I have always liked Johnny Cash. Sure I’m particular to his earlier stuff with Sun Records, but there are times when he equaled or even bested that work.
There’s no need to rehash his personal ups and downs, many of which contributed to his musical ups and downs. I do believe, however, that even when his output wasn’t good it was still better than most of what passed (and still passes) for country music.
Johnny Cash had a number of qualities that made him an admirable musician, such as his disdain for “fake” or “inauthentic” music and people. He was unapologetic about who he was, a sinner, a man of great devotion and faith, and somebody who tried to better himself when he could. He also had a sense of humor.
For my birthday last week Laura gave me the latest Johnny Cash release. Out Among The Stars was initially recorded 30 years ago but shelved until this year. One of the songs showcases that humor – ” I Drove Her Out Of My Mind” which wasn’t written by Cash himself, but it sure sounds like it. It might have been expressly written for him.