At Folsom Prison

One of the greatest live albums ever recorded. The content. The audience. June coming up to play a song. The prison announcements. There’s nothing close to this

I really love this album. I feel transported to the live performance. The lyrics, the absurdity of what he's singing about, his presence through the performance! The recording being at the prison is just brilliant and novel and adds so much to the experience. The inmates reactions and responses, the announcements in the background - this whole album is an amazing experience.

I appreciate that Cash took the time to go play for the prisoners at Folsom. Also he clearly picked the songs for his audience and even has a Shel Silverstein thrown in the mix. Cash could certainly play the audience even if it was in a prison.

For some reason it reminded me of O Brother Where Art Thou partially due to it occurring at a prison and some of the songs. Everyone seemed to be enjoying Cash’s music which was very good

Do I like country? I think I may, at least Cash. Loved this album. Normally I think live albums are dumb and don’t sound very good but this was great. You could hear the cheering from the crowd, the announcements over the intercom in the prison, Cash’s little asides to the crowd, it was great. Also who else is like “yah know what, imma record an album in a prison for a bunch of inmates and then include some songs from one of the inmates on it”. I don’t know of anybody else who would. The songs were all great, he is such a good storyteller and has the gravitas to tell darker stuff without it seeming fake and like it’s just for shock value. Really, really liked this album.

At Folsom Prison captures Cash in a particularly jovial mood, and as such it is an album that is just a pleasure to listen to. He is a commanding yet cool and charismatic figure, and such the heartbreaking nature of songs like 25 Minutes To Go, The Wall, The Long Black Veil and Give My Love To Rose are made even more so by the contrast with his banter. It’s an almost perfect summation of the human spirit. Some of us are locked up, some of us are on death row, some of us have commuted crimes and never been caught, some have been caught, some have been framed, some are innocent. And we can be reflective and sentimental about that, but we can also crack a few jokes and say damn and shit and stuff like that.

One of the most fun albums I can think of. The cheering and yelling from the audience every time Cash says something about shooting women or doing drugs is hilarious, even cracking him up. Probably the one country album you could give to anyone and they'd get something out of it.

great album and for a great cause !!

Country music encompasses many multitudes. One of those is the image of the outlaw. A troublemaker, cast away by society, sent away to its jail cells. Its appeal is not that hard to describe and understand. One of those who understood was Johnny Cash. Going to the actual Folsom Prison, after singing about it a decade before, was to be not only a crystallization of a long held ambition but a shot in the arm for Cash and the country genre as a whole. No amount of censorship and implied walking on eggshells feel can contain the sheer vitality that's on display as Johnny and his band regal the Folsom audience members (relieved of the prisoners tag for a brief time) with the songs that speak to theirs and his experiences in life. It electrifies, it humors, it ponders, it tugs at the heartstrings. At Folsom Prison is just one of those indispensable documents that makes the music fan thankful for its existence, regardless of whether they're a country music fan or not and it is one of, if not the, finest hours of The Man in Black's career.

Some albums define a period of time. This album does that

It’s raw. It’s funny. It’s Johnny Cash.

There're basically only two different songs, nothing special about the arrangements, and hardly brimming with virtuouso musicianship - but it's deservedly one of the best regarded country albums and live recordings due to the sheer magnetism of the vocal performance, the magic between the performer and the audience, and the capacity of these simple country song structures to tell a story of guys who started fucked and then fucked up descending further into fuckedness and reaping what they've sown and being self-pitying and self-hating about it.

I can't believe how much of Johnny Cash's personality comes through this record, it takes a true performer to have such a commanding presence and yet seem so human. I love that there are mistakes, ramblings, and crowd interaction. A truly excellent performance and recording.

Great album. The prisoners really add something special.

Johnny Cash Live at Folsom Prison is a classic album. For those new to country music or seeking to delve deeper into the genre, this album serves as an excellent introduction. Its cultural impact was profound, as performing for inmates was unheard of at the time.

One of the best live albums of all time. Just such a great connection between Cash and the crowd. Love the imperfectness of the tracks, how he pauses to chuckle or make a joke. And of course the music is just great, not a bad track on this.

Great album depicting death disparity and violence, kinda metal and changed my ideas of Cash

Great album.

Really good live set from the Man in Black

Just a great example of a live album from a all-timer

Man, I love this! The sound, the story songs, the revolutionary-ness of Johnny Cash playing a concert at a prison -- all excellent.

I'm not the biggest fan of live albums, but this was just so fun to listen to

Not a country fan. Haven’t listen to a lot of Johnny Cash, but boy oh boy, is this album a fun adventure… literally! Every song about the perils of prison, each track with its own unique story. Definitely a great inspiration for writing!! Low 5.

Really good, from the heart signing, felt genuine and not too fancy 4/5*****

Never listened to this, but very glad I did. It’s hard for me not to give this a 5, it was just that compelling.

💖 25 minutes to go 🗣️ 🔟

My favorite live album. Such a distinctive atmosphere and concept. Love the interactions with the crowd and the way he infuses this pretty grim and dour set of songs with life and color. The masterwork of an all-time great. Best song: Jackson

Perfect performance. No notes. 5/5

Hay que escucharlo

One of the best live albums there is. Johnny Cash really put some thought in the performance and the audience are really engaged and part of the listening experience.

Absolutely legendary.

My god, I've never sat down and listened to Johnny Cash. The albums got a good playful vibe, with an undercurrent of sorrow for the prison system. Or that was what I felt at least. A good natured man it seemed, playing music for the soul. Even the damned souls.

It's Johnny Cash playing in a prison, obviously this rocks

This the type of country I wanna be listening to, no more of that honey donky shit. Johnny Cash the goat frfr.

Johnny Cash en su más celebre live performance que le dio vuelta al mundo con su solidaridad. Impecable e icónico. 10/10

SO love some Man in Black! Time being what it is, when I overlook misogynistic references, and mention of violence...I still love me Jonny Cash.

What a badass, singing about cocaine and murder to cheering prisoners. Fantastically imperfect. One of the best live albums I’ve ever heard.

Le charisme de Cash transcende l’enregistrement. L’interprétation et les interactions sont empreintes d’humour et de tendresse. Ça en fait un album éminemment intime, même si enregistré live

Great Album

This album is insane and I love it. From the first song, everything here is prison or criminal themed and the crowd is cheering each time Cash talks about killing a man, or going on a cocaine bender. The atmosphere here is pretty special and unlike any live album I've heard. Cash has a great voice and most the songs here were new to me. My favorites were Folsom Prison Blues, Cocaine Blues, and 25 Minutes to Go (shoutout Shel Silverstein).

Lively country album. Enjoy this one a lot.

Loved it. Easy five stars

1. Build a time machine 2. Go back to California in 1968 3. Commit murder in a cocaine binge 4. Witness the best live album of all time being recorded No regrets

9/10 About as good as live albums get, can’t think of a better one The band and him are so tight, so slick, he is so at ease that he can just mess around at points without screwing it up. In lesser bands the in-song banter could wreck it Don’t care if it is a character or facade, he plays the outlaw so well Such energy in the delivery, he sounds almost unhinged at times The announcements for the prisoners, the speech at the end. Makes it feel like you’re there “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash”. Iconic Best: Folsom Prison Blues

Really enjoyed enjoyed this. Live at San Quentin came up last time and that was also great. Never thought I would enjoy this as its not the genre I listen to but surprised myself. Its fun and the songs tell a real story. 👍

Not normally my kind of thing but this is a great album - very authentic and a real eye-opener. Cash was a great showman and really knew where his roots lay.

Outstanding

a classic, johnny cash is a staple of country and will always be the best

the best live album of all time, hearing johnny cash crack up at prisoners saying random stuff adds so much to the album.

It was an incredible musical moment captured to tape.

Love "Folsom Prison Blues" :) Johnny Cash has such a unique voice. I really enjoyed listening to his songs because some of them were funny in the album like "Dirty Old Egg-Suckin' Dog".

I very much so enjoyed this album! This was a very nice study listen.

If only I could give 6 stars, this album deserves it. Start to finish it's just brilliant musically and entertainingly.

Incarceration is underrated.

Iconic

This album is so fascinating. I'm not into country music at all. But this album is entertaining as all hell. Some of the music gets a little repetitive. But the mood and atmosphere is incredible. Just so raw and authentic.

Masterpiece. If you like this album you should check BB King Live at Cook County Prison

I still can't quite believe that these concerts actually happened, but this is an absolutely perfect album.

This is an awesome album and definitely belongs here!

This album crackles with a unique and exquisite energy.

Another Johnny Cash prison album? YES PLEASE! I like this album better than at San Quentin… and that was fantastic.

Really unique live album

Iconic.

The songs, the band, Johnny - a solid 4 without the audience, perhaps a 3 if country isn't your bag. But the atmosphere is unlike any live album. The electricity is tanglible. Johnny delivering the song stories, playing the crowd, the humour, the darkness. June Carter coming on to sing Jackson. Has to be a 5, whoever you are?

There are two versions of this album and I listened to both today. The original version is compiled mostly from the first of two shows Johnny Cash did in a single day in 1967 at Folsom Prison. There are 16 songs included. The more recent anniversary edition offers about 60 songs over three CDs. Both shows are presented including songs by Carl Perkins and the Statler Brothers both of which were part of the Cash ensemble and got to do a song each to set the mood. June Carter Cash comes out about midway for a few duets. In addition to the two concerts, several rehearsals recordings are included. Highlights of this concert were recreated in the Johnny Cash biopic, I Walk the Line. Sometimes expansions like this dilute the original album. Not so with At Folsom Prison. Both versions are terrific listening experiences. The expanded set reinforces the connection Johnny had with his band and his audience. Plus with the extended version you get a ton of additional songs. The theme of many of the songs are the prison life. They range from poignant to comical. There are also some hits and a couple of religious tunes.

Classic live album -- what can I say that hasn't been said a million times. It's the Man in Black doing Johnny Cash stuff. If you can't find something that resonates here, you're not looking. Unexpected bangers: Orange Blossom Special, Long Black Veil

Good stuff

98/100

This is one of my favorite albums of all time. I've listened to it through hundreds of times since I first heard it in 2016. Live shows are about the connection between the audience and the band, and this album captures every ounce of that. Many live albums fall short in capturing the energy in the room. Johnny is playing prison songs to prisoners and his enthusiasm comes through in every track. I will continue to listen to this album forever.

A very 'human' performance. This album is music heritage, an absolute gem. Although it's legit very enjoyable on it's own, and almost makes me want to admit that I might actually enjoy country music more than I thought, musically I still wouldn't give this a 5. But the fantastic environment and atmosphere makes this work: the connection with the crowd is just too good. To go into a prison and sing about these topics is absolutely mental lol. I loved how good old Johnny acted a bit, and also lost himself multiple times throughout the performance, you could tell he really enjoyed the absurdity of the situation as he basically became a musical comedian on the 'stage'. I also love to imagine how fucking cool it must have felt for the prisoners to experience this. Hats off to Johhny Cash for this record. With that, I still have to mention that some of these songs like 'Folsom Prison Blues', 'Cocaine Blues', or 'Greystone Chapel', etc. absolutely bang, so it's not entirely carried by the atmosphere, but it certainly carries this record into a 5/5 for me.

The live album to trump all live albums.

This album is one from my personal collection. I'm not a huge fan of country music, but Johnny's music transcends any labels that could be used to describe his style. Johnny's music takes influence from country, rockabilly, folk, and blues. This album is a great listen from start to finish. The songs here deal with many unhappy subjects but Johnny does justice to them all whether the lyrics are sad or humorous. His rapport with his audience of inmates is undeniable and he seems to have enthralled the prison staff as well, which is why they kept bringing him in to do prison shows. I am somewhat surprised by some of the things he gets away with on this record, knowing what the censorship of the time was.

Great, classic album.

Johnny ♥️

What else can say about the greatness of Johnny Cash! The announcements over the prison PA and the warden getting booed gave it authentic prison touch. I did feel for the guy that called for visitation. What bad timing! I was surprised how some of the songs didn’t start a riot. It was pretty special and shows the man he was that he played an inmates song.

Almost everyone knows the song “Folsom Prison Blues” but this album has a lot of other great songs like “25 minutes to go”. The lyrical storytelling from Cash is amazing and he can paint a picture with words in less than 3 minutes. I really haven’t listened to his music outside of the hits and I’m going to dive deeper after this. Outlaw country music at its finest.

Album # 32 Everything about this album is awesome. A legend up until the day he left us.

Super album and atmosphere. Love the man in black. 5/5

After moving to TN, I realize now just how bold and outrageous this album must have been. Cash must have absolutely shocked southern folks. When you hear him speak, he's got that good old fashioned TN sense of humor and social ability that you can't find anywhere else. Oh, and the selection of songs on this album were dynamite. He even ended it by playing one of the prisoner's songs, which he said was taught to him the night before. As a listener, you really don't know what to expect. You put yourself in his shoes and feel the pressure of performing an important song with little to no rehearsal. Then he and the band absolutely nail it, and you're left realizing why he's the legend that he is.

Love this album! Love this man!

Is there anything more iconic than that opening line? "Hello. I'm Johnny Cash."

Perhaps one of the greatest live albums of all time. I've listen to this dozens of times already and it never loses it's charm.

Great and classic Johnny Cash record that I never tire of. He’s a terrific performer and clearly the (captive?) audience is loving it.

This is great. I loved the stage banter as much as the songs. He's got more charisma then the actor who played him. A great listen.

This might be the best live album of all time. Most live albums the crowd is there, but they're unnecessary. The crowd on this album is another instrument, and a very important one. Plus it's Johnny Cash, the songs are all excellent, sung with passion and humor. It's just great.

Fascinating piece of American cultural and music history - a classic.

Amazing performance. I can never get enough of this.

The seminal outlaw country album.

Great album, I loved hearing Johnny's banter.

I really enjoyed this one. Johnny Cash was the real deal!

One of the most punk rock albums in existence.

Aurrez ezaguna

It's hard to imagine how an album can define an entire genre, but you tell me, what aspect of country music, and especially outlaw country are we missing here? From the songwriting, to the performances, to the tight band, to the freewheeling stick it to the man spirit, to the iconic live setting, At Folsom Prison has it all! Five glasses of Folsom water out of five 🥛🥛🥛🥛🥛

THIS is how you do live albums.

I've always heard *of* "Live at Folsom Prison," but other than some brief clips, I've never *heard* the album. I would have thought older Johnny Cash wasn't my thing, a thought that was dumb as hell. Live albums can be hit or miss, but this one is fun. His bumbles and corpsing - to borrow a television filming term - are funny. I'm a lot more likely to explore the rest of his discography at this point.

Iconic country album. I feel like the song choices don’t contain as many of the direct hits he has besides Folsom prison blues, there are some great songs and the energy actually does come through from the prisoners on an interesting way. Grey stone chapel is my favorite Johnny cash song due to this

Mike performed and sang Folsom Prison Blues for me in Madison as we unpacked his apt. I was so surprised. It was wonderful.

Very entertaining 5/5

I love this. I can't imagine any current artist doing anything remotely like this. The openness and ability to treat the audience like human beings made me wonder would Johnny Cash be considered woke today? I doubt it, but an interesting question. I often hear older recordings as evidence of differences in technology or style or arrangement, but this one is a time capsule of culture and what was possible, even in 1968, not so long ago.

An iconic album, and a really easy and enjoyable listen despite some of the themes of the hardships of prison. Cash has such a rich voice, and it comes through in a genuine way with his voice cracks and falters. The album is sprinkled with great humor as well. The melodic repetition across songs is interesting - he repeats the same melody Dolly Parton uses in Coat of Many Colors as well. 9/10. Favorite Songs: Folsom Prison Blues, I Got Stripes, Greystone Chapel No particular least favorite songs

Although I love these songs and how Cash sings them, it's the prisoners that make this live album special.

now THIS is a live performance actually what a joy dirty old egg best song name also songs are short and sweet im liking that incredible all around

p137. 1968. 5 stars. Not a fan of live albums, but this one hits the sweet spot. Great songs, great voice, great atmosphere.

Er vel kanskje tidenes beste livealbum

I had fun listening to this live album. Like I finally got to experience a part of history. I like how Johnny Cash panders to the crowd. I liked Johnny Cash and his popular hits, but this album personalizes him for me. I am a new fan , and I will add this to my playlist.

This is definitely not a generic “live” album. The performances are great and the inmates makes themselves heard at all the right (wrong) lines.

one of the greatest live albums. i love the dark gallows humor. Johnny Cash is incredible and the empathy he has with his audience is palpable.

One of the most genuine and authentic albums I’ve ever heard. I love it when he breaks mid-song to tell a joke or a laugh slips, especially when it’s in contrast to some soul-crushingly melancholy lyrics. I don’t really think there’s a bad track in the bunch. I love this album and the special place it takes me to every time I revisit it. I give it a 10+

Una grata sorpresa

I think I've only ever heard this in parts but really enjoyed it

A stone cold classic

There's a reason this album is so lauded. It's just pretty darn perfect. Every song fits just right, the crowd interaction is perfect. It's really a phenomenal piece of art.

What a great live album. There is really a connection between him and the prisoners. The music is that reason. such a earnest set.

I mean, what am I gonna do, not rate this 5 stars? Johnny Cash is incredible, and this album has to be near the top of the coolest things he ever did.

This is a MUST listen and, in my opinion, Johnny's best album!

Starting off strong with Folsom Prison Blues., also really liked the song Jackson and Green Green Grass of Home, three classic Johnny Cash songs. A really good album, I really enjoy the style of music of Johnny Cash .

Never heard this before, really amazing.

i mean, come on. this rules.

just great

Cada canción suena especial. Cash canta como si cada tema fuera sobre él. Puedes sentir la energía. 5/5.

This is the kind of album that makes me glad I started this project. This is clearly a significant album, but one that I might not have heard if it weren’t for this generator! I loved the way the audience interactions played into the live recordings and Johnny Cash is such a talented musician - makes me realize that I need to listen to more of these old school country artists.

Great entertainment

5 Stars (14/15)

Great songs, great performance, great recording, bonus points for being a live recording of songs about prison inside a prison, great stage presence and crowd work, great audience response. This record was just about perfect

There's no going wrong with Johnny Cash. What a great album - my faves were all the ones familiar to me; Jackson, Give My Love to Rose, and of course Green, Green Grass of Home (I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying)

What a classic!

Cash is King.

These lyrics are hilarious. And what a \"storyteller's voice!\" This is brilliant.

Can you imagine this getting made today? IN a prison!? Such great story telling and just great short, snappy songs. 5/5

Great album and one I was already very familiar with.

Classic. Grandpa Bowron's favorite, apparently. Long Black Veil is great.

Such a great idea to record live at a prison. Authentic idea and also great for marketing. It adds an exciting element! So fun to hear Johnny talk in-between songs. Reveals his character.

This album is awesome. The idea alone is incredible. Johnny Cash is awesome.

Listened to the extended version (19 songs). Johnny Cash is funnier than I thought. Many crime songs, which is appropriate given the setting. Rumbling, ragged baritone sounds great. The recording is very clean and clear: you can tell it’s live, but the audience noise isn’t intrusive and the acoustics are generally great. The acoustic songs are cleaner.

Excellent Johnny as always 10/10

I really enjoyed this album! I love Johnny Cash and his incredibly somber lyrics with a touch of dark humor. This was a surprise and I am glad I had an opportunity to listen to it. I loved so many songs in this album. I highly recommend the "Man in Black"! Favorite Song(s): "Folsom Prison Blues", "Dark as the Dungeon", "Cocaine Blues", "The Long Black Veil", "The Wall"

Superb

Own

One of the all time great recordings by one of the all time great artists.

A fantastic live album, plays like a greatest hits, with all the charm of Johnny Cash. Repeats: folsom prison blues, cocain blues, long black veil, green green grass of home Skips:25min to go

May have been worth doing a stint at Folsom to witness this. The tension in the room really comes through with the crowd and how he interacts with them. Even the announcements and interruptions add to it. I feel like Johnny could’ve started a riot any time he wanted. Sounds great for recording in a prison in the 60s too.

4.9 I would like to hear a reason why this wouldn't be a 5 star album.

Recording a show for prisoners was a great idea and this was a great pairing. Johnny Cash was never in prison but he had been in jail multiple times. He was a man who had struggled in his life, had been a broken man who had reached the bottom of the barrel and had come back from a drug addiction. He was a man the prisoners could relate to, he sang songs that the prisoners could relate to and Cash tailored his set accordingly. While I never wanted to spend a single night behind prison walls I'm very happy to have been able to hear this concert, it's a classic.

Okay, so I'm not a fan of this genre of music. That being said, I completely appreciate genius at the height of its power......and that is what I just listened to.

The quintessential Johnny Cash album. Outrageous at the time. Who goes and plays a concert for convicts? The Man In Black. That’s who. Singlehandedly started the whole outlaw country genre imo.

A classic. Love the chatter

5/5 Such a special experience.

I love this album. For being recorded in a prison, there is so much pure joy contained in the sounds - from Johnny's singing and jokes between songs to the raucous laughter and cheers from the crowd, there are very few live documents that truly capture the power and energy of being there. Of course, the songs are all incredible, and that voice is on full display. Absolutely the album I would play for someone who says they 'don't like country music'.

classic album that stands unwavering in time

Excellent. The extended version with all the other performances by Carl Perkins and the Statler Brothers is even better in my opinion.

Not a country fan but this was amazing, managed to create a great atmosphere while in a prison

How have I not listened to this full album before, or heard the Green, Green Grass of Home?

a classic

The full recording with Carl Perkins, Statler Bros, etc is even better. Hearing Hugh Cherry instruct the audience really puts you there.

This album is not only exquisitely recorded; the circumstances are bound to give any listener chills for the entire duration. Interspersed with announcements for prisoners to report to other areas of the prison(I have to imagine some of those inmates ignored their message until the concert was over), the subject matter of the songs makes it shocking that this was allowed at a maximum security prison. As my dad said when I was a kid, “I would love to know that guy’s story” when someone howls in jubilation after the line “I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die”; you can’t help but wonder about some of these guy’s stories. Give My Love to Rose must have been a devastating song for some of these men to hear. Hearing songs about spitting in the warden’s face before being executed must have been exhilarating. And has anyone in the history of mankind had a bigger surprise than Glen Sherley? I don’t know if it resulted in unwanted attention from other prisoners but that must have been a truly unbelievable moment for him. I don’t know that the setting, content and quality of this album could ever be exceeded. But it’s certainly the best live album on this list and that I’ve ever heard.

What an idea: sing a bunch of murder songs and songs about criminals to a room full of convicts. The set and setting lend authenticity to the music and I'm sure won over many a life-long Johnny Cash fans. No one did it like Cash, and this is proof that he was a one of a kind. His easiness here is a man at the center of the stage fully committed to the project. The little breaks and 'mistakes' are nuggets of joy and discovery: it reveals further the connection Cash has with his audience. His banter is full of piss and vinegar, his singing is classic Cash, and the band gives each song just what he needs: simplicity and a soft bed for the star of the show.

classic country tracks, but it's really the energy of the live performance, johnny's charisma, and the context of the concert that really make it feel so much more than just a country album. 9/10

"Hello, I'm Johnny Cash" going straight into Folsom Prison Blues. Doesn't get any better than that

Cool

fucks right out of the gate. what an insane listening experience. johnny cash is lowkey metal as hell which was not a surprise but definitely welcome skip(s): none favorite track(s): they're all genuinely so good. maybe Cocaine Blues

One of the original - if not THE original - "outlaw country" albums.

One of the greatest live albums and consummate Johnny Cash.

Such an authentic and cool album. Johnny Cash is just cool. The end.

Great recording, awesome rapport with the audience, iconic voice. Enjoyed this a lot.

"Hello, I'm Johnny Cash." Sincere, deep and low — Cash has a proven appeal to criminals and citizens alike. Which one are you?

Loved this Johnny a cash is the best I felt like i was there in the prison

Nobody knows, nobody sees Nobody knows but me

I'm gonna bring my whole family to the next prison concert.

The best country music and probably one of the best live albums of all time 5/5

Awesome, 2nd time listening to Cash and i liked it more.

Great performance. And as performance art, from a meta point of view, twice as great. For a total of 15 stars.

Such a cool album, a cool concept, and I really dig the amount of chatter they left in. It feels so real.

Insane how perfect this is.

12 bar blues variant to start with

Johnny Cash interage tao bem com os prisioneiros que parece que ele passou um tempo na cadeia tambem

Echt heerlijk. Typisch zo'n voorbeeld waar het geheel beter is dan de nummer op zichzelf. Én waar live echt wat toevoegt. De bijzondere setting helpt natuurlijk erg. En Folsom Prison Blues is een fantastisch nummer. Ik zeg 5 sterren.

Fantastic. And I hear he did this album from a jail? Someone should make a movie about that.

Fuck yeah. Prison rules.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this album. Excellent songwriting and performances. I think this is very much enhanced by the liveliness of the crowd and Cash's interactions with them. Can't believe I'm rating a country album this high...

What a gem. So fun to listen to. Pretty sure my dad had this album as many songs were hauntingly familiar. Was surprised that there were so many prison-themed songs on there. I mean, I know he was singing at Folsom, but still … Also kind of crazy it charted in 1968 with some of these lyrics.

Well, this is a classic.

I'm not a fan of live albums but I'm a fan of this. 10/10 no notes.

5/5

Wow, on just the first track, the aptly named “Folsom Prison Blues,” the energy is palpable and unmatched on any other live track I’ve ever heard! To think these prisoners got this experience, how they must have felt! The little aside in “Dark As the Dungeon,” when someone swears in the audience is so endearing—it just sounds fun and shows Cash as the consummate performer he was! The cheering at references to murder, drug use, and violence might seem morbid—I see it more that these prisoners were feeling represented in a way they rarely felt in media. After all, isn’t that what we all want? Cash was in a sense “one of them!” And the occasional announcements for prisoners to go to the counselor, the booing at the introduction of the warden, the instructions to the prisoners on how to exit the space, the hollers and chatter in between songs—it’s an album like no other! I’ve never been particularly keen on modern country, but this early country that feels more born out of folk and Americana is much more appealing to me. The story telling, the simple production, and Johnny’s gruff baritone are intoxicating. Amazing album, so glad to listen to it!

Great songs. Love the interaction with the inmates.

Loved the concept, loved the performance, loved the closer written by an inmate. A unique and landmark live album.

What an incredible piece of history and a fantastic album. Will definitely be looking for this on vinyl.

Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.. what it lacks in recordings quality, it makes up as one of the benchmarks for live music.

Absolutely brilliant. He is blessed with a voice that makes you believe anything he sings. Love the Baritone on dark as a dungeon. Only down side I had this on cd for years and have played it to death

Fantastic album, surely one of the best live albums out there. I enjoyed the storytelling in the songs and the connection with the audience throughout, the sense of it taking place in an otherwise ordinary, functioning prison that Cash and co were a part of for that brief moment. Not 100% on the whole romanticising being imprisoned or committing crime aspect but it provides an excellent backdrop for a wonderful performance. It seems like it's from a completely different time. The music is top notch and Cash is a cool as they come.

it’s a revolution, it’s a revelation - come listen to this declaration.

Absolutely wonderful

I know this fantastic album well. Loved it

Great album!

One of my favorites

<3

It's funny this is the first album I've been presented with because it's one of my favorites.

Classic

Wow! Johnny Cash defied my expectations with this one. I thought it couldn’t get better after I listened to San Quentin. I prefer this over that now! The songs might blend together at times, but the tracks are memorable that it balances that out. Amazing performance from cash, I applaud!

Classic by a classic

I mean its Jonny Cash, iconique

What an amazing record - and a snapshot into the utterly incredibly performer snd person Johnny Cash was. I mean to play a set of songs to inmates, giving them a good time, peacefully - threading the thin line between not getting them over exciting, not pissing off the prison staff, but being emphatic, honest and real and even connecting - this record just culminates in a rousing record with strong songs and a Swiss watch makers precisión of a balancing act. A Masterpiece of a show and a masterpiece of a record.

One of my all time favorite recordings.

An out of the box idea that was more than just a cool concept. You can feel the energy of the room, the curated set list added to that. Johnny Cash is iconic, something about hearing him live is spectacular. Great album.

I didn't really get Johnny Cash before listening to this album. I must admit that in general, I tend to focus more on the music than on the lyrics. Cash's melodies are quite simple in most songs, which prevented me from really listening to anything he ever did. I tried to focus more on the lyrics for this listen and I have to admit, I was shaken. I can see why people tended to recognize themselves in these songs. It's also probably the best live album by a country artist, ever.

Amazing. Folsom Prison Blues is one of my favorite songs of all time. I had not heard all of these, but I am glad I have now. Probably a 4.5 our of 5 stars in reality, because it is not as deep (relating to the number of all time favorites of mine) as other albums, but this one is really good. Best so far.

I really enjoyed this album. Simple melodies yet grabbed me from the very beginning. Had to listen to it about three times in a row. I love the country and blues

What an album!? I've been a fan of Johnny Cash. Especially the older stuff with Rick Rubin, but I hadn't listened to this in a while or since I can remember. This is just raw and amazing. It is all heart, emotion, and simplicity. Fuck! 5/5

Obscenely wonderful voice.

Brilliant. Just brilliant and transports you there.

I like Johnny Cash; to me he’s emblematic of that rugged, old-timey country sound, while also somehow retaining a level of cool and credibility that many of his peers don’t. Despite this I wasn’t sure a whole album of his would sustain my interest. I thought I’d probably end up giving it a respectful 3 stars, like a lot of the jazz albums the generator serves up. But… I think this is great. It seems JC really came into his own performing live, and At Folsom Prison does so many things that a great live album should do. It captures an iconic and unusual concert (well, apparently Cash did loads of prison gigs in his career, but this was the first to be recorded), and the setting is very conspicuous throughout. You can sense it in the raucous crowd noise, the warden’s notices, the chatter between (and during) songs, and the excellently curated setlist, which is a good mix of up-tempo, funny and poignant numbers - a surprising number of which overtly reference prison life, or even Folsom itself. The fact that the last track was written by one of the inmates really seals the deal - this wasn’t just any old gig. It’s the classic greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts record. The individual tracks, the fact they’re mostly covers, and the fact it’s a live album wouldn’t usually get me excited. But the whole package in context, and the fact it even exists? Pretty legendary.

I liked at San Quentin better but this also great

Second live prison album on the list from Cash and this is so much better than the tired and worn out San Quentin - Every song is full of energy, Cash is in the form of his life, and the whole thing feels electric.

Such an iconic album. Johnny Cash has been a musical staple in my life since I was a child. My grandfather was a huge fan which may color my opinion in this album, but it is by far, my favorite live album by any artist ever.

I wouldn’t give a 5 to just any Johnny Cash album, but this book picked them really well. This is a classic live album; one where the songs have more energy and the artist’s full personality is on display. Seriously, just the sheer charm of his talking and monologuing is just so entertaining. Doing an album at a prison as a country artist is just a great idea, too, and it’s made even better by being the prison from one of his greatest songs, garnering lots of applause and enthusiasm from the inmates. Wow, I was surprised at how much I had to say about this one. Anyways, in conclusion, just one of the greatest live records ever to be put on wax.

Awesome

It's Johnny Cash live in a prison singing for prisoners. How more badass can you possibly get?

Второе очевидно? Ладно, история которая царила вокруг просто пушка бомба. Безумно люблю альбом и фильм который сняли в рамках записи альбома

çok çok içten ve güzel bir atmosfer , şarkılar da mahkumlara göre hazırlanmış aradaki hatalar (şarkının ortasında gülmesi) bence çok daha güzelleştirmiş mahkumların tepkileri ve aradaki duyurular da noktayı koymuş. country türünü ne kadar sevmesem de johnny cash çok güzel bir şekilde ön yargımı kırmayı başarmış.

Not all live albums capture the essence of both a performer and a audience completely engrossed in the performance and the songs, but these country songs of love death and more are perfect in A live setting. This is a an amazing album, Johnny Cash is in his prime.

wasn’t expecting to be a huge fan but i listened to this twice back to back

best live album ever? maybe! great performances from cash, carter, perkins, and the tennessee three, some really funny interludes, and just a solid overall sound! it really sounds like he says "have to change harmonicas faster than kiss a duck" on orange blossom special and i really have never figured out what he was trying to say and it kills me Favorite Tracks: Folsom Prison Blues, Cocaine Blues, Greystone Chapel 4.5-5/5

Jaaa! Leuk leuk leuk. Dit is een fantastisch album

A remarkable record, the intimacy of the recording is a joy.

One of my favourite live albums of all time

This is classic cash but I never knew that this literally saved his career. I just thought it was him continuing in his prime or something. I’ve loved Folsom prison blues, cocaine blues, and Jackson since I was a preteen and 25 minutes and egg suckin dog were new favs. I also really appreciated how great of a performer he was here with the little skits in between songs as well as how he sings some of the lines in each song. There’s a good amount of filler songs in here but the highs are so high I think I’m gonna give it a 5 more out of respect than anything.

This is such a banger of a record. Cash's attitude and balls to sing those songs in front of those men is beyond epic. Johnny may have been a country singer, but he is more metal than most modern metal bands.

The greatest live album of all time. Intimate and explosive. Cash’s taunting of the guard folk is hilarious, juxtaposed with the astonishing ending audio of chains rustling as inmates are led back to their cells. Jackson is my fave Cash track.

Amazing. A classic masterclass in storytelling.

The man in black.

It's no surprise that this is considered one the best live albums of all time. Johnny Cash's ability to keep a crowd engaged is really interesting to hear. You can hear the energy ramping up as the music moves faster than the studio versions. This album is like a whirlwind and it proves Mr. Cash was the best in the game. 5

Why come I like johnny cash and johnny cash music so much, but get bored out of my skull by most of his peers

I AM A JOHNNY CASH LOVER I DONT CARE ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE

You can hear him having fun and ramping up into the energy. Great mix of comedy and heartfelt songs. A really interesting slice of history.

I think this will be the first time I have purposefully listened to Johnny Cash. I'm familiar with this album for the cultural / historic significance. Respect where it is due; this is a great live album. Great performance and mixing with some fun stage banter mixed in to give a feel for the man's personality. While this isn't something I will go out of my way to listen to it is clearly a great album for what it is. Highlights for me: Cocaine Blues > 25 Minutes to Go, Dirty Old Egg-Suckin' Dog

Great live performance. Really enjoyed banter between songs.

I wish I could have been there (but not incarcerated)

He killed a man in Reno, just to watch them die… and you think some of audience probably genuinely have. Best live album ever, and then June Carter turns up half way through and it gets even better Faultless

I liked it.Good folk with a lively crowd.Not one song I didn’t like.

Something bigger than music

The best of Johnny Cash's classic albums.

Great the whole way around

Always loved this album

Yesssss

This was a 5 star album before I even listened to a song this morning. I am very familiar with Johnny Cash's music, and this album in particular. The story around how this live performance came to be is a great one. Johnny had finally dealt with his drug and alcohol abuse problems, and was cleaning up his act. He settled down, and married June Carter, and finally started taking control of his music career again. In 1965 he decided that he wanted to finally play a live show at a prison (this idea had been floating around in his head since he released Folsom Prison Blues in 1955). His record label at the time wouldn't hear of it, but in 1967, his manager changed, and Bob Johnston was all for putting a show on for the inmates of Folsom Prison. Johnny rounded up June Carter, Carl Perkins, and the Tennessee Three and proceeded to put on two shows for the inmates (most of what is featured on this record is from the first show, except for 2 songs which are from the second show). I love how they left in Johnny's jokes and banter along with the cheers of the crowd, and even announcements from the sheriff. All of these "flaws" really maintain that intimate feel for the listener. The show featured a new, unreleased single which was actually written by one of the inmates of Folsom Prison, Glen Sherley. The song was titled Greystone Chapel, and Johnny surprised Glen by performing it live. Overall, this is a phenomenal record, and may be one of my favorite live albums. I've listened to it many times before, and love the "outlaw country" genre that he helped create. Favourite songs: Folsom Prison Blues, Cocaine Blues, Orange Blossom Special, I Got Stripes, Jackson, Dark as the Dungeon, Give My Love to Rose, Dirty Old Egg-Suckin' Dog, "Green, Green Grass of Home", Send a Picture of Mother, The Long Black Veil, The Wall, Greystone Chapel Least favourite songs: 25 Minutes to Go 5/5

A legendary album that is fantastic to listen to!

Klasika. Badass jak sviň. Skvělá atmosféra 10/10

Wild concept, but very charismatic performance. Standout: Jackson. 5/5

It's one of the best live albums ever. I love the story behind it, how Cash recorded it at a prison and how it sounds so 'live' - the reaction of prisoners after and between the songs, Cash's talking etc. Musically it is a really great country, rockabilly album. Lyrically Cash was tougher than metal bands later with his lyrics about killers and crimes. This album is closer to a perfect 5.

everything about it. the songs. the commentary. the story. amazing

Listened Before? Y Oh yes! An all-timer. This album is spectacular. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: Folsom Prison Blues

One of my favourites. Just fantastic!

5/5

This album is legendary. At Folsom sounds like manhood from another time. It's Johnny's big bassy voice that half sings, half talks which does it. It creates a whole bad, almost mythical world of bootslinging, gun toting and moonshine running action. If recordings of this survive in hundreds of years time I think they'll be used to understand what it meant to be an American. What happens on this album isn't complex but it also isn't simple, that's why no other country/folk/record sounds like it. Sidenote: a few weeks ago I watched a Youtube recording of this performance cut between confessions from Folsom prisoners, would strongly recommend. A wild watch .

A very strong live album where the audience is well-integrated. Standouts are Folsom Prison Blues, Dark as the Dungeon, Cocaine Blues, The Long Black Veil, Green Green Road Home, and Greystone Chapel.

An absolute classic. I’ve heard bits and pieces of this throughout my life but it was really cool listening to it all the way through.

JC IS KING ! 🤴 !

This is just an amazing album

It just feels like he reached into the brains of prisoners and pulled out all the stuff going through their head

Less an album than a whole living, breathing, experience. You want to be there and live it.

This is one of those albums that is pretty hard to listen to objectively, die to its ubiquity and large footprint. It might be Cash’s most famous album and it also might be his best. One of those instances where the live versions of the songs are the definitive versions.

The best of the best. Vocals, lyrics, Johnny’s voice and easygoing dialogue. 6 stars if I could. Love this!

Love it

Zalige live! De humor naar de gevangenen toe is fantastisch, en ook dat af en toe iemand ergens naar toe wordt gestuurd maakt het enorm authentiek

Livealbum van Johnny Cash in Folsom State Prison, California. Tracklist bestaat vooral uit standards van Amerikaanse country met het thema gevangenschap. Cash symphatiseerde sterk met gevangenen en haalde duidelijk voldoening uit het optreden, met herhaaldelijk casual contact met het bajespubliek. Leuke nummers, fantastische artiest, legendarisch album. leukste nummer: Folsom Prison Blues Het daverende succes van het album - onverwacht van een drugsverslaafde, afgezakte country artiest - leidde ertoe dat Cash's carrière een doorstart maakte met o.a. zijn eigen tv show. Hij kickstartte ook de carrière van Glen Sherley, gevangene in Folsom waarvan Cash een nummer speelde.

Absolutely iconic live country album when Cash was in his prime.

It's a classic. Cash gets so much love and energy from the convicts of Folsom Prison that it propels him to o0ne of his best performances. It is the definitive Johnny Cash album, let alone live album.

The most Johnny Cash move ever

Probably the best live album ever? Johnny is on fantastic form throughout and the atmosphere is inimitably electric

One of the all time greatest live albums, Johnny Cash delivered one of the greatest performance for a group of individuals that society choose to forget.

Really great live album! I love all the banter and the prison announcements in between tunes. Send picture of mother is such a great sad song. Love hearing June Carter on Jackson.

This is incredible. So cool that they played one of the inmates’ songs. Such a great band, Johnny and June are awesome. Sounds amazing for being recorded in a prison.

Is incredible how the venue is captured here. I love when Johnny laughs and makes comments. He’s so cool. His voice also sounds incredible.

obviously a classic. the opening minute of the opening track gives me chills

Love this album. Listened to so many of these songs when I was in high school. It was a great time to get into these songs because it's very much a fuck the system album. Wish I could go back in time to see how controversial in the moment the album was and the setting of it.

Love me some Johnny. I’d shoot a man in Reno just to listen to this album

LP

Delightful album. one of the few live albums that really captures a sense of audience and interplay there. Dark and cheeky, solemn and wisened. Gave me a whole new respect for country music.

Brilliant live album, very interesting.

‘At Folsom Prison’ is an excellent live album, featuring a cracking set of songs. Johnny Cash is at the top of his game here, winning over the crowd (i.e., inmates) with his tales of murder and imprisonment in a charismatic and effortless performance, ably supported by his band, Carl Perkins and soon to be wife June Carter. The lack of edits with Cash sometimes breaking mid song to have a laugh or crack a joke, along with the occasional wardens’ announcements to the prisoners really lend the album and air of authenticity and danger which add to the overall atmosphere.

Incredible album. Cash's voice is like silk, belting out this combination of originals and covers in a way that only Cash can do. In the spirit of other truly great live albums, the energy of the performance and the crowd comes through time and time again, making one feel like they're actually there. The way Cash jokes with the crowd, or occasionally stumbles in songs as he laughs at this and that is so incredibly engaging. This music is just brilliant, classic country - 'Folsom Prison Blues', 'Cocaine Blues', '25 Minutes to Go', the moody 'Long Black Veil', the inspired duet cover with June Carter of 'Jackson', the touching 'Green, Green Grass of Home' - there's just so much to love here.

Fire

“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.” Best live album ever?

The man in black gets a 5.

I heard this album about 15 years ago with no real experience with the man in black and I absolutely loved it on my first listen and has since taken a regular spot in my library. It remains as amongst the top echelon of my favourite live albums. The stories of how came about and him befriending one of the inmates all just adds to the feel of the album. Also I would like to make it known that no....it was not Crister Ronald who invented Suey! It was in fact Mr Cash. Go to the opening track 'Folsom Prison Blues' and skip to 1:12 and you'll see my point proved. Messi & Cash > Cristen Rolando

“I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die” - is there a cooler line than this? Is there anything more hardcore than recording a live album in a prison? Answer to both is no. This album rocks.

Maybe my favourite live album

Such a good one

Essential country listening Amazing raw album Fascinating insight into the live gig at Folsom prison

Incredible. Love the back and forth between Johnny and the audience. The songs were wonderful stories. Such an iconic album. A concert in a prison. Classic Cash

Johnny on mighty form

5 out of 5, of course. Listened to it many times and it always puts a smile on my face.

what a guy, so down to earth

"I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die" PREFS : TOUT MOINS PREF : RIEN

Without a doubt, my favorite Cash album. His best? Probably not, but it's the one I've continued to listen to over and over again my whole life.

The greatest country album of all time. Favorite track: I Got Stripes

Prison Blues is super cool song.

so cool

I have 2,278 albums in my music library that I sometimes shuffle. I feel like a song from this album pops up every few days. My favorite part is when Johnny has to read official prison announcements. 5 stars.

Amazing. (COME BACK TO)