J Cash Lives: 2016

American Lives Matter

Click the image above and listen closely to the lyrics.

Johnny Cash speaks to today's election and our flag...

This is certainly timeless and remains topical as time marches on. God not only bless America, but God save America. Here's Johnny.

Don't worry about me; go to work.

"I just try to be myself, in whatever I do". Johnny Cash in his "last" interview. His life still lives on here at J Cash Lives and elsewhere.

What would it be like growing up with Johnny Cash? Interview with childhood friend.

J.E. Huff shares his times with his friend "Mr. Cash".

Was Johnny Cash in a TV Commercial?

Yes, here is one from the 70s:

Best "How to Learn: I've Been Everywhere" video on the net.

If you want to learn the words to this awesome song you can find them literally anywhere; maybe even on a Sunday Mornin' Sidewalk somewhere! And, unfortunately there are many people doing a bad (or at least poor) job trying to play this because they "can't keep time" and start off slow and speed up so fast that they have trouble keeping up with their strumming that it becomes a train wreck.

But here's a guy who does it right! And it is so refreshing to see it played at an even speed. What I enjoy is the runs and chords he uses and I will copy them to use them when I play it in my J Cash Lives Tribute Shows because it's just me; guitar, voice and amp. I need to play both the "Luther Perkins' part" and the strummin' part (pretty much) at the same time.

So thank you, thank you and thank you for putting out such a great video for those who want to play it right!

Here's the video:

Here's why you don't have to play it at break neck speed as the originator(Hank Snow) of the song does it here. Note that it keeps a steady beat (it doesn't speed up). Also, in this version he starts in one key and modulates several times.

It's good but I love Johnny's version.

I'm Movin' On with Hank Snow, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings

When I'm not doing my Johnny Cash tribute shows I also do a Country Gold Classics show. One of the songs I perform is Hank Snow's I'm Movin' On. I found a real treat for you if you've not seen this yet.

The first is Johnny introducing Hank Snow and the next is he and Waylon doing their rendition; enjoy!

Please leave your comments below!

Memorial Day and Johnny Cash

That Ragged Old Flag by Johnny Cash; a Memorial Day Reminder

A rare public appearance by Johnny Cash singing Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind".

Good day all!

Recently I performed my first almost hour long Johnny Cash tribute and it went pretty well; lots of work. It's just me with my electric Martin D-16 (T) amplified and Johnny's Top 13 #1 hits. I play both Johnny's and Luther's part (enough to make it sound as genuine as I can).

I just placed a notice on Facebook and got a few "likes".

Here's my Tribute Song to Johnny that Wes is speaking of in the post above:

I'm always finding more songs that Johnny sang. Here's one written by our hometown boy from Duluth (and Hibbing) Minnesota, Mr. Bob Dylan.

Hope all is well with all!

Ter Scott!
(and J Cash Lives!)

I Walk the Line; Learn Bass line, Lyrics and Chords in all 3 keys!

I did some hunting on the web so I could do this right when I play it in my "J Cash Lives" Tribute shows (it's just me and my guitar so I "play" both parts; Luther's and Johnny's).

I've included 2 videos that helped me; Johnny Cash playing using a slip of paper for a snare drum effect (which you can do; and if playing both bass and chords, just place paper around/under 3 of the smallest strings: g, b, and e). The next is what I think is the best "how to" video I've found on the web to learn the bass line part, by Center Stage Guitar Academy.

Marty's great intro to Johnny and Johnny playing with paper in the strings:

Here's the best instruction I've found to learn the bass line:

My suggestion is to watch both videos and learn this bass line real well.

Next I went through the work to get the lyrics with the "right" chords for each verse; something I've not seen ANYWHERE on the web. My suggestion here is to copy and paste them from my page here and put into a word type document so you can play this in the right (modulating) keys! (You're welcome).

A final note: to play along with Johnny, he "fingers" everything as if playing in E but he capos the first fret so he sings in F.

Enjoy!

I Walk the Line
written and recorded by Johnny Cash

E (F with Capo on 1^st)

BASS INTRO

E        B7                           E

I keep a close watch on this heart of mine

          B7                     E

I keep my eyes wide open all the time

           A                         E

I keep the ends out for the tie that binds

               B7              E

Because you're mine I walk the line



RUN UP TO A

A          E7                   A

I find it very very easy to be true

       E7                            A

I find myself alone when each day is through

         D                    A

Yes I'll admit I'm a fool for you

               E7              A

Because you're mine I walk the line



RUN UP TO D

D           A7                       D

As sure as night is dark and day is light

           A7                      D

I keep you on my mind both day and night

         G                                D

And happiness I've known proves that it's right

               A7              D

Because you're mine I walk the line


RUN DOWN TO A

A             E7                     A

You've got a way to keep me on your side

            E7                          A

You give me cause for love that I can't hide

          D                             A

For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide

               E7              A

Because you're mine I walk the line

RUN DOWN TO E

E        B7                           E

I keep a close watch on this heart of mine

          B7                     E

I keep my eyes wide open all the time

           A                         E

I keep the ends out for the tie that binds

               B7              E

Because you're mine I walk the line

The Greatest: The Number Ones Greatest Hits & Favorites AT FOLSOM PRISON

Well, you ask me if I'll forget my baby; maybe but we'll never forget Johnny Cash

This is one of my favorite Johnny Cash songs from his Sun Records days way back in 1958. It's been the favorite of many others as well.

Here Mr. George Possley does nicely on his Martin guitar singing Johnny's, "Guess Things Happen That Way".

Greatest Hits & Favorites 16 Biggest Hits [Vinyl] The Complete Columbia Album Collection

How Much is Merle Haggard's Success owed to Johnny Cash?

Merle Haggard was one very talented guy but destiny could have been much different if not for Johnny Cash showing up and giving concerts at Quentin Prison. Here's how one article states it: READ MORE.

As tributes to the late Merle Haggard continue to roll in, one anecdote keeps coming up: That time Haggard was an inmate at San Quentin and saw Johnny Cash perform one of his famous prison concerts.

Haggard devotees often point to that as a turning point for the hard-living country music star. Haggard’s teenage years were a blur of petty crime, vagabond travel and juvenile detention; arrested for robbery in 1957, he was doing hard-time and yes, really did turn 21 in prison — but he had serious music skills, and seeing Cash on stage inspired him to get his life on track.

Johnny Cash shirt for Tribute Artists

I was looking for a couple of options for doing my Johnny Cash Tribute shows, and to offer them to readers here at J Cash Lives. This first one is good, maybe a bit "too" much with the decorations, but I like it and it is "showy" so your audiences will like it.

CLICK THE LINK to check pricing and availability:
Mens Cotton Blend Retro Leaf Embroidery Western Shirt-Black-Large

I really like this one; it's a bit cheaper in price; all black with pearl snap buttons:

CLICK THE LINK to check pricing and availability:

Gioberti Mens Casual Western Solid Long Sleeve Shirt With Pearl Snaps, Black, X Large

This is one of my favorites; because Johnny liked "eagles" in his shirts and decorations:

CLICK THE LINK to check pricing and availability:
Thelees (UNLS15) Luxury Casual Slim Fit Stud Eagle Decoration Soft Cotton Shirt BLACK US M(Tag size XL)

And I couldn't resist adding a couple of these Johnny Cash themed shirts for us all to casually promote the legacy of the "Man in Black":

CLICK THE LINK to check pricing and availability:
Johnny Cash Nashville Poster Adult T-shirt L

Let me know in the comments which one(s) you like and would like to see a Johnny Cash Tribute artist wear; or if you have any other favorites or ideas.

What was Johnny Cash's Favorite Guitar?

Perhaps Johnny Cash’s most favorite Martin guitar (and he played many) was a specially made D-35, his – and Martin’s – first guitar with a polished black finish. Perfect for "the man in black," Cash played this guitar on stage for nearly 20 years.

Martin D-35 Johnny Cash Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar (SN:1942626)

To check current pricing and availability, CLICK HERE.

Check out the Blonde Version; also very nice:

To check current pricing and availability, CLICK HERE.

For my Johnny Cash Tribute shows, I use a 1994 Martin D-16 T, which I like. I don't think Martin makes it anymore; it's an electric acoustic.

Let me know in the comments below any information you have about Johnny's other guitars.