The Last Gunfighter Ballad cover

The Last Gunfighter Ballad

Johnny Cash · 1977

29 min · 10 tracks · blues · rock & roll · traditional folk music

A haunting blend of traditional country storytelling and reflective balladry steeped in nostalgia.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • narrative flow with nostalgic themes
  • suitable for quiet evenings
  • intimate storytelling around campfires

Maybe skip if you want

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer modern production styles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — The album showcases Cash's storytelling but lacks commercial success and broad recognition.
Themes
cowboy nostalgia· mortality and love· family ties
Career context
Released in 1977, 'The Last Gunfighter Ballad' was Johnny Cash's follow-up to the critically acclaimed 'Johnny Cash at San Quentin.' At this point in his career, Cash was navigating the complexities of the music industry while maintaining his outlaw image. This album reflects a mature artist who continues to explore themes of love, loss, and Americana.
Stylistic neighbors
Willie Nelson· Merle Haggard· Waylon Jennings
If this clicks, go next to
Johnny & June — Continues the storytelling style with a focus on relationships and emotional depth.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson — Both explore themes of love and loss with a narrative style and stripped-down instrumentation.
High, Low and in Between by Townes Van Zandt — Shares the same haunting storytelling and reflective balladry steeped in Americana tradition.
Summertime Dream by Gordon Lightfoot — Features nostalgic themes and a similar blend of folk and country vibes with introspective lyrics.
New to Johnny Cash? Find your way in →

Tracklist

New here? Start with "I Will Dance With You".

  • 1 I Will Dance With You Start here 3:32
  • 2 The Last Gunfighter Ballad 2:46
  • 3 Far Side Banks of Jordan 2:40
  • 4 Ridin’ on Cotton Belt 3:24
  • 5 Give It Away 2:54
  • 6 You’re So Close to Me 2:52
  • 7 City Jail 3:07
  • 8 Cindy, I Love You 2:08
  • 9 Ballad of Barbara 3:45
  • 10 Silver Haired Daddy of Mine 2:46

What to play next

This album is considered a Deep Cut in Johnny Cash's catalog. The album showcases Cash's storytelling but lacks commercial success and broad recognition.

Johnny & June
Listen next

Johnny & June

1978

Continues the storytelling style with a focus on relationships and emotional depth.
The Rambler
Go back to

The Rambler

1977

Sets up the reflective and narrative tone found in The Last Gunfighter Ballad.
Full Johnny Cash discography Where to start with Johnny Cash Artists like Johnny Cash
blues traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata