Even though country music may not have
been your bag, you may make an exception in the
case of Johnny Cash. There is something about
the way that he used his voice to convey emotion
and meaning in the lyrics that makes his work
wonderful to hear. And he didn't start out in
country at all.
My interest in Johnny Cash music is new, no
prior history at all. I haven’t listened to
his work since I was a kid, or had any other
attachment thus far, and I have to admit that I
really didn’t associate him with country
music at all. There is something unique about
his voice and style that seems to transcend
categories. I can’t place him in any
particular “type” of music. This may
be the great appeal that Johnny Cash music has
for me.
Once he sang a song, he owned it. No other
artist could reproduce his style and sound and
covers of Johnny Cash music makes for great
tributes but they never seem to match his
original efforts. Many have shown appreciation
for his technique but none have been able to
duplicate it.
I mostly listened to Johnny Cash merely for
exploration of taste, never having heard his
songs before. Of course, I loved the songs and
his unique voice but I really didn’t
connect with his work until relatively recently.
The album The Man Comes Around appeals to
an entirely different generation.
The first track I heard from The Man Comes
Around was his cover of Personal Jesus by
Depeche Mode. I immediately recognized his
signature voice but I had to double-check my
hearing. This wasn’t the typical Johnny
Cash music that I was just getting used to and
learning to recognize.
The next track that I heard from the amazing
album was a cover of Hurt originally sung by
Trent Reznor. This cover prompted me to listen
to The Man Comes Around. The chilling
piece is also accompanied by an astounding
award-winning video that is beyond words. I love
the album and I think that it is the perfect
addition to my so very diverse and growing
collection.
Johnny Cash music is like no other. This
artist has touched more than one generation with
his delivery and style. He has also managed to
transform songs, giving them a whole new meaning
just through the way he sings. The loss of this
musician has had great impact on people who love
music.
It is so very rare that one artist can appeal
to such a diverse audience. And that is exactly
the kind of thing I love about an artist and
their work. If you haven’t heard him
before, he’s well worth a listen, or even
watching the movie “Walk the line”,
that’s great too.
