At Folsom Prison

Put this on, lock me up and throw away the key

The only outlaw who's more outlaw than Willie Nelson

Good god, I love Johnny Cash. And this album was him at his Cashiest. The involvement of the audience and the way it was recorded made you feel you were a part of it, and Cash seemed like he was at his most genuine with his quips and breaks in the music. Plenty of great songs on here, made greater by the environment in which they were sung and heard. Cash once again proves that his version of country is metal as fuck.

At a prison! Neat. It seems like a very important album for Johnny Cash and for the prisoners but it wasn't much to me. I didn't connect with the songs and the vocals left a lot to be desired in my opinion. 2 starts since Johnny Cash is classic, but not much of a Cash fan myself.

a live album and a concept album, bangers front to back

Это всё конечно хорошо, но где же песня про espresso macchiato?

Тот случай, когда нахождение лайва в этом списке действительно оправдано - этот альбом стал важной частью дискографии Кэша и на время вернул ему уже угасающую популярность. Сетлист здесь подобран тематический - мало песен самого Кэша, зато много песен о тюрьме (песни Бутырки не вошли в финальную версию альбома из-за холодной войны). Запись специфичная, но есть свои прелести в том, как между песнями по громкоговорителю каких-то заключенных зовут на ресепшн. Ну и голос Кэша конечно, за него ниже 4 ставить нельзя.

К сожалению люблю его

В последний час рабочего дня как влитой альбом зашел, тоже улучшил мнение о пластинке, но во многом только из-за бодрых вещей, там где темп снижался, становилось не так интересно.

Сижу за решеткой в темнице сырой. Вскормленный в неволе орел молодой, Мой грустный товарищ, махая крылом, Кровавую пищу клюет под окном. Атмофера этого альбома просто зашкаливает, ну и голос Джонни это конечно величие

будто бы провел 45 минут в фолсом, на удивление приятно, это 3.5

Johnny is neither my favorite nor least favorite artist

Already had At San Quentin. Two live albums recorded in prisons were not at all necessary. His voice seems pretty strained here. Violence against women, murder, cruelty to animals. I'm out.

I enjoyed this, except for the dog abuse song. I understand I'm applying contemporary principles to an era that was not so nice to pets and animals in general. I still wished for better from Johnny. Three stars instead of four

Great and hilarious

Great story writer but not my kind of music

I could listen to this over and over.

handful of my country favourites on this album

Some raw and songs that surprise and inspire. Humor and storytelling are masterfully crafted

Dud. A curiosity to be listened to once.

awesome live album.

Classic

I quite liked it and preferred it to the other prison album. I got quite engrossed in his storytelling!

Me embolo

Muy bueno

At the time of writing, my son is five weeks old. As a first time parent, part of the fun is building a list of strategies that soothe the baby that works sometimes, but never works always. One thing that (almost) always works, is At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash

it was okay

- I like all of the banter and Cash’s responses that you can hear from the crowd - I don’t think he’s ever been to prison and neither have I, but I think he gets it - I liked this

This recording would be among country's best even without the marketing or setting. Those aspects send it to the stratosphere of music history without detracting in any way from listenability. Highlights: "Folsom Prison Blues", "25 Minutes to Go", "Give My Love to Rose", "Greystone Chapel"

Ok … live albums still don’t count… but this is one of the best

Better than his San Quentin album but wtf, how can the Man in Black only get prison records onto this list?

One of Cash's best, great album!

Great album!

It’s a Classic for a Reason!

Fun listen. Enjoyable right the way through and I don't normally like country at all

A classic from a legend. Not much needs to be said about it, as it speaks for itself. "25 Minutes to Go" is pure genius storytelling and imagery. Great performance, and the crowd is amazing

8/10

A massively entertaining album that flourishes many years later. Genius and talent run hand and hand. As many stars as you want.

Has to be one of the most important live albums and greatest country albums ever recorded

Not for me.

This is the one Cash album I had heard before, basically entirely on the strength of Rob Harvilla’s recommendation. It’s kind of the perfect live album. The songs are good, there are some fun mistakes and crowd interactions, and it’s clear the audience is engaged.

Si me siguen dando albums de rock and roll/folk/country me voy a matar

Amazing live album. Song choices were perfect, amazingly performed with humor and with respect to his unique audience. Classic.

“I gotta change harmonicas faster than you can kiss a duck!” Ani DiFranco sang: “People used to make records as in the record of an event / the event of people making music in a room.” This album is the definition of an event, and it has never really been duplicated or surpassed in that sense. I would understand how someone might give it a 4 for its music alone… I actually prefer the music of the San Quentin album. But the event is a 5 for sure. I tried to explain to my 5 year old what it was all about and I said that Johnny Cash played music in a prison because even people in prison deserve music. That statement is reproduced in various forms every time the record is played. For that alone it’s a masterpiece.

Just as good at San Quentin. But not better. It gets the same score.

I like the chuckle (I only got up to cocaine blues because I wanted to get ready for a mignight outing with alexei)

Surprisingly funny in places. Great storytelling

Classic

Folsom prison blues cocaine blues greystone chapel 25 minutes to go liked the 1st one the most, others were ok but wouldn't choose to listen too

Muy guapo que se escuchen los presos de fondo.

Not massively keen but think it might just not be my thing

sorta dark topics but great delivery

- i love a live album and i have never heard an album live from a prison. sick - something about his voice works so well with this recording style/quality. and hearing the audience respond, him laugh, etc is fun - west tennessee/arkansas accents fascinate me (eg. loo-is-iana) - i have respect for this even if it isn't necessarily something i would go out of my way to listen to as an album. it has some strong tracks though and if i liked slow country more i think i would like this a lot - jackson would be fun to listen to with people - favorites: folsom prison blues, 25 minutes to go - rating: 3/5

not my type of music. definitely a product of its time. 2/5

has a nice voice but wasn't super my style 3.5/5

I’ll be honest: I hate country music and I was totally biased before hitting play, but this album completely flipped the script. Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison has a raw, punk-rock attitude that’s more Metal than most modern records. Between the prisoners cheering for murder songs and that sweat-soaked energy, the vibe is straight-up Trap (or even Drill) before they even existed. Even if the genre’s simplicity starts to show towards the end, the pure, unfiltered connection between Cash and the inmates is so powerful that I’d feel like a fraud giving this anything less than a perfect score.

I was pretty far into life before I began to appreciate live albums. This is one of them that helped me to understand how great they can be.

So did they like know who he was or

So cool

I mean it's an obvious 5. Classic from the start. Obviously I knew and loved "Folsom Prison Blues" but I also really enjoyed "Dark as the Dungeon" and "Cocaine Blues." The whole album is really good between the songs, and the cheers of the inmates, and the occasional warden announcement.

This is a very good album. It's a little cornier than his other live album on this list, but it's obvious why it's a classic.

Peak Live Album, audible fan engagement, committed theme that ties big hits to new material. Biased cash fan but 100/10

Cherished

Man, they couldn't keep this guy OUTTA prison!

Best Country album OAT

A classic Johnny Cash album singing about murdering to a bunch of prisoners. It just screams metal.

Country

A beautiful moment in time, some very fun songs. Excellent quality for live recording

Yes, yes, yes. This is one of those slice-of-history experiences that means something more than the whims of some self-professed "artiste". You absolutely do need to hear this.

One of the best live albums of all time, if not, the best. Definitely a classic that solidified it's place in music history. Honestly, it's my favorite Johnny Cash album.

Heard Before? Yes. Notes: - a flawlessly flawed live album where it's live nature and setting are the keys to the appeal. an ideal meeting of songs, performances and audience, with one of the most thrilling live performers i can think of. - unfortunately i heard the expanded edition of "at San Quentin" first, and both albums aren't needed on the same list. - i can understand why this one is more popular. there are more familiar songs, fewer guests, a more uplifting tone, and more even-keeled performances. Verdict: So it's basically perfect and I truly loved this album at one point, but it has been eclipsed for me. San Quentin Legacy Edition all the way. Listen Again? For sure, if only to play it for someone who has never heard it.

Très bon album. Pour ma part, n'étant pas particulièrement proche de l'univers Cash, ce premier album s'est révélé vraiment agréable, surtout pour un live. Tout était vraiment agréable, de la voix style country partant dans des graves incroyablement mielleux et précis à l'oreille comme dans "Dark as the dungeon" mélé à des choeurs ou des voix féminines comme avec "Jackson" pour apporter plus de variétés, à des partitions de guitares simples mais parfaitement adéquat pour le style et non envahissante pour laisser un jeu assez libre. De plus, je trouve que l'esthétique live fonctionne particulièrement bien en offrant un jeu sur l'acoustique et une vision de l'univers country bien plus intime. En résumé, l'album apporte un regard très personnel et intime, melant un style country très travaillé et particulièrement marquant.

This is probably Johnny Cash at his absolute best, the whole atmosphere is incredible and even the parts between songs (and Johnny cracking up at times) all add to the charm.

Excellent

What a fucking banger

What a showman. Love the way he can grab attention without artifices. "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash".

nice album

Really fun, not sure I would have been confessing my crimes when already in a prison though, I’d be too worried they’d just keep me there

The usual complaint about Johnny Cash - I'd rather hear about him than from him. I really liked the speaking bits in between the songs on this, but really, the songs themselves do little for me. I've given top marks to Folsom Prison Blues, because of the iconic 'I shot a man in Reno' line, but moreso because of the sketch in I Think You Should Leave that features a version of it.

One of the greatest albums of all time!

1. Folsom Prison Blues - F Major/I->IV->V7->I 2. Dark as the Dungeon - Eb Major/I->IV->V->I 3. I still miss someone - Bb Major/ 4. Cocaine Blues - C# Major 5. 25 Minutes Left - Ab 6. Orange Blossom Special - C 7. The Long Black Veil - Bb 8. Send a Picture of Mother - Bb 9. The Wall - Ab 10. Dirty Old Egg-Suckin Dog - Ab 11. Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart - Ab 12. Jackson - C# 13. Give my Love to Rose - Ab 14. I Got Stripes - Eb 15. Green, Green Grass of Home - C# 16. Greystone Chapel - E

Top 5 live album ever

Interesting time capsule album cause you get to hear Johnny interacting with the prisoners, guards and announcers. Crazy he was only 36 years old at the time of the concert... he seems so much older! Had some classic songs and some there were really funny & unique. All things considered 5 stars.

Perfect with a whisky

This album kicks ass!

Excellent

Che dire del grande Johnny Cash, re del country. Concerto dal valore sociale molto importante, anche se ci sono altri dischi che mi sono piaciuti di più

I actually hate Johnny Cash. His music is just very stale to me and just watered down blues. Fuck you Johnny Cash

Listened in the car. Honestly after getting At San Quentin earlier this week I liked that one more. I liked the tunes, the crowd energy, and the banter more than this one. I can still only handle so much Johnny Cash in one go.

songs about love and murder Classic

Oh boy, more country! Like with other albums I've had to listen through on the list, I can see the appeal but it's just really not my vibe. Obviously Mr. Cash is an icon and has incredible voice, it's just not a voice I'm rushing to put on.

Another strong live record. Of course the setting is horrible, the audience is horrible, the lyrics are horrible, but it is a really strong perfromence.

What an iconic album

Johnny Cash? More like Johnny ass. Nah I'm just kidding. Except not really. The music sucks, but the storytelling is pretty good.

Johnny Cash is ass and drags down every album with his vocals.

Klasika. Jeden z mála country albumov, čo si dokážem vypočuť.

The concept of this album alone is gold. So much stage presence, interaction, and atmosphere that it's almost as if you're there. And the songs are decent and at times even funny, to boot. Faves: Folsom Prison Blues, I Still Miss Someone, 25 Minutes to Go, Orange Blossom Special, Dirty Old Egg-Suckin' Dog

Niiiice.

Me gustó, me costó entender un poco la letra porque es un inglés muy cerrado, muy nativo, pero ese género country blues me gusta, le doy un 8 de 10

I don't always love live recordings. But this one works well because it captures a unique concert. It is history. And the story and experience comes through in just the audio. You hear Johnny's personality and jokes. You hear the passion he has for this particular concert that he had been wanting to do for so long. You hear how hard he is going as a performer as his voice cracks. And the cheers connect to vocal performance. It is driven by the performance of Johnny Cash. Johnny Cash himself is the show and it is captivating. I think that is why I do like this album. Also, some albums are compositions, and you have to listen to them in order, the pieces fit together. Others you can easily skip around to your favorites. This one you can skip around to the songs, but its better as the full performance. If you want just the songs, you can listen to the songs on other recordings. But this captures a moment in time.

Cash money

Ja wel gewoon iets wat je ooit moet luisteren maar niet perse 2x

Dit had ik nooit zelf aangezet zonder deze website maar was best leuk

what this experiment has taught me is that i am in fact obsessed with johnny cash. i don’t think i’ve heard a single cash song that i didn’t like so far. a genuine delight every time.

8.5/10

What could have been a very decent but not especially remarkable set of outlaw country songs is transformed into something purely electric. Cash was made for this performance, and likewise the audience was the perfect match for these songs, and as soon as that realisation really kicks in, Cash just lets the energy in the room break loose. A once in a lifetime performance, really... until Cash started a series of prison performance albums, that is. Well, can't blame a man for chasing a winning formula.

A live recording is a great way to display the power of his voice and in a prison! It’s fun to hear him break and laugh at certain moments and to hear the audience of prisoners there laughing with him. Not sure if I would consider this a must listen but it’s a great document of his music at that point in time. I see there’s another live in prison album just a year later on this list so I’m thinking there only needs to be one of those on the list. And then let’s get an earlier studio album by him on this list instead.

Suena bien para ser un vivo. La voz del cantante está buena. Las canciones me parecieron muy repetitivas.

This was fun! The Man in Black is legendary, and a live set from prison was raw and perfect. I will listen to this again.

The concept is fucking badass but the music wasn't that much

Better than Coldplay

Je suis partagé. J'aime l'aspect irrévérencieux et la mission que Cash s'était donné de visiter les prisons à haute surveillance. L'enregistrement est excellent aussi avec Bob Johnston à la barre. Par contre, musicalement, je vois peu d'intérêt dans le Cash de cette époque, du pur countre ling-a-ling-a-ling...

Cover 5/5. Y’a chaud monsieur Cash avec tous ces criminels! Musique, sans être mon style, tout ce qui entoure est incroyable. Le banter, les rires, les appels à des detenus de se présenter à la reception. Tout cela amène une dimension mythique à l’enregistrement. Une album live que je donne 5, oui oui!

Great album- the birth of outlaw country

Amazing album, it was amazing to hear him perform this live in front of inmates, it hit different. Not my first Johnny Cash experience but this was more in depth than others, typically only hits I’ve listened to.

Really not for me

Iconic and a great vibe. Would definitely chuck on again but probably not enough songs that stick out for me

Lovely little bit of musical history

Album of ALL TIME!!! Even better since I listened to this album on repeat when I first read steel ball run & now that the anime is airing I've been listening to it again. This is essential Johnny Cash and some of the best country music ever recorded, in my opinion: working class woes with a fire of hope still burning somewhere in the middle.

Not my usual preferred genre or type of music, but man oh man from "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash" did he have my full attention. His vocals commanded it, and while I couldn't necessarily relate to the lyrics very much, I caught every last word and followed along for the entire album. I don't know how often I'll be replaying these songs, but for the 45 minutes of this album I was hooked and intently following along with the stories being told. I finally get the Johnny Cash Hype.

He really was an arresting performer, you can't turn this album off once it starts. He really can inflect that subtle emotion in his voice and regardless of the lyrics there is a feel and a vibe that comes through from him directly. Songs were clever, poignant, and just plain fun at times. The juxtaposition of the live performance with the usual cheering from the crowd and the announcements over loudspeaker of prisoners being called to reception is pretty bleak and you get the sense that Johnny truly understood the plight and some of the feelings these men were no doubt experiencing. Many of the songs performed were heavily in the outlaw country sphere and had themes of redemption from crime and the erasure of the person as they become an inmate. Overall I was really struck by the honesty, the performance and just how alive it all felt. 10/10, have not heard anything like this before.

Classic for a reason. I have come to love his later work far more, but great tunes and good fun.

Loved it

me sorprendió lo mucho que me gustó, amo que sean versiones en vivo

Definitely the second best country album I've ever heard, behind also Johnny Cash's American IV. Amazing stuff here, classic songs, good catchiness but not in a corny way that happens with a lot of country. Songwriting is immense, just great stuff all around.

"I shot a man in reno, just to watch him die" is one of the hardest lines of any song period. Absolute legendary. 4/5

Clásico histórico, casi que mejor que las canciones, que igualmente son buenísimas y Cash las canta con muchísimo carisma, es escuchar las reacciones del público. Un tesoro.

Legendary album even without listening to it. It’s so rock and roll to play at a prison. Absolute legend. Folsom Prison Blues: 8/10 Upbeat and iconic. Dark as the dungeon: 7/10 Nice, like a groovy folk song. I still miss someone: 7/10 Cocaine blues: 7/10 Those lyrics are so mad it’s funny. 25 minutes to go: 7.5/10 So many good lines in this song. Brilliant. Orange blossom special: 6/10 The long black veil: 6.5/10 Send a picture of mother: 6/10 The wall: 6/10 Dirty old egg suckin’ dog: 7/10 Funny. Flushed from the bathroom of your heart: So smart, so funny. Jackson: 5.5/10 Give my love to rose: 6.5/10 I got stripes: 6/10 Green, green grass of home: 6.5/10 Greystone chapel: 6/10

2/3. Such great energy on this album, the songs are fun to listen to, the crowd loves it, and for a live album it actually sounds good! I know Cash is a controversial figure, but he certainly seems like a cool guy on this album.

Not my thing, nothing personal

Great voice and fun performance

Just fantastic

“I hear the train a coming….” There is no mistaking those e vocals. Johnny Cash is such a great storyteller and the notion of recording a live album and opening with a song about it is just perfect. I love the guitar mimicking the rhythm of an old train chugging away. Cocaine blues continues the crowd pleasing call outs to the prison. The music here is so tailored to an audience of inmates adds to the overall atmosphere of what is already a good set of songs

Sometimes “live” albums aren’t really live - in no way can you accuse this of not being truly live. Full of requests for water, for prisoners to go through to reception, of crowd interaction, this album is incredibly dynamic. Johnny Cash is also very easily to listen to. I’d not really been familiar with most tracks, but I still found it enjoyable to have on. Obviously, a track like the opener are standouts but I really enjoyed the silly “Flushed From the Bathroom of Your Heart.” I didn’t really like June Carter’s vocals, finding they didn’t really mesh well with Cash’s, so I’d found myself pondering that I preferred Reese Witherspoon singing “Jackson”.

Johnny Cash really does find himself very funny doesn't he? I liked the guitar, thought the vocal performance was variable and the lyrical content was (in some cases) questionable. The actual set up of the live album was absolutely fascinating though, and it likely deserves it's place on the list solely on principle. Ultimately while I quite enjoyed listening to it, I can't see me ever listening to it again, but would happily listen to a studio album. It would be a 2.5, but: 3/5 for the sheer ballsiness of the idea.

Maybe it seemed edgy at the time, seems a bit awkward now. Cash seemed to struggle a bit vocally.

2026.03.18

Great capture of a unique moment in music history with the Man in Black performing before what sounds like a lively crowd at Folsom Prison. The inclusion of the PA announcements and between song banter help make it feel like you are in that room along with everyone else, usually the sign of a great live album. Naturally, Cash and company play several hits, including the setlist opener "Folsom Prison Blues", and finishing with a song written by an inmate at the prison.

maybe more important or iconic than great, but a solid representation of Cash in the late 60s. happy to revisit it. top track: Long Black Veil

There are very few exceptions where I would reach for a live album. This is one of them. I think this album is best when it's the whole band and June with Johnny. When it's just Johnny and a guitar it's still good, I think his voice sounds great here, but the whole band sounds so liveley in that space, and the tension of being inside a prison just adds to it.

The man in black, what a legend. Can't fault this even though it's dated and isn't my thing he still manages to catch my interest

I hadn't really listened to much Johnny Cash, it was a good album. Kinda sad though

Like the other J Cash prison album in this list, this is class.

Even though I typically don’t like country music, this album was very good.

One of the greatest live performances by the legendary Johnny cash. The actual album is pretty short but if you listen to the legendary version you pretty much get the whole set along with Carl Perkins, The Carter family and the statler brothers. The album is perfect.

IMO this is one of the greatest live albums ever recorded. The interplay between the rowdy crowd and Johnny Cash is electric, and I love the banter and playfulness. Johnny Cash advocated for prison reform and felt strongly that even the incarcerated deserve music. I love how raw this recording is, and of course Johnny Cash plays a set of straight bangers. I’m not a fan of country, but I make an exception for Johnny Cash. Love this one.

It's all fine, but won't listen to this again

This album was a piece of history that I was glad to have the opportunity to learn about. I was already enjoying the live album format, his banter with the crowd is entertaining, and I was noticing themes of prison and redemption in his lyrics, but once I found out this was performed at a prison in front of inmates that immediately elevated this album for me. His comment about his record company affirmed for me that musicians have always hated record companies and commodification of music in general. Ironically, even though artists are no longer bound by having to deal with a record company, it is harder than ever to make a living as a musician. Anyway, as for the music, Johnny Cash is a great storyteller with a soothing baritone voice. the drummer deserves a lot of credit; he's got amazing chops and stamina. I've been trying to figure out how to name this style of rockabilly beat lately, because I like it a lot. I think Cash said he was playing multiple harmonicas at one point? One factor that can separate a 8 or 9 from a 10 for me is having a concept, being a "concept album," and the live format, the setting, and the storytelling I'll make this album a very immersive experience,so I'm going to have to give it a five.

This is a hard one to rate. What do you compare it to? And - for our purposes - is the prison setting relevant? (I'm tempted to say no, if only because, if the answer is yes, then HOW?) Actually, in some ways, the prison setting was just as a distraction, almost like a gimmick. But, on the other hand, I guess you could argue that, for *these* songs, and for Johnny Cash in particular, a prison kind of makes sense? Johnny Cash (and his wife, June Carter, of the famous Carter Family) come out of the American folk tradition, which tends to have a lot of tragedy, and morality tales, etc. -- so the songs that Cash played at Folsom Prison were (mostly) coming from that tradition, and maybe a prison audience was a particularly appropriate audience. But, still, for me: kind of a distraction (I'd probably have preferred a mix that left out most if not all of the between-song banter). I think what I'd say is that, if I just focus on the music, I'd give it 4 stars, so that's what I'm gonna do. Also, if you guys aren't really familiar with the Carter Family, maybe spend a few minutes with their Wikipedia entry (better yet, seek out recordings of their music, too). Once a dad, always a dad ;)

I really like one Johnny Cash song, but after listening to a few in a row I get bored. They're all the same song dammit! He's charming, human, and the circumstances of the album make it more engaging and poignant. The lyrics are nice and I'm sure they make great singalongs

A really good listen

type shit

Reminded me of my grandpa, and living in southern Iowa. It was nostalgic of a time I wasn’t even born in but I feel like I know so much about it now. Truly one of my favorites.

So good! I loved 25 Minutes To Go! The vibe of his live performance in the prison truly transforms this album into something memorable!

I love this album! Somehow had never listened to it all the way through. What a way to start this musical education ❤️

This was soooo good. I liked that it was live so you could hear the crowd, the laughter and like the real world of music!! My favorite song was 25 minutes to go.

Ingenting å klage på, fette bra

It's really hard to argue that Johnny Cash needed two live from prison albums on this list. One live from prison album? Absolutely. But two? It's kind of the same thing, isn't it? But what am I going to do? Give this a bad rating? I don't think I can. These are two of the best live albums ever made. The imagery of Cash in front of a group of rowdy convicts is a powerful one. And man do they sound like they're having fun.

What an awesome work that humanizes inmates and Johnny himself; and every song is perfectly raw. Best moments are when it’s interrupted by a joke or a sore throat or something. Best live album ever (besides maybe Alive 2007).

All time classics, great banter, and then June shows up and slays Jackson. This was fantastic.

Possibly the greatest country music album of all time. 5/5

unfortunately this is actually really good. my generational feud with johnny cash, inherited from my mother, might have to die here at the feet of that greystone chapel. damn it johnny cash stop being a good singer i don't appreciate it.

Pretty good for a genre I don't often listen to

Now, THAT's a real classic. Great songs and a great album overall.

Sort of insanely legendary, even if the music itself isn't my favorite of all time. I feel like there's basically no celebrity who could pull off singing songs about committing crimes to people who actually got committed for those crimes, but of course Johnny Cash has that dog in him. He may just be singing about shooting his wife, and I may have actually had the idiot balls to do it, but goddamn it if he doesn't just GET me! Very cool top to bottom. Definitely a must listen. Johnny is one heck of a storyteller.

What an experience! First of all, his voice! Second, beautiful music — some of the lyrics don’t really resonate with me, and I generally don’t like live albums — but in this case, the combination of lyrics and environment end up telling a story, which brings me to… Third, what a brilliantly conceived package this is! The collection and sequence of songs is so well thought out so that it creates an emotional trajectory. Creative genius.

I'm not much of a johnny cash listener, but this was an extremely good live performance.

Thoroughly enjoyed this. The lore behind it is interesting. Cash has that kind of ugly voice that sounds good. 4.5

Been a while since I heard this. Still a great live album.

Just missed out on a five for reasons I can't quite explain

It really is an essential Johnny Cash album and a real return to form. His charisma is incredible and strongly felt throughout. The rapport with the inmates is my personal highlight. I'd also like to mention the great mixing by Bob Johnston that really helps each member of the band and Cash himself stand out. Not to mention how much the audience contributes to this whole atmosphere. Favourite track: Cocaine Blues

aham

Kult seit Joaquin Phoenix in Walk the Line.

Human and humurous.

Johnny Cash! Always fun road trip vibes unless you're sleepy

The perfect live album: the apt setting and audience add something to the music that it wouldn't have in the studio.

Folsom Prison Blues is an awesome track, the rest of the album (or his other songs for that matter) I find boring and uninteresting. Oh, Jackson with June Carter is fun, too.

Some of these old school blues lyrics sound a bit silly, listening today. But still a good listen.

One of the most, if possibly not the most iconic live album ever recorded! What else can I really say about this, superb, greatly recorded superior piece of work this is. Easy 5 stars probably.

I love Johnny Cash. The man is an icon. Johnny and June Carter are, I think, one of the great romances of the 20th century. And this album is just unbelievably authentic as an experience. A show in a prison? Have you heard of that before or since? No? Is it insane you can listen to it as if you were there? Yes. Johnny's stage craft is impeccable, his between song banter controls a room full of rapt prisoners. And you can tell theyre eating it up, cause they boo the warden like all hell. If they weren't loving it, they'd be letting us know. As an old fan of this album and the music, ever since watcing the biopic Walk The Line in my teens, it's hard to treat this as just an album. But, song wise, suffice to say the standouts for me are Folsom Prison Blues, I Still Miss Someone, and the unforgettable duet Jackson. But there isnt a dud on the album, and Cash even drops the S bomb just to give the censors something to bleep.

Johnny Cash has an incredible ability to for from singing about killing somebody or doing cocaine to a love song duet with his wife or a song about the Lord. Having this be a live album, where he could show off the range plus having it the prison that’s the focus of his most famous song in a total bonus.

🦅🇺🇸WHAT THE FUCK IS A KILOMETER ??!??! 🤠🦅💥🔫🐎

Hello Johnny Cash.

Great concept for live album

I always loved Johnny Cash’s voice but this album opened a new door to get to know him&his music better and I appreciate that

Exceptional live album with great tunes and a wild history.

I’ve been meaning to give this a listen for a long time. Cash’s music isn’t something I really gravitate towards, but listening to him work the crowd on this release is really something special. I would have expected a couple more of his hits, but I can see he was going for a theme. I liked how he seemed to show a kinship with the prisoners — though I couldn’t help but think they might have enjoyed a FEW more songs that didn’t remind them of where they were! Glad to have finally heard this one.

This album changed my life…

vine buscando cobre y encontre oro :vvvv

The one thing we can all agree on. Johnny Cash we need you more than ever.

Not a fan of Johnny cash or live albums. This didn't change my mind. 0/16 songs liked

I loved the live audience and his interactions with them, and the lyricism is so raw. Bit old timey for me though.

Country, 1968 -> 3

Awesome!

People will do anything to see Johnny cash

Doesn’t get more real than this. Iconic album, epic performance.

Usually I am no fan of live records but this one is different. The setting is special and the energy is really great.

I had so much fun listening to this album. Live albums aren't usually my jam, but this was a great performance and his audience interactions make Cash more likeable. 4/5

I'd been craving some Johnny Cash so this was very welcome. SO GREAT!!! Though I think I do slightly prefer At San Quentin

i just think the conceit of these albums are awesome as hell. who's cooler than a bunch of random guys in jail

Initially i was thinking that i would have to be in a certain kind of mood to enjoy this music based off track 1 which isn’t a bad thing i was just so caught off guard. i actually really prefer the slower tracks on this album i think his voice suits that kind of mood better than the fast songs. I liked ‘i still miss someone’ i though that ‘cocaine blues’ was so odd lol the lyrics were crazy although ill give it to him he’s a great storyteller and performer i can tell the way he interacts with the audience and changes his voice to match the lyrics. I liked ‘send a picture of mother’. ‘the wall’ the entire theme of this album i find so cool although this genre of music i wouldn’t gravitate towards im glad i listened to it. wasn’t completely perfect to me but also not complete torture.

A personal favorite

Although it’s not my style of music, Johnny Cash has a lot of talent.

Classic, probably the only country I’ll ever listen to

I mean.... I love Johnny Cash, and this album. However.. does this list really need two separate live Johnny Cash albums performed at a prison?

What a bad-ass to be playing this in a prison. The songs are all a bit samey, but I feel like that works for Cash rather than against him.

A lot of country music artists claim to be "of the people" while never having set foot on a farm. This album is the opposite of that, taking songs about doing time and crime and played to their ideal target audience to great effect. In isolation I wouldn't be as excited about these songs, but Johnny Cash proves himself as an authentic man of the people on this one, greater than the sum of its parts.

God imagine being there. Such a good live

country is just not for me

I had his other live prison album previously and rated at a five star album. In some respects, since this one came first, I almost feel compelled to do the same here. However, I didn’t find this as interesting, simply because I felt like the reactions of the prisoners weren’t as great. Also, the songs weren’t either, at least to me. Still, four stars. Totally novel and since it came first, it’s worthy of at least this.

Dope as hell

Studio quality work plus the occasional improvisation performed live in a prison. Johnny Cash was built different, he really lived for this. His vocal presence is surreal here. He gives the listener so much character that you can practically close your eyes and be there in person. "Dark as the Dungeon" helped me settle into how fun this listening experience would be. "Cocaine Blues" is just so wild given the set and setting. "The Long Black Veil" was a perfect time to quiet things down. Just a wild set of songs. The instrumentals only oscillate between “Walk The Line” style songs and acoustic ballads, with the exception of a little doowop inspiration on “Green Green Grass Of Home”. But the subject of each song is always engaging. Stories of men who rightfully deserve to be locked up, stories about being on the run. Crazed inmates trying to make an escape, the moments before state execution, a ballad about missing your newly freed inmate. This is where Cash shines. “Give My Love To Rose” is quintessential Johnny Cash. Incredible presence, incredible command of the audience. On of the true justifiable live albums. 5/5 easily Was this the first recorded instance of the term “bad bitch”?

Me entretuvo. Y suma vibras la prisión.

It's a fun listen. The title track is iconic and one of my favorites. I've got nothing but respect for Cash and I enjoyed the album listening experience but it's unlikely that I'd listen to any one song on its own (except, of course, Folsom Prison Blues)

Super interesting. His crowd work is very specific, I wonder if it's genuine or he was a great actor. Music was real and has plenty of mistakes which make it feel like you were there. Amazing.

One of the best live albums ever. No complaints

Solid album. Good songs, love live albums like this.

Un disco muy interesante. Me gusto. La verdad no soy muy fan de la música de Johnny Cash pero este disco se me hizo un concepto muy padre. El disco me gustó por la interacción que tiene Cash con su peculiar público, la manera de conectar con ellos es genial y lo disfrute mucho. Un gran disco que hay que escuchar definitivamente. Aunque yo más por la música lo disfrute por el contexto.

Context has to make this one of the greatest live albums recorded ever. Slightly repetitive towards the middle, but really cool connection between the prison folk music he’s singing and his audience’s reaction to it. Voice is raw and round and undeniably cool, he makes you smile even at songs like “Long Black Veil”

“But I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die” crowd: wooooo! “I can’t forget the day I shot that bad bitch down” crowd: woooooo! “And now I’m swinging and here I go-o-o-o-o” crowd: woooooo! “I’m going to get my rifle and send him to that great chicken house in the sky” crowd: woooooo! “I got chains, chains around my feet” 
crowd: woooooo!


Nice

...

El hecho de que sea en directo, grabado en una prision, es lo q lo ha e especial.

Solid, saunaus kaubojaus muzika

That's not my taste in music - But ok

live album released May 1968, country, not my preference but it was fun, not bad

At Folsom Prison (1968) is a live album of country music by Johnny Cash recorded on 13 January 1968 at Folsom Prison, California. The 1001 albums generator has already churned out two live albums (Live at the Regal - B.B. King, and Live at Newport- Duke Ellington & His Orchestra) both of which I loved and rated five stars. I’m beginning to think that it’s the energy of the live performance that appeals to me, and At Folsom Prison is no exception. It was recorded during two live performances at Folsom Prison in California, and although it was his first live album, it was not his first prison concert, having first performed at Huntsville State Prison in 1957. Cash’s connection to Folsom Prison was his song ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ which he wrote in 1953 having watched a film called ‘Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison’. I’d heard this album before but don’t own a copy. In fact although I really like Johnny Cash I don’t own any of his albums in physical format. I have copies of several that I digitised from someone else’s CDs but that doesn’t feel like it counts. Listening to At Folsom Prison was a good reminder to add some Johnny Cash to my wish list. By 1968 Johnny Cash’s career had faltered due to his addiction issues. In 1967 he received treatment which allowed him to enter 1968 with a new energy. He managed to convince Columbia Records to back his idea of recording at Folsom, a gamble that paid off in terms of revitalising Cash’s career. He released ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ as a single, and although there was some controversy over the line “"I shot a man in Reno / Just to watch him die", it was a great success. At Folsom Prison captures the energy of Johnny Cash’s performances (although most of the recordings were apparently taken from the first of the two concerts, and everyone was tired out by the second!). Cash gives a very confident performance, joking with the inmates, singing songs that would resonate with them, and taking an anti-authority stance (e.g. swearing during the warning that the concert was being recorded so they should mind their language). If it was an act, it was a good one. I’m less of a fan of the comedy and slower numbers, which technically would bring my rating down to 4 out of 5, but again it earns an extra star just for the energy and atmosphere of the whole production. Not to mention that when it’s good, it’s really good! Side A: Folsom Prison Blues - 5/5 Dark as the Dungeon - 4/5 I Still Miss Someone - 3/5; Cocaine Blues - 5/5; 25 Minutes To Go - 5/5; Orange Blossom Special - 4/5; The Long Black Veil - 4/5 Side B: Send a Picture of Mother - 3/5 The Wall - 4/5 Dirty Old Egg-Suckin’ Dog - 2/5; Flushed From the Bathroom of Your Heart - 3/5; Jackson (with June Carter) - 5/5; Give My Love to Rose (with June Carter) - 3/5; I Got Stripes - 5/5; Green, Green Grass of Home - 4/5; Greystone Chapel- 3/5

While I can respect that At Folsom Prisom ultimately put Johnny Cash back on the map and made him the counter-culture icon he became, it’s simply not one of my favourites. Although there are a couple of gems here and the atmosphere was ahead of its time, I found the instrumentals on the album formulaic throughout, and it didn’t really hold my attention. In my opinion, the strongest aspect of the record is the fact that it’s performed live, with the audience in the background adding an extra layer of enjoyment. A 3.5, but I’m giving it a 3 as it’s just not my cup of tea.

not bad for an old country album. listening closely to the lyrics for the first time it occurs to me that this is probably a pretty risky album in 1968.

Great live Johnny Cash. Have this on vinyl. Always enjoy listening to this.

I love the little bits between songs, and how much you can hear the live audience through the whole album.

cash sounds great. the live audience actively takes away from the experience. good thing future live recordings learned restraint.

Meh. I didn't listen to it fully. Not my type. Rating: 1/5

YESSSSSSSS

Songs relate to the context of the album being live in prison not my style but I enjoyed it

Shout out Reverend Garrett. Looks like that wraps up Johnny Cash for me and the rest of this list with 800+ still to go.

I’ve never listened to an album that offers such an immersive live experience, to feel like I’m actually watching in that prison.

It's Johnny Cash, so it isn't bad. However, most of the recordings rely heavily on the novelty of the prison crowd. "Folsom Prison Blues" is the only song that's truly better here than in the studio recording. It's hard not to compare this to San Quentin which accomplishes basically the same thing but better.

i rate everything 5 out of 5 because music is love

Du Johnny Cash beaucoup plus blues-country, pas mon truc

There is just something SO fundamentally unappealing about the genre of song that goes "I'm a prisoner with a troubled past and I sure do miss my mom/wife/grandma :("... Maybe if you actually valued and respected your mom/wife/grandma half as much as you think/say you do now that she's an unattainable ideal/nostalgia-filled memory/symbol of Life On The Outside floating around in your head, then you wouldn't have committed the kind of senseless violence against your fellow man (or. You know. Her, maybe) that landed you in prison in the first place, which she would undoubtedly have warned your ass about. Your ostentatious musical performance of regret now that you've tasted the consequences does not do all that much to stir my pity. That said. Johnny Cash is Playing A Character here and, whether or not I care for the character particularly on a personal level, he sure is absolutely nailing the part—and the people he's parodying seem to think so too, if the crowd noise here is anything to go by. Final verdict: kind of an incredibly fucked-up album in concept, tbh, but in execution it mostly works for me. Somehow.

Always loved this classic and it was definitely worth a re-listen. As a fan of Robert Hunter's lyrics, this set of songs really shows Cash's influence on Hunter and the Dead. American music, through and through.

Some very solid songs that kind of get lost with the rest of the album. Seems like the performance itself elevated this album and without it falls flat .

I liked it; it's not really my style, but it was entertaining.

me rei y me dieron ganas de tomar whiskey

svidja mi se koncept pesme 25 minutes to go - svaki put kad kaze kolko mu je minuta zivota ostalo, kaze jedan minut manje, odnosno odbrojava do svoje smrti. zasto oce da ubije svog psa. okej. antropoloski, ovaj album je izuzetno zanimljiv: koncertni snimak nastupa dzoni kesa u nekom zatvoru pred svim zatvorenicima cije aplauze i zvizduke cujemo u svakoj pesmi, plus sve ostale "nesavrsenosti" zive muzike, dzonijeve komentare izmedju, a ponekad i usred pesama. muzika sama po sebi je redneck propaganda na koju ne mogu da se pretplatim ni u snu, ali i ako izuzmemo tekstove pesama, cela atmosfera je muskarci u americi sa puskom i pivom u ruci u sred neke americke vukojebine sredinom 60-ih godina. prosto se ne poistovecujem ni sa jednim aspektnom ove muzike. volim bluz ali ne toliko.

Magnifico

One of the most emblematics performances by Johnny Cash. An icon of folk music that delivers a fun, yet sinister show between lyrics.

who knew how songs about prison, murder, and cocaine could be this good?!

Not really like this album

Pensé que no me gustaría pero se me hizo corto

Good

Definitely a favourite, prefer the faster tempo songs especially using the harmonica. 25 minutes to go was the greatest interest of this album at the first listen.

Not really my thing, a bit too classic rock and wouldn’t listen to his voice on a regular basis

Iconic 1968 live album, well recorded for the time. A really novel idea which spawned three more albums in prisons. The man in black was a true man of the people. Great song choices, the response from the crowd of ne’er do wells to the fourth lines of verses is priceless.

"Hello, I’m Johnny Cash." It is a brilliant, yet simple introduction to a wonderful, five-star live album. The performance is superbly delivered by Cash and his then-partner (and soon-to-be wife), June Carter. They are backed by a formidable band that, for this recording, also includes the great Carl Perkins. Aside from the vocalists, the Tennessee Three deserve a special mention for providing that iconic "boom-chicka-boom" sound: Marshall Grant on double bass, W.S. Holland on drums, and the legendary Luther Perkins on lead guitar. The production is remarkably clear and the mix is excellent. While some studio trickery was deployed - mainly to enhance crowd reactions, such as the famous roar following the "shot a man in Reno" line - it only serves to heighten the album’s rebellious atmosphere. For me, this record contains the definitive versions of "Folsom Prison Blues", "Give My Love to Rose", "Cocaine Blues" and "Jackson". Furthermore, the chemistry on "Jackson" is absolutely electric, perfectly capturing the spark between Cash and Carter just weeks before their marriage. Lastly, if you enjoy this album and wish to explore Johnny Cash further, "At San Quentin" is equally essential. It is also worth seeking out the various "Legacy" editions of "At Folsom Prison"; these include additional tracks performed on the day that were originally omitted, on the original release, due to the time constraints of a single vinyl LP. Side one 1 "Folsom Prison Blues" (5/5) 2 "Dark as the Dungeon" (5/5) 3 "I Still Miss Someone" (5/5) 4 "Cocaine Blues" (5/5) 5 "25 Minutes to Go" (5/5) 6 "Orange Blossom Special" (5/5) 7 "The Long Black Veil" (5/5) Side two 1 "Send a Picture of Mother" (4/5) 2 "The Wall" (4/5) 3 "Dirty Old Egg-Suckin' Dog" (4/5) 4 "Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart" (4/5) 5 "Jackson" (with June Carter) (5/5) 6 "Give My Love to Rose" (5/5) 7 "I Got Stripes" (5/5) 8 "Green, Green Grass of Home" (5/5) 9 "Greystone Chapel" (5/5) Total - 76 Average - 4.75 252/1001 138/252 albums reviewed were new to me

Listened previously. Expectations: High - Verdict: Masterpiece - Just legendary. Deserves every bit of the massive reputation it has. This album is effortlessly cool, raucous, sombre and hilarious all in 45 minutes. Brilliant.

Hell I'd go to prison just to see this

Fascinating thing that exists

Classic

This is really good "sitting on the porch on a Sunday afternoon" music, which is to say I like it but there's an exact mood I need to be in and I'm not gonna want to listen to it at any other time. I appreciate who Johnny was and what he stood for, and I like enough, but I'm just never jonesin' to put on a record of his. Prisoners do deserve some levity and a lifeline to the outside world, and I'm glad he did this.

On of the 5 greatest live albums of all time.

So charming. Not the type of music I would normally put on, but I enjoyed it all the way through.

a classic

A Classic. Johnny Cash in one of his finest moments in music!!!

I am glad I finally gave this my attention. I like how you can tell it’s a prison assembly through and through.

While not my preferred genre, At Folsom Prison is a quintessential listen as a foundation of music history. I found it more enjoyable than I expected.

I didn’t like it so much, too much like country music

9.3/10

Johnny Cash. 60's style kind of icon of country, folk, soft rock... not too typical of my go to genres. ... This is one of the greatest albums ever made in the history of music. Not going to mince words. That this was recorded and played for prisoners in a real-life shithole does affect the whole idea of it, but it does NOT change the fact that this will stand the test of time of being one of the best albums ever produced. Why? Because this is as real as it gets. It is hope, joy in a joyless place, it gave to those thrown away. It does not lie and shrink away from the idea that some of these guys did bad things, but that it does not sum up their whole lives either. And you see that here. Gem. An absolute gem!

A great live performance with wit and charm, literal gallows humor songs.

It's raw and heartfelt, and I'm glad that this particular album was my first proper introduction to the beauty that is Johnny Cash's voice and storytelling. I absolutely adored the included talking between songs and the cheering from within the prison. What an absolute gem!

Really love it a lot

My bias here feels off the chart. I love his voice, his guitar playing; this guy is just legendary and loveable. "Folsom Prison Blues" is fun in such a weird way, considering the lyrics. The hooting and hollering from the inmates makes it even more fun. I suspect their reactions are going to continue throughout this album and boost the feelings in each song through pure atmosphere. "Dark as the Dungeon" was a real 180 on the vibe, but the inmates react all the same; with total reverence for this guy. His little speech about the recording at the end tells me why I am going to love the rest of the album: Cash just oozes charisma from every cell in his body. Loved "Cocaine Blues", "25 Minutes to Go", "Long Black Veil", "The Wall", "Flushed from the Bathroom of your Heart", "I got Stripes", "Green, Green Grass Home" and "Greystone Chapel". This album was both emotional and fun; Cash makes me smile that stupid smile you get when you're just happy.

Good tunes.

What's to say.. nothing surprising or revolutionary here... Actually, more humour than San Quentin, see Dirty Old Egg-Suckin Dog, and Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart Best track - Cocaine Blues 3 stars - despite the humour still not wowing me

wild to me that johnny cash was on the downswing before this. because this album is incredible. the interlude of prison announcements & him telling them they can't swear (censored). folsom prison blues is a classic for a reason 25 minutes to go--woah. musically well balanced. woah. orange blossom special-- the long black veil--damn. these interludes are cracking me up. it's not exactly a cheery album. they had garbage disposals in 1968?? i guess so give my love to rose--amazing green green grass of home--the nostalgia greystone chapel--love singing a song by a prisoner did they just boo the warden??? love it. are they giving him tin cups? something imagine being a prisoner and johnny cash comes in and is like "here's a concert for y'all. also recording for an album for the free world." anyway 5/5 perfect artist perfect album.

Excellent set full of atmosphere. Crowd obviously loving the whole thing. A nose ahead of San Quentin for me. 5

Load of shit and bollock

idk man

At Folsom Prison is a raw, iconic live album that captures Johnny Cash at his most direct and uncompromising. While the overall musical style can feel a bit repetitive across the tracklist, the songs themselves are consistently strong and carry a distinctive charm that keeps the listening experience engaging. The real centerpiece, though, is Cash’s voice, deep, authoritative, and emotionally loaded, which commands the room and gives every song a sense of gravity and authenticity. Listening to the SACD version elevates the album even further. The soundstage is remarkably immersive, making it feel as if the concert is happening right in your living room. Audience reactions, ambience, and Cash’s presence are rendered with impressive realism, reinforcing the live energy that defines the album. Despite its stylistic uniformity, At Folsom Prison remains a powerful and enjoyable record, especially when experienced in a high-quality format. 7.5/10

Just an absolute classic

Two man in black from jails in a short time…no Beatles rush petty….algorithm is jammed up!

124/1001 An enjoyable and casual live album. The charm being in how relaxed Johnny is and how he interacts with the crowd and anyone on stage with little concern for ruining any takes. I think I prefer his San Quentin album more but they’re both pretty cool. 6/10

What a masterpiece of a live album. Iconic album cover of Cash and was nice to hear more songs other than the title track. Noticeable covers too. Liked the live banter.

One of the all time greatest artists. His voice and demeanor on stage are classic. This live recording just adds more to what he already has and to anyone knowing his history, playing live at this place is even greater. I think I will listen through this a few more times today.

Really good

Do I even need to write a review for this? I do think San Quentin is the better record though, mainly because of A Boy Named Sue. But this is still great.

Had to break from working on my reviews one by one when I saw this come up. A better full package than his San Quentin album and maybe my favorite live album of all time. Johnny is very entertaining between tracks and the balance between his humourous and more showtuney tracks and the more serious and somber tracks is much better here.

Talk about a live album. Listened to this two times back to back. Absolutely no notes whatsoever except that it was very moving to me that the final song was written by a prisoner of Folsom.

Favorite Track: Folsom Prison Blues

Without a doubt one of the best live albums ever recorded. It's not just that's in a prison, but the great live energy that could've worked in a different setting too - because Cash and his band was committed.

I enjoyed this quite a lot. Kind of strange knowing it was a whole lot of prison folk cheering along. Especially the last track when you hear the announcement to stay seated until the guards escort you back.

i didn’t like that he was singing to a prison

Ein Klassiker. Der Opener, das stimmige "Folsom Prison Blues", und das sehr unterhaltsame "Cocaine Blues" sind die klaren Highlights, aber auch so gibts hier einige starke Tracks. Die Reaktionen des Publikums bei den makabersten Textpassagen sind herrlich und generell sind Cash und das Publikum super gut aufgelegt. Ansonsten? Cashs charakterisische Stimme ist hier natürlich super und es gibt eine schöne Schnittmenge aus flotteren Storytellern und langsameren, balladesken Tracks. Country ist nicht so ganz meins, daher ist das wertungstechnisch nicht ganz so weit oben, aber das ist schon ein sehr interessantes und nettes Livealbum, das sich seinen Platz in der Musikgeschichte definitiv verdient hat.

country ET du live

What a set 4 - great even among this list

Peak Johnny Cash.

I enjoyed it. Another one to revisit later.

really big fan of this and i dislike country. johnny was a very charming singer fs.