Cash left Sun in 1958, and Disc 2 picks up with his early '60s CBS sides. These were lean years for Cash as he moved his family to LA, fought alcohol and drug addiction, and divorced his wife. Like most country singers, Johnny had always focused on songs of love and heartbreak, but after a brief return to his gospel roots, he found a new lyrical focus. Disc 3 kicks off with four incendiary tunes recorded live at Folsom and San Quentin. Even when the production occasionally turns saccharine with sugar-coated 60's backup singers and strings, or lifeless '80s synthesizers, Cash perseveres with a voice as honest and simple as a stiff black cup of coffee, using his limited vocal range to maintain a dramatic tension that never seems contrived.
Cash occupies a unique place in American music.
He has sold more records than anyone in country without playing traditional country music, and is a member of the Rock Hall of Fame without playing rock. The other part of his magic lies in the strength of his persona and his ability to leave his stamp on any song, whether country, folk, blues, gospel, or rock. Like baseball, Johnny is an American institution with tremendous crossover appeal. I'm Johnny Cash. All rights reserved.