Greetings, rockers, and happy Friday! Before we break off for our weekend shenanigans, we've got two more entries to get through first. So, let's keep this rock bus rockin', because next in at #n32, is the outstanding At Folsom Prison, by the late, great Johnny Cash.
Johnny Cash began performing in prisons in the late '50s, but it was this 1968 live album that helped resuscitate the Man in Black's career. At this point, Cash's popularity was in steep decline, thanks in no small part to his battles with drugs and alcohol. A fascination with this California correctional facility traced back to his 1955 hit "Folsom Prison Blues." The song's success led many inmates all over the country to write Cash, hoping for a performance.
After years of wrestling with the idea of a concert at Folsom, the record label gave the green light and Cash performed twice on Jan. 13, 1968. The ensuing album was released four months later and earned rave reviews. The live version of "Folsom Prison Blues" also became a Top 40 hit. Even now, At Folsom Prison is still considered to be one of the greatest and most significant live albums ever recorded.
My dad often listens to Johnny Cash, and I can definitely see the appeal. No list of best live albums would be complete without this iconic country rocker making an appearance, so it's great to see Cash's most famous album make our top 50. It certainly got my vote!
Right, that's me over and out, for now. Tornado T will be closing out the week a little later with a real classic, so stay tuned!
Best Ever Albums score: 82/100.
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