Here on this Jackson song by Johnny Cash page are some free overview demos, chord sheets and more for not only the Jackson song , but for other Johnny Cash classics as well.
Help yourself to the free pdf chord sheets. If you require full tutorial lessons for these songs below, there is a purchase link for a small fee.
Feb 26th, 1932 – Sep 12th, 2003 (Age 71)
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16 Tons comes from the 1987 album from Johnny Cash called Johnny Cash Is Coming To Town.
The song was written by Merle Travis and first recorded by him in 1946.
Johnny Cash never released the song as a single.
Tennessee Ernie Ford also did a version in 1955 and the song has been covered by numerous artists including Eddy Arnold, Bo Diddly and Red Sovine to name a few.
16 Tons ... info soon.
A Boy Named Sue was written by Shel Silverstein, who wrote many songs for Dr. Hook. This track appeared on the 1969 album Johnny Cash At San Quentin, a state prison in California.
The track did reach the top of the country charts and made it onto the Billboard Hot 100 list and was his only song to make it there.
Ain't No Grave is a poignant and spiritually charged song with a unique history. Originally penned by 12-year-old Claude Ely, who was battling tuberculosis in 1934, the song took on new life when Johnny Cash recorded his version in 2003, shortly before his passing.
The track, featured on Cash's album "American IV," carries a profound sense of mortality and transcendence, reflecting Cash's deep connection to spiritual themes in his later works. Remarkably, the release of Cash's rendition occurred posthumously, adding an additional layer of significance to the song.
Cash's weathered yet powerful vocals lend a sense of authenticity to the lyrics, creating a stirring atmosphere that resonates with themes of resilience and hope in the face of mortality. "Ain't No Grave" stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Johnny Cash's music, serving as a poignant reflection on life, death, and the enduring spirit.
Ballad Of A Teenage Queen is a catchy and heartwarming song by Johnny Cash, released as a single in 1958 from the album "Sings the Songs That Made Him Famous." The song, just a little over 2 minutes long, swiftly climbed to the top spot on the US country charts, showcasing Johnny Cash's widespread appeal.
The lyrics tell the charming tale of a small-town girl who becomes a teenage queen, capturing the dreams and aspirations of youth in a nostalgic and melodic way. Cash's smooth vocals and the lively rhythm of the song contributed to its success, making it a memorable addition to his extensive catalog.
"Ballad of a Teenage Queen" reflects Cash's ability to tell compelling stories through his music and remains a classic in the country music genre.
Big River was also released as a single from the 1958 album Johnny Cash Sings The Songs That Made Him Famous.
This track peaked at #4 on the country charts. There was a verse omitted from the original recording but there are some versions out there with the missing verse included.
Artists who have covered this song over the years include, Ian Tyson, Hank Williams Jr and The Grateful Dead to name a few.
Cocaine Blues is a compelling song by Johnny Cash, first released as the B-side to the 1979 single "I'll Say It's True." While the single reached a respectable position at #42 on the charts, it's the vivid storytelling and energetic performance of "Cocaine Blues" that captures listeners' attention.
The song can also be found on Cash's album "Silver," showcasing his versatility in blending country, folk, and rock influences. "Cocaine Blues" tells the tale of a man who finds himself in a difficult situation after a night of indulgence, providing a gritty narrative that reflects Cash's ability to tackle darker themes in his music.
With its rhythmic guitar and Cash's distinctive voice, "Cocaine Blues" stands as a testament to Cash's storytelling prowess and his impact on the country music landscape.
Cry Cry Cry was a single from the Johnny Cash debut album from 1955. The song peaked at #14 on the US Country charts. This song came from the album Johnny Cash And His Red Hot Blue Guitar and was one of the first albums ever issued on Sam Phillips' Sun Records label.
Delia's Gone is a haunting and somber song covered by Johnny Cash in 1994 for his album "American Recordings." The song tells a tragic story, as it was inspired by the real-life murder of a 14-year-old girl named Delia Green.
Cash's rendition of the song brings a raw and emotional depth to the narrative, capturing the darkness and intensity of the tale. While "Delia's Gone" didn't achieve chart success, its power lies in Cash's ability to convey the emotional weight of the story through his evocative vocals and minimalistic instrumentation.
The song is part of Cash's "American Recordings" series, which marked a period of creative resurgence for the artist. "Delia's Gone" stands as a testament to Cash's storytelling prowess and his ability to breathe life into poignant and often tragic narratives through his music.
Flesh And Blood is a standout single from Johnny Cash's 1970 album "I Walk the Line." This evocative song reached an impressive #1 on the charts in both Canada and the United States, attesting to its widespread popularity.
The track showcases Cash's signature deep voice and heartfelt delivery, adding a personal touch to the lyrics. "Flesh and Blood" delves into themes of love and connection, exploring the depth of human relationships.
The song's success can be attributed to Cash's ability to infuse emotion into his performances, making it resonate with audiences. Its inclusion in the "I Walk the Line" album further solidifies its place in Cash's extensive catalog as a chart-topping and emotionally resonant composition.
"Flesh and Blood" remains a testament to Johnny Cash's enduring influence and his ability to create music that speaks to the human experience.
Get Rhythm was originally released as the B-side to the single to I Walk The Line back in 1956 and was not a track on the original album Johnny Cash And His Red Hot Blue Guitar album but was added later as a bonus track when the album was re-released.
Ghost Riders In The Sky is a cowboy song written back in 1948 by a man named Stan Jones. Johnny Cash recorded the song for his 1979 album Silver.
The song peaked at #2 on the country charts for Johnny Cash.
Others who recorded the song were The Blue Brothers, Bing Crosby and Burl Ives to name a few.
Goodbye Little Darlin is a heartfelt song by Johnny Cash featured on his 1959 album "Greatest." With its timeless melody and emotional lyrics, the song reached a commendable position at #22 on the US Country Charts.
Cash's distinct voice brings out the emotional depth of the farewell narrative, creating a poignant atmosphere that resonates with listeners. The simplicity of the arrangement allows the emotions to take center stage, showcasing Cash's ability to connect with his audience on a personal level.
"Goodbye Little Darlin" is a classic example of Cash's country music storytelling, where he weaves a tale of farewell and longing with sincerity and musical grace. The song remains a memorable entry in Johnny Cash's extensive repertoire, capturing the essence of love and departure in the landscape of country music.
Guess Things Just Happen That Way is a song from Johnny Cash's 1958 album titled "Johnny Cash Sings The Songs That Made Him Famous." Jack Clement wrote this track, which became Cash's fourth song to reach number one on the country charts, holding that position for eight weeks.
The song tells the story of a man who is going through a tough time after losing the love of his life. It explores the feelings of struggle and loneliness after such a significant loss. Interestingly, when the song was released in 1958, the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) banned it because the person in charge of religious broadcasting objected to certain lines. The lines in question were, "God gave me that girl to lean on, / Then he put me on my own. / Heaven help me be a man / And have the strength to stand alone."
Hey Porter marks the inaugural recording by Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two. Collaborating with bandmates Luther Perkins and Marshall Grant, Cash penned the song after their initial audition with "I Was There When It Happened" was rejected by Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Records. Phillips, known for his keen ear, expressed a preference for an up-tempo track reminiscent of Elvis Presley's "That's All Right," steering away from a gospel sound.
Drawing inspiration from his time stationed in Landsberg, Germany, during his service in the United States Air Force, Cash crafted a narrative centered around a jubilant protagonist returning home to the South after being stationed overseas. "Hey Porter" became the pioneer in a series of railroad-themed songs that would characterize Cash's illustrious career. Following closely was the release of "Folsom Prison Blues," another composition echoing the rhythmic resonance of train tracks.
Hey Porter was recorded in 1954 and wasn't released until 1955. This track also was not on the original debut album from Johnny Cash in 1955 but was added later as a bonus track when the album was re-released.
Home Of The Blues is also is a song from Johnny Cash's 1958 album titled "Johnny Cash Sings The Songs That Made Him Famous. It was co-written by Johnny Cash, along with Lillie McAlpin and Glenn Douglas Tubb, and produced by Jack Clement.
Johnny recorded the song in Memphis, Tennessee, on July 1, 1957, and it became a single in August of the same year reach #3 on the charts
Other artists have also recorded their versions of the song. Dwight Yoakam did a cover in 1988, Laughing Hyenas in 1995, and Owl City in early 2012. Additionally, Joaquin Phoenix recorded the song for the 2005 film "Walk the Line."
Home Of The Blues soon
Hurt is a song from Nine Inch Nails and was recorded by Johnny for his last album in 2002 entitled American IV:The Man Comes Around.
The song reached #56 on the charts. The video is a very moving piece of work.
I Walk The Line is a classic hit by Johnny Cash that achieved remarkable success, reaching the coveted #1 spot on the country charts in 1956 and making its mark at #17 on the Pop charts. This early triumph not only catapulted Cash to stardom but also became one of his signature songs.
Featured on his debut album "With His Hot And Blue Guitar," the song's simple yet powerful melody and Cash's distinctive voice made it an instant favorite. Known for its unique blend of country and rockabilly influences, "I Walk the Line" carries a timeless quality that has resonated with audiences for decades.
The lyrics, expressing loyalty and commitment, reflect Cash's personal life at the time and contribute to the song's enduring appeal. As one of Johnny Cash's early masterpieces, "I Walk the Line" stands as a testament to his influence on the landscape of both country and popular music.
I Won't Back Down was written by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne and was released by Petty in 1989 reaching #12.
Cash included the track on his American III, Solitary Man album released in 2000. Johnny never released this as a single.
I Would Like To See You Again is a track from the album of the same name which was released back in 1978 and was Johnny's 57th album.
The song did manage to reach #12 and another song on that album called There Ain't No Good Chain Gang (with Waylon Jennings) hit #2.
If I Were A Carpenter was recorded with June Carter Cash in 1970 for Johnny's album "Hello I'm Johnny Cash".
The song peaked at #2.
In The Jailhouse Now is a lively and memorable song recorded by Johnny Cash, released as a single in 1962. The track, showcasing Cash's distinct blend of country and folk influences, achieved success by reaching the impressive position of #8 on the US Country charts.
This spirited song is known for its energetic tempo and playful lyrics, telling the humorous story of a person who finds themselves in and out of trouble, ending up in the jailhouse. The song is part of Cash's album "The Sound of Johnny Cash," which features a mix of traditional tunes and original compositions.
With its catchy melody and Cash's charismatic delivery, "In the Jailhouse Now" has become a standout in Cash's extensive catalog, highlighting his ability to infuse storytelling with a sense of humor and musical flair.
It Ain't Me Babe is a remarkable duet recorded by Johnny Cash and June Carter in 1964. This compelling song, which reached an impressive #4 on the country charts, showcases the chemistry between Cash and Carter, both musically and romantically.
The track is featured on the album "Orange Blossom Special," adding a touch of folk and country charm to the collection. The lyrics portray a conversation between two individuals, with one expressing an inability to fulfill certain expectations. The dynamic vocal interplay between Cash and Carter, along with the simple yet effective arrangement, contributes to the song's enduring appeal.
"It Ain't Me Babe" not only became a chart success but also marked an early collaboration between Cash and Carter, foreshadowing their future musical and personal journey together. The song's enduring popularity reflects the timeless quality of their partnership and the emotional depth they brought to their duets.
I've Been Everywhere is a spirited and travel-infused song that found its way into Johnny Cash's repertoire when he included it on his 1996 album "Unchained." Originally written by Australian singer Lucky Starr in 1962, the song showcased a unique concept by listing numerous Australian place names in its lyrics.
However, it gained further popularity when the American version was crafted and first recorded by Hank Snow in the same year. The song became a musical journey across both Australia and the United States, featuring a rapid-fire recitation of various locations.
Despite not being released as a single, Johnny Cash's rendition on the "Unchained" album captured the essence of his wanderlust and love for storytelling through music. Cash's gravelly voice and the song's upbeat tempo make it a memorable addition to his later discography, celebrating the vastness of places he's been in his storied career.
Jackson is a distinguished vibrant and well-loved duet recorded by Johnny Cash and June Carter in 1967. This spirited song, featured on the album "Johnny Cash's Greatest Hits Vol 1," not only showcases the musical chemistry between Cash and Carter but also highlights their real-life romantic connection.
The song's catchy melody and playful lyrics narrate a lively conversation between a man and a woman named Jackson. Their banter reflects a mix of flirtation and playful teasing, creating a dynamic and entertaining narrative.
"Jackson" climbed to an impressive #2 on the US country charts, attesting to the popularity of the duet. The song became a signature piece for Cash and Carter, symbolizing their deep connection and shared musical journey. With its upbeat tempo and infectious energy, "Jackson" remains a classic example of the magic created when Cash and Carter harmonize together.
Long Black Veil is a classic song originally recorded by Lefty Frizzell in 1959, achieving notable success with a #6 hit. Johnny Cash, known for his adeptness at storytelling through music, later covered the song for his "Folsom Prison Blues" album.
Cash's rendition not only brought a renewed energy to the song but also showcased his ability to connect with diverse audiences, as demonstrated when he played it on his own television show in 1969.
The haunting tale within "Long Black Veil" narrates a tragic story of love, betrayal, and justice, making it a compelling addition to Cash's repertoire. The atmospheric quality of Cash's interpretation, coupled with the narrative depth of the lyrics, resonates with listeners, turning this song into a timeless piece in the landscape of country and folk music.
"Long Black Veil" stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through song, especially when delivered by an artist of Johnny Cash's caliber.
Luther Played The Boogie was a single from the Johnny Cash album of 1958 entitled "Greatest". The song was written by Johnny Cash about his guitarist at the time called Luther Perkins.
It charted at #8 on the country charts.
Ring Of Fire is an iconic song written by Johnny Cash's wife, June Carter, along with Merle Kilgore in 1963. This fiery composition became a sensational #1 hit for Johnny Cash, showcasing his distinct blend of country, rock, and mariachi influences.
The song's intense lyrics capture the passionate and tumultuous nature of love, symbolized by the metaphorical "ring of fire." Cash's raw vocals and the prominent mariachi trumpet in the arrangement contribute to the song's unforgettable sound. Featured on the album "Ring of Fire:
The Best of Johnny Cash," the track solidified its place in Cash's extensive catalog as one of his signature songs. Beyond its chart success, "Ring of Fire" remains an enduring classic, celebrated for its unique musicality and the emotional depth brought to life by Cash's evocative performance.
San Quentin stands as a powerful song written and performed by Johnny Cash during his legendary live show at the San Quentin State Prison in 1969. The song captures the raw energy and intensity of that performance, showcasing Cash's unique ability to connect with his audience, especially in the challenging setting of a prison.
While "San Quentin" became a standout track on the album titled "At San Quentin," it's noteworthy that, despite its popularity, the song was never released as a single. The lyrics reflect Cash's interactions with the inmates and the atmosphere of the prison, providing a gritty and authentic narrative.
The live recording not only resonated with the audience at San Quentin but also became a symbol of Cash's commitment to using his music to reach people in unconventional settings. "San Quentin" remains an iconic representation of Johnny Cash's live performances and his profound impact on both country music and prison reform advocacy.
Still In Town hails from the Johnny Cash album Old Golden Throat, which was released in 1969 and was a compilation album of Johnny Cash songs spanning 10 years prior from 1958.
This track was the B-side to the song The Matador, listed below, which reached #2 on the charts.
Sunday Morning Coming Down was written by Kris Kristofferson and was first recorded by Ray Stevens in 1969.
Johnny Cash performed the song on his television show and it became a track on his 1970 album The Johnny Cash Show. The song was also released as a single and hit #1 on the country charts and won a CMA award that year.
Tennessee Flat Top Box is a captivating song penned and recorded by the legendary American country music singer Johnny Cash. Released as a single in late 1961, the song achieved significant success, reaching the 11th position on the Billboard country singles charts and making a notable appearance at 84 on the pop charts.
The title of the song, "Tennessee Flat Top Box," is a nod to the steel-stringed acoustic guitar that plays a central role in the narrative. Cash's rich baritone voice, coupled with the catchy melody and rhythmic guitar strumming, adds a layer of authenticity to the storytelling.
The song's lyrics tell the tale of a young boy's
fascination with playing the guitar and the impact of music on his life.
"Tennessee Flat Top Box" remains a classic example of Cash's ability to
craft engaging narratives within his music, capturing the essence of
American folk and country storytelling with a timeless charm.
The Matador is a song from the Johnny Cash album Old Golden Throat, which was released in 1969 and was a compilation album of Johnny Cash songs spanning 10 years prior from 1958.
This number was written by Johnny and his wife June Carter Cash and reached #2 on the country charts.
Understand Your Man is from the 1964 album "I Walk The Line" and was the first single from that album.
The song hit #1 on the country charts.
Wanted Man is a notable song with a unique history, written by Bob Dylan for his friend Johnny Cash. The song was first recorded during Cash's iconic live performance at San Quentin in 1969, which was later released as the live album "At San Quentin."
Although "Wanted Man" wasn't initially released as a single, it gained recognition for its collaboration between two music legends. Years later, in 1991, Johnny Cash included the song in his album "The Mystery of Life," but unfortunately, the single release did not chart.
The track, marked by Cash's distinctive voice and Dylan's songwriting prowess, carries a sense of storytelling that is characteristic of both artists. "Wanted Man" serves as a testament to the enduring friendship and creative exchange between Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, two influential figures in the world of music. While the song may not have achieved chart success, its significance lies in the collaboration of these iconic musicians and the unique narrative it brings to Cash's discography.
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