Songs Johnny Cash Covered

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Songs Johnny Cash Covered


Songs Johnny Cash Covered

Johnny Cash, often referred to as “The Man in Black,” was a legendary American singer-songwriter known for his deep bass-baritone voice and his iconic contributions to country, rock and roll, folk, and gospel music. Cash gained a tremendous fan following throughout his career, and part of his appeal was his ability to take songs from various genres and make them his own. Let’s take a closer look at some of the songs that Johnny Cash covered and how he added his unique touch to each one.

Key Takeaways:

  • Johnny Cash was known for covering songs from various genres.
  • He added his unique touch to each cover, creating his distinct sound.
  • Cash’s covers often showcased his deep, bass-baritone voice.

1. Country Songs:

Throughout his career, Johnny Cash covered numerous country songs that became staples in his repertoire. Some notable covers include:

  1. “Ring of Fire” by **June Carter** and **Merle Kilgore**. *Cash’s rendition of “Ring of Fire” became one of his signature songs, reaching the top of the country charts in 1963.*
  2. “Folsom Prison Blues” by **Jimmie Rodgers**. *Cash’s gritty and powerful interpretation of “Folsom Prison Blues” captured the struggles and hardships of prison life.*
Johnny Cash’s Country Song Covers
Song Original Artist Cash’s Version
“Ring of Fire” June Carter and Merle Kilgore Johnny Cash
“Folsom Prison Blues” Jimmie Rodgers Johnny Cash

2. Rock and Roll Songs:

Johnny Cash’s love for rock and roll was evident in the songs he covered from this genre. He transformed these songs and gave them his distinct country twist. Some notable rock and roll covers include:

  1. “Hurt” by **Nine Inch Nails**. *Cash’s haunting rendition of “Hurt” showcased his vulnerability and brought a new depth to the song.*
  2. “Personal Jesus” by **Depeche Mode**. *Cash’s stripped-down version of “Personal Jesus” emphasized the song’s spiritual undertones.*
Johnny Cash’s Rock and Roll Song Covers
Song Original Artist Cash’s Version
“Hurt” Nine Inch Nails Johnny Cash
“Personal Jesus” Depeche Mode Johnny Cash

3. Gospel Songs:

Another genre that Johnny Cash ventured into was gospel music. His spiritual background and deep faith influenced his song choices, and he covered several gospel classics, including:

  • “It Is No Secret” by **Stuart Hamblen**. *Cash’s rendition of “It Is No Secret” showcased his emotional delivery and became immensely popular among his fans.*
  • “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” by **A.P. Carter**. *Cash’s heartfelt version of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” remains a memorable testament to his gospel roots.*
Johnny Cash’s Gospel Song Covers
Song Original Artist Cash’s Version
“It Is No Secret” Stuart Hamblen Johnny Cash
“Will the Circle Be Unbroken” A.P. Carter Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash’s ability to transform songs from different genres and make them his own was a testament to his musical versatility and unique style. His covers not only showcased his talent but also bridged gaps between genres, appealing to a broad range of listeners. Today, his interpretations of these songs continue to resonate with fans worldwide.


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Common Misconceptions

Songs Johnny Cash Covered

There are several common misconceptions about the songs that Johnny Cash covered throughout his career. While he is often associated with country music, Cash was known for his ability to cross genre boundaries and put his own unique spin on songs from various genres. One misconception is that Cash only covered songs from other country artists. However, he also covered songs by rock and folk artists, making his repertoire diverse and eclectic.

  • Johnny Cash covered songs from various genres, not just country.
  • His covers included rock and folk songs.
  • Cash’s diverse range of covers showcased his versatility as an artist.

Another common misconception is that Cash only covered popular songs. While he did cover well-known songs such as “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails, he also delved into lesser-known tracks. Cash often sought out songs that resonated with him personally, regardless of their level of popularity. This allowed him to bring attention to lesser-known gems and put his own unique stamp on them.

  • Johnny Cash covered both popular and lesser-known songs.
  • He sought out songs that resonated with him personally.
  • Cash’s covers helped shed light on hidden musical treasures.

Some people believe that Cash only covered songs by male artists. While he did cover a significant number of songs originally performed by male musicians, he also covered songs by female artists. Cash’s rendition of songs like “I’m Leaving Now” by Carla Thomas showcased his ability to interpret songs from various perspectives and genders.

  • Johnny Cash covered songs by both male and female artists.
  • He showcased his versatility by interpreting songs from different perspectives.
  • Cash’s covers challenged traditional gender roles in music.

There is a misconception that Cash only covered songs written in English. However, he also covered songs in other languages, such as his rendition of “Ring of Fire” in Spanish (“Fuego Ardiente”). This demonstrated his appreciation for global music and his willingness to embrace different cultures and languages.

  • Johnny Cash covered songs in languages other than English.
  • He embraced different cultures and languages through his covers.
  • Cash’s covers showcased his global musical appreciation.

Lastly, some people believe that Cash only covered songs from recent decades. While he did cover songs from his contemporaries, he also delved into older classics. Songs like “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Horton and “In the Jailhouse Now” by Jimmie Rodgers were given new life through Cash’s interpretations, proving his respect for the music that came before him.

  • Johnny Cash covered songs from different eras, not just recent decades.
  • He paid homage to older classics through his covers.
  • Cash’s covers bridged generations and showcased his respect for music history.
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The Songs That Made Johnny Cash a Legend

Johnny Cash, widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of all time, was known for his deep and distinctive baritone voice. Throughout his career, he covered a wide range of songs, showcasing his versatility and unique style. From traditional country to rock and roll, Cash’s interpretations of these songs left an indelible mark on the music industry. Let’s take a closer look at some of the notable songs Johnny Cash covered and the impact they had on his career.

Covered Songs

In the early days of his career, Johnny Cash recorded numerous cover songs, often putting his own spin on them. These covers became essential components of his discography, resonating with fans worldwide. The following table highlights ten iconic songs that Cash covered, showcasing the diversity of his musical choices.

The Table of Covered Songs

Song Title Original Artist Year of Original Release Year of Johnny Cash’s Cover
I Walk the Line Johnny Cash 1956 1968
Hurt Nine Inch Nails 1994 2002
Folsom Prison Blues Johnny Cash 1955 1968
Ring of Fire Anita Carter 1963 1963
Heartbreak Hotel Elvis Presley 1956 1979
Bridge Over Troubled Water Simon & Garfunkel 1970 1970
Rusty Cage Soundgarden 1991 1996
One U2 1991 2000
God’s Gonna Cut You Down Traditional N/A 2006
You Are My Sunshine Jimmie Davis 1940 1962

An Unforgettable Legacy

Johnny Cash’s renditions of these songs exemplify his ability to make each track uniquely his own. By adding his signature sound and raw emotion to these covers, he immortalized each song in a way that resonated with audiences for generations to come. Cash’s compelling storytelling and deep connection with the lyrics established him as a true legend in the music industry.

In conclusion, Johnny Cash’s extensive repertoire of covered songs allowed him to experiment with various genres and showcase his remarkable talent. By interpreting these tracks through his authentic style, Cash solidified his status as an icon in the world of music. Through his powerful voice and unparalleled stage presence, his legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.




Songs Johnny Cash Covered – Frequently Asked Questions


Songs Johnny Cash Covered – Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Which songs did Johnny Cash cover during his career?

Johnny Cash covered numerous songs during his career, including but not limited to ‘Hurt’ by Nine Inch Nails, ‘Hurt’ by Timi Yuro, ‘Personal Jesus’ by Depeche Mode, ‘Desperado’ by Eagles, ‘I Hung My Head’ by Sting, ‘Rusty Cage’ by Soundgarden, ‘One’ by U2, and ‘Riders in the Sky’ by Stan Jones.

What was Johnny Cash’s most famous cover song?

One of Johnny Cash’s most famous cover songs is ‘Hurt,’ originally written by Trent Reznor and performed by Nine Inch Nails. Cash’s rendition of the song received critical acclaim and is often regarded as one of his iconic performances.

Did Johnny Cash cover any country songs?

Yes, Johnny Cash covered several country songs throughout his career. Some notable examples include ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ by Jimmie Rodgers, ‘Jackson’ by Billy Edd Wheeler and Jerry Leiber, and ‘Ring of Fire’ by June Carter Cash and Merle Kilgore.

Which rock songs did Johnny Cash cover?

Johnny Cash covered various rock songs throughout his career. Some notable ones include ‘Personal Jesus’ by Depeche Mode, ‘One’ by U2, ‘God’s Gonna Cut You Down’ by Odetta, and ‘Rusty Cage’ by Soundgarden.

Did Johnny Cash cover any folk songs?

Yes, Johnny Cash covered several folk songs. Examples include ‘If I Were a Carpenter’ by Tim Hardin, ‘Big Iron’ by Marty Robbins, ‘The Mercy Seat’ by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and ‘Long Black Veil’ by Danny Dill and Marijohn Wilkin.

What is Johnny Cash’s version of ‘Ring of Fire’?

Johnny Cash’s version of ‘Ring of Fire’ is a cover of the original, written by June Carter Cash and Merle Kilgore. Cash’s rendition became one of his signature songs and achieved great success.

Did Johnny Cash cover any gospel songs?

Yes, Johnny Cash covered several gospel songs during his career. Some examples include ‘The Old Rugged Cross,’ ‘Will the Circle Be Unbroken,’ ‘Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord),’ and ‘I Saw a Man.’

Which Johnny Cash cover song became controversial?

One of Johnny Cash’s cover songs that generated controversy was his rendition of ‘Hurt.’ The solemn and raw nature of the performance, combined with the accompanying music video, sparked discussions about pain, addiction, and mortality.

Did Johnny Cash cover any songs from other genres?

Yes, Johnny Cash covered songs from various genres outside of country and rock, including folk, blues, gospel, Americana, and traditional ballads. He had a diverse taste and showcased his versatility by interpreting songs from different musical styles.

Are there any tribute albums dedicated to Johnny Cash’s cover songs?

Yes, there are tribute albums specifically dedicated to Johnny Cash’s cover songs. One example is the album ‘Johnny’s Blues: A Tribute to Johnny Cash’ featuring artists like John Mellencamp, Joe Strummer, and Bob Dylan offering their interpretations of Cash’s covers.