Johnny Cash – At Folsom Prison (1968)

Johnny Cash’s “At Folsom Prison” is a live album recorded in 1968 at the Folsom State Prison in California. The album is considered one of Cash’s greatest achievements, and a classic in the history of country music.

Here is a track listing of the album:

Folsom Prison Blues
Dark as a Dungeon
I Still Miss Someone
Cocaine Blues
25 Minutes to Go
Orange Blossom Special
The Long Black Veil
Send a Picture of Mother
The Wall
Dirty Old Egg-Sucking Dog
Flushed From the Bathroom of Your Heart
Jackson (with June Carter)
Give My Love to Rose
I Got Stripes
Green, Green Grass of Home
Greystone Chapel

The album opens with the iconic “Folsom Prison Blues,” which sets the tone for the rest of the album. Cash’s deep, resonant voice and his signature “boom-chicka-boom” rhythm are immediately recognizable.

“Dark as a Dungeon” is a haunting, melancholic track that showcases Cash’s ability to convey deep emotions through his music. “I Still Miss Someone” is a soulful ballad with a memorable melody.

“Cocaine Blues” is an up-tempo track that tells the story of a man who commits murder while under the influence of drugs. “25 Minutes to Go” is a darkly humorous track about a man on death row counting down the minutes until his execution.

“Orange Blossom Special” is a classic train song that features Cash’s virtuosic guitar playing. “The Long Black Veil” is a mournful ballad about a man who refuses to reveal the identity of the woman he was with on the night of a murder.

“Send a Picture of Mother” is a touching track about a prisoner who longs to see a photograph of his mother. “The Wall” is a haunting track about the psychological effects of prison life.

“Dirty Old Egg-Sucking Dog” is a humorous track that lightens the mood, while “Flushed From the Bathroom of Your Heart” is a playful, upbeat track.

“Jackson” is a duet with Cash’s wife, June Carter, and one of the highlights of the album. “Give My Love to Rose” is a poignant ballad about a dying man’s last request.

“I Got Stripes” is an up-tempo track about the hardships of life in prison. “Green, Green Grass of Home” is a nostalgic track about a prisoner’s memories of home.

The album closes with “Greystone Chapel,” a powerful track written by a Folsom inmate about the prison’s chapel.

Overall, “At Folsom Prison” is a landmark album in the history of country music, and a testament to Johnny Cash’s ability to connect with his audience on a deep emotional level. It remains a must-listen for any fan of classic country music.

 

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