Johnny Cash Sings the Ballads of the True West cover

Johnny Cash Sings the Ballads of the True West

Johnny Cash · 1965

68 min · 22 tracks · blues · rock & roll · traditional folk music

A tapestry of Western folklore woven through Cash's resonant baritone and traditional instrumentation.

Why listen to this

Best for
narrative-driven storytelling experience wave-like pacing with peaks evocative tales of the west
Context
In 1965, Johnny Cash was firmly established as a leading figure in country music, following the success of his 1964 album 'Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian.' 'Johnny Cash Sings the Ballads of the True West' continued his exploration of American narratives and folklore, showcasing his ability to blend storytelling with music. This album came during a prolific period for Cash, as he sought to redefine country music by embracing themes of Americana.
If you like
blues, rock & roll, traditional folk music

Johnny Cash Sings the Ballads of the True West is an album by Johnny Cash, released in 1965. A tapestry of Western folklore woven through Cash's resonant baritone and traditional instrumentation. This album is significant for its ambitious approach to American folklore, capturing the essence of the Western experience through ballads. It received critical acclaim upon release and has influenced countless artists seeking to explore narrative-driven songwriting within country and folk genres. The historical context and thematic depth also contributed to its enduring status in Cash's discography. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Johnny Cash Sings the Ballads of the True West sound like?

A tapestry of Western folklore woven through Cash's resonant baritone and traditional instrumentation. Rooted in blues and rock & roll.

What makes Johnny Cash Sings the Ballads of the True West by Johnny Cash notable?

This album is significant for its ambitious approach to American folklore, capturing the essence of the Western experience through ballads. It received critical acclaim upon release and has influenced countless artists seeking to explore narrative-driven songwriting within country and folk genres. The historical context and thematic depth also contributed to its enduring status in Cash's discography. In 1965, Johnny Cash was firmly established as a leading figure in country music, following the success of his 1964 album 'Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian.' 'Johnny Cash Sings the Ballads of the True West' continued his exploration of American narratives and folklore, showcasing his ability to blend storytelling with music. This album came during a prolific period for Cash, as he sought to redefine country music by embracing themes of Americana.

Who is Johnny Cash Sings the Ballads of the True West for?

Johnny Cash Sings the Ballads of the True West works well if you're into narrative-driven storytelling experience, wave-like pacing with peaks and evocative tales of the west.

How many songs are on Johnny Cash Sings the Ballads of the True West?

Johnny Cash Sings the Ballads of the True West has 22 tracks, running approximately 68 minutes.

Tracklist

22 tracks·68:25

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Hiawatha’s Vision 2:25
  • 2 The Road to Kaintuck 2:43
  • 3 The Shifting, Whispering Sands Part I 2:54
  • 4 The Ballad of Boot Hill Standout 3:48
  • 5 I Ride an Old Paint 2:58
  • 6 Hardin Wouldn’t Run 4:19
  • 7 Mister Garfield 4:35
  • 8 The Streets of Laredo Standout 3:39
  • 9 Johnny Reb Standout 2:50
  • 10 A Letter From Home 2:35
  • 11 Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie 2:26
  • 12 Mean as Hell 3:07
  • 13 Sam Hall 3:15
  • 14 25 Minutes to Go 3:14
  • 15 The Blizzard 3:53
  • 16 Sweet Betsy From Pike 3:57
  • 17 Green Grow the Lilacs 2:47
  • 18 Stampede 4:01
  • 19 The Shifting, Whispering Sands Part II 2:28
  • 20 Reflections 2:48
  • 21 Rodeo Hand 2:27
  • 22 Stampede (alternate instrumental) 1:07

Release Date

January 1, 1965

Genre

blues, traditional folk music

More albums in blues

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

68 min 25 sec