Johnny Cash American III: Solitary Man on 180g LP

Although he began his career as an outlaw to the Nashville establishment, Johnny Cash has come to literally define and embody country music. At first, his unique mix of hillbilly music with gospel and blues made him a perfect fit at Sam Phillips' Sun Records, where he recorded such classics as "Folsom Prison Blues" and "I Walk The Line." 

From there, Johnny signed with Columbia records and embarked on one of the most remarkable musical careers of the twentieth century. Transforming into The Man In Black, Johnny spent more than thirty years reinventing and contradicting himself - breaking all of the rules of traditional country music only to emerge as the ultimate mythic hero and archetype of the genre.

No other artist has touched the world of music quite like Johnny Cash. He is the only person to be inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame, The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and The Songwriter's Hall Of Fame. His very name is synonymous with the fight for the rights of the poor and downtrodden and the image of "The Man In Black" is as deeply American as the stars and stripes themselves. 

After rejuvenating his career with the two Grammy winning albums American Recordings (1994) and Unchained (1996) on Rick Rubin's American label, Johnny took a four year break due to health reasons before returning in 2000 for his third release in the series, Solitary Man. This time around Cash performs his originals/covers program unaccompanied as well as duets with guest artists like Tom Petty, June Carter, Merle Haggard, Sheryl Crow and Will Oldham. 

Along with his own compositions "Field of Diamonds," "Before My Time," "Country Trash" and I'm Leavin' Now," the 14-song set features Cash's moving takes on U2's "One," Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down," Neil Diamond's "Solitary Man," and Will Oldham's "I See A Darkness." Cash was awarded a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for his version of Diamond's "Solitary Man," his third straight album to take home hardware from the prestigious institution.

1.  I Won't Back Down

2.  Solitary Man

3.  That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day)

4.  One

5.  Nobody

6.  I See A Darkness

7.  The Mercy Seat

8.  Would You Lay with Me (In a Field of Stone)

9.  Field of Diamonds

10. Before My Time

11. Country Trash

12. Mary of the Wild Moor

13. I'm Leaving Now

14. Wayfaring Stranger