and should have got 2 one for me...lol I guess I will get myself one later. This CD has 30 songs and is a true must have for Cash fans.

This two-disc set is a perfect collection if you are not a huge johnny cash fan. The set contains 36 songs, the first disc is all by himself, the 2nd disc has some songs featuring other big names like marty robbins, willie nelso, waylon jennings, bob dylan, and his wife june. To let people know if it has the NIN cover he did for the song Hurt, it doesnt

This cd features legendary music from a legendary music artist , the complete career spanning hits from 1955 to 1992 , this has to be the best collection of Johnny Cash so far , highly recommended.

Even though I bought this CD for my 86 year old Mother who is living with me, I also enjoy listening to every song.

This is the only Johnny Cash CD I own and I'm really glad I finally purchased it. He is clearly both a country music and overall music icon. Few country artists have contributed any more. This captures the essence of his contributions and his life.

Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon's Johnny Cash documentary premiered on the U.S. Bio channel in late October, accompanied by this DVD/CD package, Johnny Cash's America. The DVD includes the full 90-minute documentary alongside several video extras. The CD collects eighteen full-length performances of songs heard in the documentary, five of which were previously unreleased. The core documentary strings together archival footage of Cash in performance, television specials and documentaries, supplemented by interviews with family and musical associates, authoritatively answering the questions posed by the film's narrator: "How did events shape Cash? And what did he reflect back on to the country? How can one speak his mind, without losing his voice?" Cash's story is told in chronological order, starting with the hardscrabble Arkansas roots at the very core of his character. Cash's earliest years are described by childhood friends and remembered by Cash in a filmed return to his first home.

Cash's recording career, from Sun Records to Columbia to his last works with Rick Rubin provide the soundtrack to a life that's both a product of America and an influence woven into the tapestry of the country he so vocally loved. Cash is shown as an artist who stuck resolutely to his vision, such as when he lampoons the notion he'd replace Elvis as the King departed to RCA. Clips of Cash communing with Bob Dylan in the studio recording Nashville Skyline and a roll call of non-Country artists featured on his primetime television show further demonstrate the breadth of his musical vision. As far as Cash managed to stretch the ears of his fans, he stretched their minds even further. In lending his voice to the plight of Native Americans and prisoners, and in offering forthright discussions of his own drug use ("I was taking the pills for awhile, and then the pills started taking me"), he repeatedly showed a willingness to challenge the status quo. His performances of "The Ballad of Ira Hayes" and his own "What is Truth" at the Nixon White House (in lieu of Nixon's request for "Welfare Cadillac") found him speaking truth to the ultimate American power. Cash's unabashed patriotism played out in both flag waving and a stern criticism, as he saw fit.

Though music was clearly one of Cash's saviors, there were several human agents whose strength helped him wrestle with his demons. June Carter Cash is shown as the rock upon which Cash's initial rescue from drugs was founded, Billy Graham helps him along in his rebirth as a Christian, and producer Rick Rubin revives his career with an introduction to a new youth audience. At each turn, it's Cash himself who summons the strength to change and move on, but over and over there's a catalyst setting him in motion. Neville and Gordon's timeline is augmented with numerous clips and comments that provide viewpoint beyond mere facts, explaining what events and people meant within the context of Cash's life, and what Cash's life meant within the context of the times in which he lived. The directors expose the roots of Cash's broad empathy, and create a story that may be less of a drama than the biopic Walk the Line, but is no less dramatic.

Interview subjects include Cash's sister Joanne, daughters Cindy and Rosanne, son John Carter, and friends, associates and fans that include Al Gore, Snoop Dog, Sheryl Crow, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Marshall Grant, Senator Lamar Alexander, Jack Clement, John Mellencamp, Steve Earle, Merle Haggard, Vince Gill, Jon Langford and John Mellancamp. The CD's previously unreleased tracks are a pair of tunes recorded in Hendersonville (1969's "Come Along and Ride This Train" and 1974's "I Am the Nation"), and a trio of live recordings (1970's "What is Truth" from the White House, 1971's "Children, Go Where I Send Thee" from Denmark, and "This Land is Your Land" from Cash's television show). The DVD's twenty-three minutes of extras include additional interview clips, a 1961 television performance of "Five Feet High and Rising" from Star Route USA, color home movies from Cash's 1972 performance at the White House, television outtakes of Cash delivering his trademark "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash" over and over and over, and documentary footage of the Cash family visiting Johnny's childhood home. Buy this to watch the documentary, keep it to enjoy the fine selection of Cash classics and rarities. [©2008 hyperbolium dot com]

This is a must have collection for Johnny Cash fans, this is a must have for anyone who enjoys music today.

The dvd/cd is based on the "I am a nation" speech recorded and found in Cash's personal archive. Everyone from urban eccentric artists to hard-working farmers appreciate JR Cash. This outstanding Biography illustrates that fact. Especially after witnessing the high praise from the likes of merle haggard and snoop dogg. The cd which accompanies the dvd biography is a soundtrack containing the highlighted songs.

This is an inspirational pickup for anyone who doubted there-own self worth. Or for those who appreciate a true American patriot.

I have to admit first that I became a much bigger Cash fan after seeing Walk the Line. Guess I was too busy with rock when I was growing up. So... if you are new to Cash, you lack any Cash cds, and especially if you liked Walk the Line - I think you will really like this cd. Long time fans are probably likely to be disappointed because there have been other compilations over the years that they may own - but I think this has to be one of the best.

The CD is great, but I will never shop at Amazon again. It took over 3 weeks to get 3 cds from California, I live in Reno, NV. Not acceptable!!!
They had them in stock.....

Johnny Cash will forever be a true legend in the country music/southern rock industry. He is a man who set the standard to pave the way for future country/southern rock singers such as Lynard Skynard, .38 Special, Hank Williams Jr., Dwight Yoakam, and a few others. For this last installment in his long and well deserved career he has had, Johnny along with Rick Rubin produces this somewhat greatest hits cd comprised of Johnny Cash's best and most remembered songs in his career. This is the last cd Johnny Cash came out with before his passing.

With a total of 21 songs and special appereances by his wife June Carter Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, & U2, this cd has Johnny Cash's best recorded songs he has came out with all the way up to his 2003 hit "Hurt" which was produced by Rick Rubin. My personal favs on this disc are Cry Cry Cry(#1), Folsom Prison Blues(#3), I Walk the Line(#4), A Boy Named Sue(#10, Live), & Hurt(#21). They all are phenomenal songs and they all sound fantastic.

If you're a true fan of country music or yall are interested in the history of country music than this cd is one I recommend. An awesome cd to pick up.

This is a great snap shot of the legend that is Johnny Cash. It has some of his best hits, and some classic historical songs. The last track "Hurt", Trent Reznor may have the rights to it but Cash owns it!!! Peroid!!!

What can you say that hasn't already been said. Johnny Cash is the Man, and he doesn't disappoint in this CD. My husband has been playing the CD since we got it.

WOW!!! What a cd. Most cover CDs struggle for the artist to bring their own style to the music. This is not the case with Mr. Cash, each song is sung as though he owns it. It gives me chills to listen to his interpertation of some great songs. This is truly a work of art and I just wish there was a volume two to look forward to.

'American IV: The Man Comes Around' is easily one of Johnny Cash's best records. Cash died in 2003, and this came out around the time of his death. But it's a true masterpiece. Read on.

Here, Johnny covers everything, from Nine Inch Nails' 'Hurt' to Hank Williams' 'I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry' to Depeche Mode's 'Personal Jesus' to Simon & Garfunkel's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water.' He also covers an Eagles song ('Desperado') and a country music standard ('Streets of Laredo') here as well.

But man, can Johnny sing! In his early seventies when this was recorded, Johnny proves his voice is every bit as good as it was thirty years before. It's more raspy and deeper, sure, but it's just as good.

Overall, this is highly recommended for any Johnny Cash fan, casual or die-hard. This is easily one of the best records of the 21st Century, and it shows Johnny's true love of music, whether it be country, rock or alternative.

Highly recommended for any Johnny Cash fan. A masterpiece, plain and simple.

ENJOY!!!

This album is my very first time completely listened to Cash ! I was shocked & moved by 'First time ever I saw your face ' , never expect one can express this song like that . Then , Give my love to Rose , In my life , Hurt , Personal Jesus , changed my point of view too .

Since I have this cd , I played it hundred times & I get addicted to it . I started to collect his other works . Now I got more than 20 of his cds.

I'm still addicted & guessed it last in my lifetime !

'When the Man Comes Around' is the triumphant culmination of everything Cash exemplified in a life that revolved around living under the umbrella of grace. His songs here reflect that he was very much in touch with the idea that we are all frail, broken creatures, but that God is ever present. This is never more present than in his collaboration with Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails on the song 'Hurt', a song that had different meanings for both the artists.

To Cash, 'Hurt' reflected a life spent mostly in fighting the demons of his past while living within a myriad of current loss and disappointment. The last lines to the song, "If I could start again, a million miles away, I would keep myself, I would find a way."

The video that corresponds to the song tells the full story, that Cash felt with another chance to live, he would live more wisely and make different decisions, but that it is too late now. Camera shots of Jesus being murdered and his late wife June reflect a man who feels his failures have not only pained himself, but his wife and God as well. An empty, derelict Cash museum which reads "Closed to the public" only heightens the way Cash views his past achievements.

The rest of album resounds of everything Cash was. From the mornful tone of 'Streets of Laredo' to the flamboyant nature of 'Sam Hall', Cash shows us why he was not just a great lover of life, but a genius of bringing to life songs that would otherwise rot to death on the shelves of the American past.

The opening track also speaks of the idea that Cash was very much still a man of hope and faith. 'When the Man Comes Around' features a forewarning on the immnent return of Christ. Cash's inclusion of his favorite verse in the thanks area of the CD booklet also shows that Cash was firmly holding onto a faith that often times tried to allude his efforts. His friendship with Reznor, however, offered insight that Cash's faith was not small-minded enough to discard those who wistfully sat on the other side of the faith. In this way, Cash offered an example to millions of Christians who so smugly have forgotten the long-lost principle of loving and befriending those who have dissenting opinions on the things we might consider most important to us.

This is an incredible album! I absolutely love his version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" which is one of my all time favorite songs. Also "Personal Jesus" and "Desperado" are good listens. Don't even think twice about buying this album, it's incredible!!

I've seen the film "Walk the Line" and I've become rhe singer' s fan. I like his voice and sound and I decided to have a piece of his music,, now I'm happy!

This Johnny Cash set is arguably the best single disc out there, and I couldn't agree more. These 16 songs are truly his '16 Biggest Hits,' and if your a casual Cash fan or a newcomer to Cash, this is an excellent collection to own.

As stated above, you really do get Cash's 16 of Cash's biggest hits. '(Ghost) Riders In The Sky,' 'I Walk The Line,' 'The Ring of Fire,' his amazing cover of Kris Kristofferson's classic 'Sunday Morning Comin' Down.' And, Sony did a fine job remastering the music. In translation, the sound quality is superb.

Do check this CD out if you are new or a casual fan of Cash's legendary music. And if your on a budget, than this CD is ideal, considering it's usually priced cheap. Highly recommended, and if you want two Cash CDs, check out his installment in UMG's '20th Century Masters' series.

ENJOY!!!

I'm buying another, because a friend heard mine and loved it. It will be part of his birthday present. Johnny Cash is true classic country, and this CD reflects that.

It Johnny Cash........how can you go wrong??? Great songs, prefect quality.

Requested expedited delivery and received my order overnight with no problems. The CD is a very nice collection of Johnny Cash's oldies but goodies.

Heard some of the cd before. Loved it. It will make a wonderful Christmas gift for my husband.

Excellent CD. The old traditional hymns really hit home. Definitely worth listening to such inspiring music. It is unfortunate that the old time hymns have been forgotten, and so this recording by Johnny Cash reminds one that there was once good Christian oriented music. By contrast, the new contemporary Christian music panders to modern "pop culture" and sounds is if it was sung by some washed up Vegas lounge lizard.

It's almost unbelievable that these tracks were recorded over a timespan of 34 years, from 1957 to 1981, since the music forms such a cohesive, seamless whole. The songs include traditionals, his own compositions and the work of others like Carl Perkins. The album opens with Here Was A Man, a spoken introduction about the life and influence of Messiah Yeshua.

The next, The Preacher Said, is a type of duet with statements by evangelist Billy Graham. The following seven songs all date from the late 1950s, and my personal favorites include Belshazzar (1957), It Was Jesus with its unidentified black gospel backing vocals, Swing Low Sweet Chariot (1959) and The Great Speckle Bird from the same year.

Two of the previously unreleased tracks, How Great Thou Art and It Is No Secret from 1981, are amongst the highlights. The legendary Carter Family provide backing vocals on amongst others: Peace In The Valley (1963), Angel Band (1979) and on Children Go Where I Send Thee (1979) together with the 21st Century Singers, whilst Far Side Banks Of Jordan is a duet with June Carter.

Other great hymns worthy of special mention are In The Sweet By And By and Amazing Grace (both 1974) and Were You There (1962) with Maybelle Carter on autoharp and the family on backing vocals. The full spectrum of the spiritual experience is covered by these beautiful, timeless songs: sombre reflection, joy, melancholy, awe, comfort, devotion and gripping story-telling.

This is my first album of the music of Johnny Cash and I'm hooked! His beautiful baritone is impressive on its own, but even more amazing when framed by the devotional backing vocals. The CD booklet contains one sepia and four black and white pics, information like recording dates and musicians for every song, plus a short bio written by Sylvie Simmons.

Johnny Cash passed away on September 12, 2003. If you were to judge exclusively by the number of CD's that suddenly became available in the wake of his death, his legendary status as a hero of both rock and roll and country music grew instantly and exponentially. This huge amount of posthumous releases usually dedicated themselves to portraying multiple aspects of Cash's monumental talent, as filtered through his even more remarkable persona. The fact is that there were so many releases that it overwhelmed much of his audience. Cash has always suffered (or celebrated) an incredible number of compilations and collections (allmusic.com features a list that contains over 300 entries for compilations alone!), so it becomes nearly impossible to sift through all of this to determine what is essential and what is peripheral, redundant or extravagant.
For all of the above reasons, I fear that "Ultimate Gospel" may fall through the cracks and be overlooked, and that would be a shame. It is a plainspoken title for a beautiful, plainspoken concept album that handpicks Gospel favorites from nearly three decades of Cash's career. Before he sang rock and roll or country music, Cash considered himself a Gospel singer. In fact, he `failed' his first audition for Sun Records by relying exclusively on Gospel songs. Despite this rather inauspicious beginning, Cash has often returned to his roots as a Gospel singer, and some of his most heartfelt performances fall into this category. He revisited some of these selections on the (also posthumous) collection entitled "My Mother's Hymnbook," but while that collection features stark arrangements with nothing but Cash's guitar for accompaniment, these versions are considerably more elaborate, sometimes including lush instrumental accompaniment and a backing chorus. Some of the best selections here ("I Was There When It Happened" and "Belshazzar") date back to the 1950s, when he was still in Memphis and perceived as a rockabilly artist, while the latter-day selections from the mid-seventies capture an artist remaining true to himself in spite of commercial trends ("In the Sweet By and By" and "Amazing Grace").
In the tidal wave of Johnny Cash collections that are flooding the market, it would be easy to dismiss this as something less than essential, but I'm certain that Johnny Cash himself would consider this to be some of his best work. If you are interested in Cash's Gospel side and wish to buy only one collection, I strongly recommend that you choose "Ultimate Gospel." A Tom Ryan

HAVING BEEN A BIG FAN OF CASH EVERY SINCE I WAS YOUNG, I WATCHED HIM GROW AND MATURE OVER THE YEARS. AFTER HE MET AND MARRIED JUNE CARTER, HE RETURNED TO HIS SPIRITUAL ROOTS. THIS IS A GREAT COLLECTION OF SONGS FOR THOSE OF US WHO ENJOY AN EXPOSURE TO CASH'S SPIRITUAL LIFE AND HERITAGE. THERE WAS A LOT MORE TO JOHNNY CASH THAN MOST PEOPLE REALIZE BECAUSE JOHNNY WAS A TRUE BELIEVER AND HE ESPOUSED VALUES LATER IN LIFE THAT MADE HIM ONE OF US, A FELLOW CHRISTIAN AND A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD. i RECOMMEND THIS COLLECTION AND ANY OTHER RECORDINGS THAT REFLECT CASH'S SPIRITUAL JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE.

I don't think elvis meant this cd to be released. Elvis is an exceptional entertainer and this cd falls very short of his usual recordings. There are songs listed here that are really just short converations and I was hoping to hear him sing the whole song. I would not buy this cd if I was thinking I was getting 47 songs. This cd is really disappointing and I'm surprised that it's on the market.

Love Elvis and this jam session with Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis is a must for any fan.

My husband really likes this CD. We had originally heard about it at Sun Studios in Memphis and it is everything they said it was.

I recommend this disc to those who love the early roots of Rock n' Roll as it was in the early 50's. Also, to anyone who wants to hear gospel music sung well and with spirit. Elvis' gifts are demonstrated on this recording better than on the polished and highly edited recordings we commonly hear. These guys were having a great time and it comes across in each tract. Their rendition of Lonesome Valley will dust off the cobwebs in the most cynical soul.

Just a fantastic CD!!! Hearing Elvis, Jerry Lee, Carl and Johnny in the studio, is like being a fly on the wall during this infamous session. The banter and the Spirituals were really moving. HIGHly recommended!!

This series is Johnny Cash's best work. A bit dark, maybe because he knew these were his last cd's. BUY THEM ALL.

This posthumous recording marks the end of Johnny Cash's long and successful career. On some tracks, such as "Help Me" and the Gordon Lightfoot cover "If You Could Read My Mind," his voice is a fragile whisper, while on others, such as "God's Gonna Cut You Down," he summons up some of his old power. Every track, however, is an intimate, eloquent testimony from a man facing the end of his days with a mixture of joy, melancholy, acceptance, and anticipation of a reunion with his departed wife. When my time comes, I can only hope to display half of the grace and class that Cash shows on this album.

I'm not going to pretend to be musically astute and theoretically compare how this album may have sounded if the Great JRC himself had been around to approve/disapprove the use of cellos in "Help Me."

I'm going to tell you that when I thought "The Man Comes Around" would always be my favorite Cash album, it's only because this one hadn't been made yet. Each and every cut touches my heart . . . comforts me, delights me, gives me courage. (Yeah, even "Like the 309")

So, I'm gonna make this short and sweet. Thank God, thank God and Rick Rubin for One More Cash.

CD arrived in excellent condition. If you buy this, be prepared to hear a Johnny Cash we never knew. I could feel the heartache of deceased spouse.

I,m trying to come up with some eloquent,and expressive words to describe my personal feelings,after listening to this "masterpiece", but I simply can't come up with the words. Only to say that the Legend saved the best for last.