At Folsom Prison cover

At Folsom Prison

Johnny Cash · 1968

55 min · 19 tracks · blues · rock & roll · traditional folk music

A raw and powerful live recording that captures the spirit of rebellion and redemption within prison walls.

Why this album works

'At Folsom Prison' is celebrated for its groundbreaking approach to live recordings and its cultural commentary on incarceration. The album reached No. 1 on the Country charts and has since influenced countless artists in both country music and beyond, contributing to discussions about social justice and the penal system.
Best for
live energy from prison audience wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts cathartic storytelling of hardship
Context
By the time 'At Folsom Prison' was released in May 1968, Johnny Cash was experiencing a significant resurgence in his career after years of fluctuating popularity. This album followed his commercial peak in the early 1960s and marked a pivotal moment as he embraced the outlaw country movement, solidifying his image as a voice for the downtrodden.
Stylistic neighbors
Elvis Presley· Waylon Jennings· Willie Nelson

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Folsom Prison Blues Standout 2:42
  • 2 Busted 1:25
  • 3 Dark as the Dungeon 3:05
  • 4 I Still Miss Someone 1:38
  • 5 Cocaine Blues 3:01
  • 6 25 Minutes to Go 3:31
  • 7 Orange Blossom Special 3:01
  • 8 The Long Black Veil 3:58
  • 9 Send a Picture of Mother 2:11
  • 10 The Wall 1:37
  • 11 Dirty Old Egg‐Suckin’ Dog 1:30
  • 12 Flushed From the Bathroom of Your Heart 2:17
  • 13 Joe Bean 2:25
  • 14 Jackson Standout 3:12
  • 15 Give My Love to Rose 2:41
  • 16 I Got Stripes 1:57
  • 17 The Legend of John Henry’s Hammer 7:08
  • 18 Green, Green Grass of Home 2:30
  • 19 Greystone Chapel Standout 6:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata