Legacy Recordings

Between 1969 and 1971, Johnny Cash was at the height of his fame. ABC wanted him on their network, and gave him full creative control. Bob Hilburn and Cash’s son, John Carter Cash, wonder which of today’s artists would have the clout with TV programmers to book the artists featured in this episode - Waylon Jennings, Ray Charles, Derek & the Dominoes, Carl Perkins, and even James Taylor’s first national TV performance. Marty Stuart adds why all of those artists, regardless of genre, were also big Johnny Cash fans.

Host: Rodney Crowell

 

 The Johnny Cash TV Show Podcast Episode 3 [8:35m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

“The Johnny Cash Show” was a TV variety show in the purest sense. Cash handpicked the show’s guests, and never limited his choices to any genre. His daughter, Rosanne Cash, tells us how the program was an extension of her father’s diverse interests. Music director, Bill Walker, and journalist Bob Hilburn recall Cash’s determination to feature the latest talent alongside traditional gospel and folk tales. Performances by Joni Mitchell, Tammy Wynette, Kris Kristofferson, the Carter Family, Carl Perkins and Louis Armstrong demonstrate the breadth of Cash’s favorites at the time.

Host: Rodney Crowell

 

 Johnny Cash Episode 2 [08:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Johnny Cash’s groundbreaking TV variety show aired on ABC-TV between 1969-1971. The program featured Cash performing with an eclectic mix of artists, including a few appearing on national TV for the first time. In this first episode, Kris Kristofferson, Marty Stuart and Bill Walker (the show’s musical director) discuss what made the show great, between excerpts of Johnny Cash’s own highlights from the program.

Host: Rodney Crowell

 

 The Johnny Cash TV Show Podcast Episode 1 [7:55m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download