Wear black next week to honor Johnny Cash

In honor of Johnny Cash’s 78^th birthday, and the release of a new album, Cash’s life, and all he stood for as a voice for those in need, Lost Highway Records is dedicating Feb. 26 as “Wear Black For Johnny” day.  On the label’s website are details about the commemorative day, a track list for American VI: Ain’t No Grave, a stream of the title track, and the lyrics to Cash’s poignant classic “Man In Black” — words that remain as relevant today as when Cash first wrote them.

American VI: Ain’t No Grave, out Tuesday, is the sixth and final installment of Johnny Cash’s acclaimed American Recordings series.  All six albums were produced by Rick Rubin.  The songs run the gamut from Kris Kristofferson’s “For The Good Times” to Ed McCurdy’s anti-war classic “Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream.”  Johnny signs off with “Aloha Oe,” which some people may find a little unsettling or just plain odd.

American VI was recorded by Cash’s long-time engineer, David Ferguson, who recorded the album at the Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and Akadamie Mathematique of Philosophical Sound Research in Los Angeles.  Mike Campbell and keyboardist Benmont Tench once again played guitar and keyboards, respectively.  They were joined by guitarists Matt Sweeney and Jonny Polonsky, as well as Smokey Hormel, who also played on American IV and V.   The Avett Brothers’ Scott and Seth appear on the chilling title track.  Check it out.

Listen: “Ain’t No Grave” by Johnny Cash

YouTube: “Ain’t No Grave”

Johnny Cash official website