VQR on Cash.
All Things Considered had a story this evening about Gene Beley, a reporter for the Ventura Star Free Press who accompanied Johnny Cash to Folsom Prison for his famous performance there. Beley recorded Cash’s first attempt at “Greystone Chapel” the night previous, in Cash’s hotel room. Beley also recorded the concert from his seat in the audience, which makes for an interesting alternate recording.
Beley’s article on the topic, “Folsom Prison Blues,” appeared in the Winter 2005 issue of Virginia Quarterly Review (my employer). My favorite bit:
“Do you ever work on a stool?” [A&R man Bob] Johnston asked Cash.“Yes, that’s what I plan to do,” Cash said.
“Are you going to have someone introduce you?”
“I thought I’d come out and introduce myself and sing.”
“Great!” exclaimed Johnston. “Come out and say, ‘I’m Johnny Cash!’ They’ll go wild!”
Learning about Glen Sherley and how “Greystone Chapel” made it onto the set list was particularly great.
I’m headed out now to see “Walk the Line.” I have high hopes.
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