A treasure trove of never-before-heard music from the legendary Johnny Cash is set to make its way to eager fans this summer, almost two decades after the iconic artist passed away in 2003. The forthcoming album, titled “Songwriter,” will be released on June 28 and contains 11 unreleased tracks that Cash wrote and recorded in 1993. The highly-anticipated record, produced by the singer’s son, John Carter Cash, and co-produced by David “Fergie” Ferguson, provides an intimate insight into Cash’s potent songwriting and unique American voice.
The existence of these tracks remained unknown due in part to Cash shelving them to focus on his partnership with producer Rick Rubin, according to the Tennessean. However, Carter Cash and Ferguson have taken the unreleased songs and stripped them “back to just Johnny’s powerful, pristine vocals, and acoustic guitar,” Southern Living reported. “I wanted it to be songs that mostly people hadn’t heard and that paid close attention to who he was as a songwriter and who he was as an American voice,” Carter Cash stated in an interview. He elaborated further on the importance of showcasing his father’s prowess as a songwriter and shining a light on that distinct aspect of his musical identity.
With an unparalleled air of authenticity and raw emotion, this album serves not only as an enduring testament to Johnny Cash’s everlasting impact on the music world, but also as a personal reminder of the man he was to those who knew him best. “I’m grateful that this record is here, even if it was only for me, because it reminds me of who my father was,” said an emotional Carter Cash.
Fergie, the album’s co-producer, echoed similar sentiments, also highlighting the unique opportunity to create a record that they believe truly captures the essence of Cash’s musical spirit. The album, released by Mercury Nashville and UMe, lends a special focus on the themes of sorrow, spirituality, and redemption that permeated Cash’s life and music. The upbeat track “Well Alright” has already given fans a glimpse into the treasure trove of hidden gems that awaits eager listeners.
Notably, the new Johnny Cash album will also feature a star-studded lineup of other artists, including the late Waylon Jennings, country music legend Vince Gill, revered guitarist Marty Stuart, and The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, further cementing the album’s status as a must-listen experience for Cash fans and music lovers alike.
In conclusion, “Songwriter” presents a remarkable opportunity for fans to rediscover the unparalleled artistry of Johnny Cash through unreleased tracks that showcase the depth of his songwriting prowess. As this unexpected gift of music from the Man in Black emerges nearly two decades after his passing, listeners old and new will undoubtedly be captivated by the timeless voice and raw emotion that continue to resonate in the hearts of many. With this posthumous release, the enduring legacy of Johnny Cash continues to burn brightly, reminding the world of the indelible mark he has left on the landscape of American history and music.
