Johnny Cash (Cash: Ultimate Gospel) - Reviews

Johnny Cash
Cash: Ultimate Gospel

As one of music’s most influential artists, the enigmatic Johnny Cash, like his contemporary Elvis Presley, came from Gospel roots. And he never really left. With his deep voice and solemn persona, Cash frequently tossed Gospel numbers into his mainstream country and rock ‘n roll albums, in addition to the numerous Gospel albums he put out. Sony’s archive label, Legacy, has compiled Cash’s numerous Gospel songs into one handy collection: Cash: Ultimate Gospel.

“The Preacher Said ‘Jesus Said’” is a rollicking country number, with Cash on vocals and guitar, interspersed with spoken word segments of Billy Graham’s preaching. The song, from 1971, simply resonates.

On covers such as Thomas Dorsey’s “There’ll Be Peace in the Valley” and Dorothy Love Coates’ “That’s Enough”, there’s proof of Cash’ love for the Gospel song. The various spirituals included (“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”, “Children Go Where I Send Thee”, “In The Sweet By and By”) showcase Cash’ level of comfort in the traditional standbys. The something extra in his voice here is the telltale sign of the importance of these songs to him.

Previously unreleased cuts such as “It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)”, the fabulous “My Ship Will Sail” and “How Great Thou Art” add to the value of this collection.

With 24 tracks dating from Cash’ earliest recordings on Sun Records in the 1950s, through to the early 1980’s on Columbia Records, there’s more than plenty to groove to Cash, Ultimate Gospel.

Email This To A Friend

Production: Various album release date: March, 2007
Sony Legacy

— reviewed by Stan North —