America: A 200-Year Salute in Story and Song cover

America: A 200-Year Salute in Story and Song

Johnny Cash · 1972

32 min · 21 tracks · blues · rock & roll · traditional folk music

A heartfelt musical journey that intertwines historical narratives with Cash's signature storytelling style.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short storytelling snippets
  • historical narratives in song
  • engaging journey through history
  • ideal for casual listening

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking lengthy immersive experiences
  • prefer upbeat dance tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Blends music and spoken word, differing from Cash's traditional style.
Themes
historical Americana· presidential reflection
Career context
Released in early 1972, 'America: A 200-Year Salute in Story and Song' came during a prolific period for Johnny Cash, following his commercial resurgence with the acclaimed 'At Folsom Prison' (1968). This album showcased his commitment to American themes and storytelling, reflecting his evolving role as a cultural commentator and folk historian.
Stylistic neighbors
Willie Nelson· Merle Haggard· Waylon Jennings
If this clicks, go next to
Sunday Morning Coming Down — Continues the narrative style with deeper personal reflections and storytelling.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Dust Bowl Ballads by Woody Guthrie — Shares narratives of American history and social struggle through folk storytelling.
The Ghost of Tom Joad by Bruce Springsteen — Explores themes of American identity and hardship with poignant storytelling.
Sweet Revenge by John Prine — Blends humor and heart in storytelling that reflects everyday American life and struggles.

Tracklist

New here? Start with "Paul Revere".

  • 1 Opening Dialogue 0:07
  • 2 Paul Revere Start here 2:33
  • 3 Begin West Movement 0:28
  • 4 The Road to Kaintuck 1:23
  • 5 To the Shining Mountains 0:51
  • 6 The Battle of New Orleans 2:21
  • 7 Southwestward 0:38
  • 8 Remember the Alamo 2:29
  • 9 Opening the West 0:34
  • 10 Lorena 2:16
  • 11 The Gettysburg Address 2:15
  • 12 The West 1:24
  • 13 Big Foot 2:36
  • 14 Like a Young Colt 0:39
  • 15 Mister Garfield 3:54
  • 16 A Proud Land 0:24
  • 17 The Big Battle 3:05
  • 18 On Wheels and Wings 0:56
  • 19 Come Take a Trip in My Airship 0:39
  • 20 Reaching for the Stars 0:42
  • 21 These Are My People 2:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata