At San Quentin

I mean, if the songs don’t do it for you then there’s still an entire comedy act in between them all.

I have a T- shirt from this concert - a shirt with the photo of him giving the finger to the filming crew during the show since they were blocking the audience's view.  I have ultimate respect for Johnny doing the series of concerts at jails. He was likely the only person of substance who gave respect to inmates who he didn't know. Before "Don't Know Where I'm Bound"  Johnny says that an inmate wrote that song and gave it to him the day before. Johnny  played the song and gave the inmate songwriting credit. Respect. Zeppelin and others could learn from him. San Quentin is a powerful song about the problems with the prison system. Of course the inmates loved it. Johnny was able to give the hard message about the prison system while being careful not to blame the particular prison or disrespecting the guards.    It's hilarious how Johnny mentions to the crowd that he might play "Boy Named Sue" and gets no reaction. I guess this concert is when he first recorded it so the audience had no clue. Great idea to release the live version of this single since the audience reaction hearing it the first time  adds a special dimension. Johnny would know that the prison audience would relate more to this song than other audiences since a substantially higher portion of  prisoners are raised without their fathers.  Many headline artists get musicians who have independent careers to play with them on tour. Most, however, don't let them sing their own songs. Johnny not only had Carl Perkins, Statler Brothers  and Carter Family sing their own songs, but also left the stage so as not to distract the audience. Johnny still did this with his bandmates  when I saw him in the early 90s. When I saw him he also brought his reverend on stage and said anyone who was having problems with life could talk with him afterwards. He also introduced his reverend at San Quentin after "Outside Looking In".  The medley to end the show is amazing. Johnny lets the others on stage sing the final songs. June singing the first verse of Folsom is the highlight.  As much as I complain about drum solos, I quite like the quick solo in the medley. The show ends with Johnny giving a shout out to the prisoners who, probably for safety or disciplinary reasons, couldn't leave their cells to watch the show.  I give the album a 4 based on the music but  +1 for the respect he shows everyone (well, perhaps not the filming crew but to everyone else.)

Well, that's just a damn good album. Cash can be hit and miss for me but this was 100% a hit. Every track perfect and powerful. Even more so knowing his audience for this one. Just damn good. His reputation is earned. Elvis be damned. Cash is King.

There's no question that this album is powerful, and the fact that he played at a prison, and the interaction with the audience of prisoners is beyond remarkable. HOWEVER, Johnny Cash released 97 albums in his career, 3 of which are on this list. Did 2 of the 3 need to be live albums from prisons?

On the face of it, the music is quite rudimentary. The atmosphere, though, is absolutely electric, and Cash sounds like he's having the time of his life. Incredible, we won't hear anything like this again

Been way too long since I listened to this; I just love how loose and joyful it is. Interesting to listen now as I've been thinking more about prison abolition, decriminalization, etc. over the past few years. Johnny Cash was pretty damn radical and badass.

Great albums transport you, this album transports you to a time and place like almost no other. Great tracks, great vibe, a true classic deserving of this list.

Great album already liked Johnny Cash. I did not like the bleep sound they used. My distaste for censoring in songs aside, it's an awful sound

The TV recording is off the scale brilliant. https://youtu.be/PSLsfwTbo4Q

Johnny Cash comes out swinging with a raucous album of outlaw country. Where ‘Live at Folsom Prison’ took a more contemplative tone, this album was high energy throughout. An absolutely exhilarating show

so cool — the cheer after “San Quentin, I hate you through and through”, JC singing “Peace in the Valley” to violent criminals, and the introduction of “A Boy Named Sue”.

I get why this album is included and it's significance, but the only thing worse than a live album is a live album from prison.

Such great energy in this performance. What makes it so special is how much care and consideration Cash put into catering to his audience to give them the best possible show they could hope for. The song choices tell a story that surely rang true to the people he was playing for and that positive energy was returned right back to the stage.

Clearly quite a show, but the music is a bit too 'gee shucks I'm an outlaw' simple country for me

Straight up, this shouldn't be on this list, its more audio book than album, and the same song is played twice...

i dont care for the US, like, at all

The second album in Cash's "prison albums". This concert may be slightly overshadowed by the great "At Folsom Prison", but it's still great nonetheless. Cash is such a natural performer, his rapport with the audience makes you feel like he was a prisoner himself. Oh, wait, he was! They don't call it "outlaw country" for nothing, eh? He puts on a damn good show. You'll hear mention of Cash speaking of the cameras from the UK telling him what to do. Those very cameras would capture the famous image of Cash giving us the middle finger. You can tell, in that little bit of trivia, that Cash is a performer of the people. He doesn't care about the cameras, he cares about the people in front of him. It's a great measure of showmanship. There are natural highlights on the album: I Walk The Line and A Boy Name Sue are some of his best performances of all time. Even the lowlights are worth hearing too, especially the audience banter. This leads him to play the song "San Quentin" twice in a row, which is awesome. Yeah, this is an all-timer.

al principio me gustó, pero ya después me cansó

I guess I was enjoying it more than the Folsom Prison album. But it was only about 34 minutes, he spent a lot of time taking, and played the same song twice in a row. So how much did I enjoy? Like 10 minutes? Also, did Johnny Cash not know how to tune a guitar?

77. At San Quentin - Johnny Cash 31 tracks. He might have needed a captive audience to listen all the way through this. I managed it, but only because it was on @1001_albums_gen It's just not for me. I generally don't like Country & especially don't like Johnny Cash. 2/5

Second live 60's Johnny Cash. I can't do this anymore. Please, let this be the last Johnny Cash.

He’s called the Outlaw for a reason. Imagine having the balls to perform and record a performance in a prison. Then go and do it again. I haven’t listened to this album previously, or its predecessor from Folsom. I did read some say that Folsom was better, and if that’s true, I definitely need to check that out because I thought this was great. Wanted Man was a smart way to kick this off. It is a straight forward song, but it instantly connects him with the prisoners. They are already way into this by the time he plays San Quentin. Twice. Amazing that he just wrote it the day before, and then he goes and includes both on the recording. Awesome, mainly because of the reactions from the inmates. And that’s really what makes this great. It’s not a massive feat in intricate songwriting. Quite the opposite, actually, but that’s not the point. The prisoners wanted someone just like them up there, someone to recognize them, and that’s exactly what they got. This is great because of the simplicity and all the interaction with the crowd. A must listen for anyone

The way this man treats the inmates with such respect and honesty while doing a great live show makes this one of the best live albums in my opinion. And this from somebody who neither is American, nor close to a boomer nor listens to jonny cash outside of this list.

Wow! Super enjoyable. My favorite part is how real this feels. Crowd interaction is wild, Cash’s personality seems genuine and very “fuck you”, song selection is all suitable energy. I thought I would hate the same song twice (San Quentin), but it somehow worked? Amazed to say the least… and all in a 35 minute package makes this a 5 star country album to me

You could say it's CRIMINAL that this album is so short!

I mean, it’s Johnny Cash

Yeah, this album is fantastic. I like it even better than Folsom. The Legacy Edition is the way to go, with all the great bonus songs and performances by the Statler Brothers, Carter Family, Carl Perkins, etc. Johnny Cash was amazing as always. Cool and empathetic. And his band is so tight here. There are so many moments where they have to pivot based on Johnny's ad-libbing or to wait for the audience to laugh or cheer. Not easy stuff to pull off. One of the great live albums.

The Godfather Part II of live prison albums. The Man In Black sings a few too many slow, depressing tunes in front of his captive Folsom audience. This album is more of a party. Be sure to listen to the Legacy Edition, which includes many more songs, since Johnny not only brought June Carter to San Quentin, but the freaking Statler Brothers and Carl Perkins as well. Johnny must have liked the inmates at San Quentin more than the ones stuck in Folsom Prison.

while not as good as folsom prison, johnny cash noodling with prisoners between songs is always a good time

This Johnny Cash album was recorded live at the San Quentin State prison in California in February of 1969. This was his second album of a series of live albums recorded at prisons, and it was also his 31st album overall. This album has been certified triple platinum. At this live prison show, Johnny Cash performed 2 new songs - "San Quentin" (about the prison) and "A Boy Named Sue". The former song was performed twice as an encore and both appear on this album. The latter song became a staple of Johnny Cash's music, and it's amazing to learn he premiered it at a prison show. The original release of this album was alright, but the reissue with 9 extra tracks was much better. Johnny Cash was a great entertainer and it really shows on this live album, because the audience were all inmates that liked to heckle. If you're a fan of live albums then give this one a listen, but if you just want to listen to Johnny Cash's music then you may want to try a different album.

Country music in a prison is still country music. I knew some of the songs but I did not enjoy the songs. I have no need to revisit the album or really any of the songs again. It is better than some of the albums on the list. It is better than a one but not really a two. I will round down.

10/10 - Johnny Cash, my beloved this has my favorite song of his, written by one of my alltime favorite people Shel Silverstein: A Boy Named Sue

The whole vibe of this album is electric. The crowd is into it. Johnny sounds confident. An absolute classic of the genre.

What else can I say? Johnny Cash already rocks, and for him to rock like this in front of an audience of prisoners is so powerful. Writing San Quentin and performing it to give these prisoners a voice when they feel they don't have one is just something else. The cheering from them must have been so cathartic. Perfect live album. The whole performance stood out, I can't pick just a few tracks.

A remarkable piece of history. Even though from reading about it, this isn't the full recording, it's well put together and has a real feel of being in the room and a slight air of menace even all these years later. Playing San Quentin and then San Quentin again straight after and positioning it as improvised is a masterstroke

A new favorite!! Love love love it!!!

Overall, "At San Quentin" is a must-listen for fans of Johnny Cash and country music. It showcases Cash's talent as a performer and songwriter, and captures a moment in music history that is both powerful and moving.

What are the odds our group would get this album the day after we listened to Cash Live at Folsom Prison!? I'm trying not to let the fact we just heard Cash live from a prison affect my rating. It feels strange to have two live albums from Cash here, but I think they represent different things. Live at Folsom helped revitalize his career, and Live at San Quentin feels like a continuation of that success as his fame grew - British TV filming him, Cash still actin' gruff and wanting to perform for locked up men. Also where his famous middle finger photo was from! || I'd say both Cash live albums deserve to be on this list, as strange as it seems, because of how different they are! This one in particular is great to hear the crowdwork chat and some of the other acts.

I liked it more than I thought I would. Pretty unique setting and glimpse into the world in this place, at this time, with this music.

Johnny Cash does a great set for the lads at San Quentin, and there's a clear feeling of 'but for the grace of God' in the way he speaks to the prisoners between songs. I enjoyed listening to this very much.

At San Quentin is an album you can't help but love. First - it shows that it is full of soul, that Cash is singing from the bottom of his soul and that he is fully committed to the audience. But mostly, on Cash's country sounds, no matter how hard you try, you just can't get all parts of your body to stay calm, so you'll find yourself tapping your foot, or snapping your fingers, moving your head... An album that shows the true love for music in a raw way, and no matter how much you're not a fan of this sound, you just can't help but like it.

If this was only Johnny Cash singing 9 of his lesser known songs, this wouldn't have been a very appealing album to me. Not a big fan of country music. But this is a prime example of an album being grater than the sum of its parts. Okay songs and a solid performance, but the interaction with and reactions from a room full of prisoners elevate the whole experience. Not a single song saved, but I might listen to the whole thing again sometime.

The man in his pomp! Not entirely sure why we needed live in San Quentin and live in Folsom in the same list though!

I don't like country music on the whole but there is something about Johnny Cash that I make an exception for. He's both serious and fun at the same time.

Really fun album. I'll admit country isn't usually my thing, but I enjoyed At Folsom Prison a bit more than this one. Maybe it's the recording quality (this one sounds more dated somehow compared to AFP) or just the song selection. Either way, the best part of listening to both of these albums is definitely the banter between songs. AFP is a 4 for me, so I'd give this one a solid 3.

Conceptually, I like the idea of this record. Musically, not as much. Not a Cash or country music fan. All of these songs sound the same to my ears. All I can picture when I hear these songs are those old time-y teeter-totter railroad car things. You know what I’m talking about? Two people stand on this small railroad “car” thing with a teeter totter bar and they take turns pushing the bar down to make the car move forward on the tracks…oompah, oompah, oompah…up and down, over and over. It can be quite maddening. If that’s your thing, more power to you…it ain’t for me. I’ll say this, though. Johnny Cash was pretty funny with his stage banter.

Classic Johnny Cash. Not as good as Folsom Prison?

Johnny Cash is fine but for me he’s just kind of boring. I like his deep singing voice but there’s nothing about him musically that blows me away.

boring

Not my favourite

not terrible, but also not my cup of tea.

Just another lame JC album. 1.5/5

Best Song: San Quentin. It was tough not to like it given how much the audience appreciated the song. Worst Song: Darlin' Companion. The song is just okay, and the prolonged talking goes on way too long. Overall: I understand times were different, but I cannot fathom why in 2022 I'm listening to hard, censored beeps over every bit of profanity. Were the originals lost? Regardless, the live setting here doesn't really help the overall presentation. It certainly feels like everyone at the show was having a great time, but the whole schtick of "they tried to tell Johnny Cash what to do but he don't listen to authority" just comes off as cheesy. The "casual" mentions to dope and song stealing also come off as pandering.

I personally wasn't that impressed by his songs. They were boring. Other people may be like the album, but not me.

we've already had johnny cash doing a gig in a prison. i don't get how both of them are essential listening.

BBC One- 8pm - Cash in the Attic. Johnny Cash hides in the attic of an unsuspecting celebrity, spying on their every move. This week Johnny observes Pat Sharp have an argument with a plumber and then maturbating furiously to a old polaroid photo of the Fun House twins.

pretty short kinda neat 2.5

the end couldn't have come sooner. his voice is v soothing but for some reason I don't like him. only liked 3 songs.

Most of the songs sound the same. I enjoy the hits, but even then he seems super low energy or perhaps he was on day 3 of a bender. Not his best.

Country music or rock n roll aren’t really my thing

He has always been great country singer. Not a big C fan but he is an American Icon. Boy named Sue was fun for such a serious guy! Definitely knows how to rhythm his words.

no soy americano

Disliking the live version 1.5/5

Not my forte. Didn’t finish 😢

A-

I didn’t think I liked Johnny Cash… but then I got hit with Johnny’s charisma on stage interacting with then audience. But then i got my toe-tapping to the country tunes and the authenticity came through when he introduced June. But then I realised he was playing to inmates and his care for the audience was shown through his choice of songs. For me it peaked at San Quentin and it somehow didn’t incite a prison riot. The reason this is a 5 is not because of the music but because Cash was able to relate to one of the most downtrodden populations, it transports you to San Quentin itself and I don’t think there will be another album like this.

I'm not quite sure how to explain it other than this album made me feel so whole. I found myself wishing that each song was longer...though I should consider myself lucky just to have these 33 minutes of pure joy. I've never listened to Cash much before this. It's definitely a certain type of mood, but I really really like it. That outlaw country spirit. Obviously "I Walk The Line" is great, but I really loved "Wanted Man" and "San Quentin" (and indeed, we got the reprise!!). "(There'll Be) Peace in the Valley" started playing. It coupled perfectly with "Folsom Prison Blues" to end out the album. AND. THEN. I. REALIZED. This was part of a program where he played for inmates. How interesting is that? Really made me realize that behind all of these albums, there's a deeper story. This one was immediately a ten out of ten, from the very first note.

Classic outlaw country in a unique live environment that makes for an entertaining listen.

Good album. The whole atmosphere really makes it.

Now this is a proper live album. The atmosphere really comes across, Cash plays it perfectly and the back-to-back performances of San Quentin seal the deal.

Cool vibes from the cellblock

There are live albums, and then there’s At San Quentin. It’s not just a concert — it’s a moment in time, the sound of a man who had been through darkness connecting with others who were still living in it. Cash’s empathy and defiance radiate through every note. You can feel the tension in the air and the way he channels it into something human and redemptive. I love that he plays San Quentin twice — it’s raw, unpolished, and perfectly in character for a man who didn’t care much for polish anyway. And A Boy Named Sue? Legendary. It’s one of my go-tos whenever I’ve got a guitar in my hands. The humor, the rhythm, and the way Cash tells that story — it’s everything that makes him great in one song. What really sets this record apart, though, is how it walks the line between rebellion and compassion. You can tell Cash isn’t performing for the inmates — he’s performing with them. There’s a shared understanding that music, for a few moments, can make everyone in that room feel free. It’s one of those rare albums that feels both historic and personal — and it’s easy to see why it still resonates.

Even better than Folsom, 5 stars from start to finish

Nobody else could’ve played San Quentin State Prison in ’69. The connection between Cash and the inmates pulses through every song. You can feel the tension, the humor, and the shared defiance in the room. Hard to think of a moment like this ever happening again. Pure, raw American myth captured on tape.

Phenomenal

Absolute classic. Extraordinarily tight for a live album. Genius at work.

one reviewer bravely asked: “Johnny Cash released 97 albums in his career, 3 of which are on this list. Did 2 of the 3 need to be live albums from prisons?” And I would like to say yes. All 3 should be on the list and maybe 50 out of 97 should also be here

makes me wanna go to prison :/

Nothing makes me go crazy go stupid like a Johnny Cash live from prison album.

Legend. No notes.

This is the second conceptual live album after the Folsom and i find it genius to say the least to select an audience like this for a live.It definately saved the atmosphere of that particular day in 1969 and that makes it timeless.Albums like this comes out in once in a lifetime so i can fully understand why it's on the list.I saw the official release had 10 songs but i found in youtube an 18 songs version so i'll go with that.There is also a video version with some footage which by the way you should also see.Extra respect for Johnny Cash for not playing what he was allowed to in this.Like he would.I mean this guy was fearless,and every single song had a meaning,the tracklist in this version was the best ever made.And for you to know San Quentin was one of the toughest prisons out there so there was real danger!But then again music has no boundaries.And i think JC contributed more with his music and by showing real respect and humanity to make those prisoners weight more to the good side than the system. Still Miss Someone legendary I Walk The Line Darlin' Companion cover with his wife June Carter! I Don't Know Where I'm Bound for it's meaning Starkville City Jail for sharing his experience,the storytelling that totally resonated with the audience, in video version asks the guards for water and after drinking some,he kicks the tin cup,iconic, San Quentin which is a fantastic follow-up from Starkville and the audience felt important enough to be part of the song,The lyrics made the crowd go wild!And extra credit for the second time! Wanted Man,the Dylan cover which was perfect for the situation,he reffers to Dylan as the greatest song-writer,another historic moment, The Boy Named Sue was also a cover that Silverstein wrote about a friend being bullied for his name which by the way wasn't actually Sue,the title itself though can have so many meanings for each person,genius song,i think JC won a Grammy for this performance,i mean you need to have guts to say the word kill and describe violence in a prison!But in the end is a enpowering song, the Dorsey cover (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley along with the female choir was the perfect song to calm down the crowd sweetly,genius move as well Folsom Prison Blues is the perfect song,the perfect connection to the previous album which also resonated as hell with the crowd, Ring Of Fire was also a courageous move since you literally play with fire when you say fire in a prison, He Turned The Water Into Water although it's a biomatic piece it was so acurate since JC was drinking only water and the crowd was allowed to some tea i think and although he was describing a jesus miracle everybody in this room were kinda wishing they could drink something else,wine perhaps? Daddy Sang Bass for his homage to Carl Perkins that i think had recently passed away,and is a joy to the ears, Closing Medley: Folsom Prison Blues/I Walk the Line/Ring of Fire/The Rebel-Johnny Yuma,although i was a bit dissapointed that San Quentin was excluded this time. 5/5.If this is not 5 stars then what is it? Great vibe,great songs! Just realised in the video version that had already selected songs were some songs i didn't listen to,so make sure you do both versions.

How to make a live album, 35 minutes of pure attitude. 5 Star.

This album is a masterpiece of storytelling; what it lacks in instrumental virtuosity is more than made up for by the lyricism and storytelling. Cash's unique baritone narrates stories of outlaw living and being behind bars like no other ever could. His songs paint vivid pictures of life as an outlaw, and he remembers to engage the crowd with often-entertaining banter. Country may not have the best reputation, but this shows just how good it can be when done properly.

Johnny Cash 🥰 En ollut kuunnellut putkeen tätä legendaarista livelevyä. Nyt kuuntelin ja pidin kuulemastani.

4.5+/5

Classic and listening to this should be a part of any decent American grade school curriculum.

I generally don't like live albums, but can you imagine a high profile artist in 2025 singing songs for prisoners in a prison about how much it sucks in there? I can't see something like this happen anymore. That reason alone makes it far more interesting than a standard concert album or even a studio album.

Probably one of the most fun (live) albums I’ve listened to.

Absolutely phenomenal Album from a Legend

Bloody great album, I enjoyed this a lot more than Folsom Prison. In fact I think if I had heard this first I would’ve marked Folsom a bit lower. Can’t really fault this, no bad tracks on it and for a live album the energy definitely comes across. Top Track - A Boy Named Sue

There’s a staggering immediacy and intimacy to this album. It’s hard to believe it was recorded over half a century ago. Imagine writing a song for the audience (“San Quentin”), performing it for them (twice!), and the experience becoming a legend.

What makes this album a must-hear transcends all of the popularity-based bullshit that seems to qualify the excess of britpop or experimental wanking. This album represents in some senses a journalism piece on Johnny Cash's role in, and impact on, American music and society. It offers a transparent lens for Cash's commentary on the underbelly of the American dream. I can't imagine a better setting for his performance than an institution within which America locks away its problems. 5/5, must-hear.

At first I thought this didn’t have the edge of the live at Folsom but it really took off after San Quentin. More originals than Folsom too. Great listen!

Just brilliant.

malade

Listened on the way home. Awesome!

Must

A v worthy first 5*, I loved it - Reece and Joaquin forever

Another 5 star from me

YES. I prefer the 2010 release that's "The Complete 1969 Concert." It's about an hour long.