Junk Box Jury

Taken from the LP ‘I Forgot To Remember To Forget’ | (Hallmark Records SHM 884) 1975

Johnny Cash | “Luther Played The Boogie” | (Hallmark Records) | Superstar. The word might have been invented for Johnny Cash. He was the first artist to break the barrier between country and pop with a string of unforgettable hits between 1956 and today.

This album features Johnny on titles which are making their first appearance on a budget album. The programme opens with ‘Hey, Good Looking’, written by the immortal Hank Williams.

We mostly remember Hank Williams, however, for his slow heartfelt country ballads and we have also included Johnny’s out-standing version of ‘I Heard That Lonesome Whistle Blow’, which dates from his second recording session.

‘Train of Love’ highlights the powerful sound which Johnny developed with his backing group, The Tennessee Two. The lead guitar was played by Luther Perkins and the bass is played by Marshall Grant, who is still with Johnny after twenty years.

Johnny Cash | “Luther Played The Boogie” | (Hallmark Records)

Luther unfortunately died in a fire a few years ago although he is immortalised in Johnny’s composition, ‘Luther Played The Boogie’, which features Luther’s distinctive guitar style to good advantage.

‘I Forgot To Remember To Forget’ was originally recorded by Elvis Presley at about the same time as Johnny was making his first audition. Johnny recorded his own distinctive version a few years later and took the song into the Charts again. The piano, incidentally, is played by a youthful Charlie Rich.

Most listeners will also find Johnny’s version of ‘I Love You Because’ to be of particular interest. Elvis featured the song on his first album although it is chiefly remembered as the greatest hit of the late Jim Reeves.

Johnny is certainly not outclassed and his soulful voice lends a new dimension to the song.

It is hard to pinpoint Johnny Cash’s appeal. You will find all age groups represented at one of his concerts. They all respect his artistic and personal integrity and find something different in that deep soulful voice. Whatever you see in Johnny Cash you will be sure to find it on this album. Johnny has never sounded better. (Colin Escott).

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cost of record: £1
from: St Benedicts Hospice