Top Ten Songs by Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash is one of country music’s biggest stars. He faced a turbulant beginning with a rocky family life, and being addicted to drugs and alcohol. The death of his brother Jack was a major event in his life, which happened when he was a young boy. Johnny’s father blamed him for the accident and even implied that he wished that Johnny had been the one that died. He is the father of country music artist Rosanne Cash. Johnny married June Carter. June is one major reason that Johnny broke his addiction to drugs and alcohol. She loved him and helped him straighten out his life. She died about six months before Johnny’s passing in September, 2003. The 2005 movie “Walk The Line” told moviegoers the story of Johnny’s life. Reese Witherspoon won an Academy Award for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in the film.

1. I Walk The Line. This is at the top of the list because it’s a realistic
love song. It shows that this man loves a woman so much that he’s doing
right basically for her and she’s what keeping him walking the straight
line.

2. Folsom Prison Blues. The signature song for Johnny Cash. Johnny Cash
played prisons such as San Quintin. The prisoner really responded well to
songs like this one, and so did all of his non-imprisoned fans.

3. Hurt. The final song recorded by Johnny Cash. His voice was raw and
emotions were high. The song was actually written by Trent Reznor of Nine
Inch Nails, but it suits the tradional country voice of Johnny Cash
perfectly.

4. Ring of Fire. This song was written by June Carter during her turbulant
relationship with Johnny Cash, describing her feeling for Johnny, despite
his addiction to drugs and alcohol.

5. Jackson w/ June Carter Cash. This song was a hit for Johnny and June
Carter Cash. It’s their exchange and their interaction with one another that
makes this song memorable. I’d say it’s one of the top ten of all times.

6. Sunday Mornin’ Coming Down. Another incredible song by Johnny Cash. He’s
got one of those voices that are so raw and gritty that it can actually
match the emotion in a song like this.

7. A Boy Named Sue. Originally a poem by Shel Silverstein, Johnny Cash made
a song out of it. It’s not one of his most profound hits, but it certainly
is one of most recognizable. Beneath all the humor, there is a message to the song, which tells the story of a son who hates his father for naming his Sue. As it turned out, his father made that move because he knew he wasn’t going to be there to raise him. With a name like Sue, he knew the son would either get tough or get killed.

8. One Piece At A Time. A funny song about getting around paying the high
price of an automobile. Johnny Cash is one of the few people who could have
pulled this song off without sounding extremely cheesy. The song’s catchy chorus greatly adds to the appeal of this song. What Johnny is describing in the songs is improbable, but it makes for a good song and it is very humorous. With the state of today’s economy, it fits as well today as it did when it was first written.

9. Get Rhythm. It’s another one of Johnny Cash’s early songs. The vocal
performance make this song memorable.

10. The Man In Black. Johnny Cash was always called the Man in Black. This
song incorporates that nickname, as well as serves a social commentary.