Digipak reissue of 1969 album that's out-of-print in the US. 2001.
While Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, the 1968 album that made Cash a household word, spent only two weeks at No. 1, this 1969 follow-up topped the charts for 20 weeks. As with Folsom, the San Quentin LP had to be edited due to space limitations. Now, 31 years after the fact, the show can at last be heard in true perspective. All the original performances hold up, including the album's hit single: Shel Silverstein's "A Boy Named Sue," presented unbleeped for the first time. Equally impressive are the eight restored tracks and unexpurgated between-song patter. Cash's opening renditions of "Big River" and "I Still Miss Someone" are bracing. So are four closing songs teaming Cash with his complete performing troupe (the Carter Family, Carl Perkins, and the Statler Brothers). Their gospel performances ("He Turned the Water into Wine," "The Old Account," and an early version of "Daddy Sang Bass") are electrifying, as is a concluding medley featuring everyone. Cash is presented here at his roaring, primal best. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Rating:
Summary: At San Quentin
Comment: Of course I'm going to be partial to Mr. Johnny Cash. He is a legend and always will be so he gets five stars. At San Quentin is a great live album, and in my opinion, I'd get this AND Live at Folsom Prison, they're both just as terrific as the other and not too expensive. It's hard and there's really no need to pick a favorite so I won't. Just get both of them. Both albums really showcase the talents of Carl Perkins if you're a fan of his but San Quentin is the only one with Bob Wooten on guitar with Carl. I think if you really just want to sink back into a world that has long since closed its doors on us for good and get lost in what it was like to experience Great music and Great times have fun with Mr. Cashs live prison albums (both of them). They make serving time a little more bearable anyway.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Johnny Cash: An American Treasure
Comment: Johnny Cash is undoubtedly as essential to American music as Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, and Hank Williams. His contributions are admired by both country aficionados and rockers alike. On none of his releases is the reason why as apparent as with his "Live At San Quentin" release.

Here, we're treated to rousing renditions of early Cash classics "Big River," "I Still Miss Somone," and "I Walk The Line" alongside revamped versions of "Folsom Prison Blues," "Ring Of Fire," and "Wreck Of The Old 97." Needless to say, the addition of Carl Perkins to the list of backing musicians has a great deal to do with the musical quality of this show! However, the musical highlights don't stop there:

At San Quentin, Cash introduces new numbers / soon to be hits such as "A Boy Named Sue" and "Jackson," as well as the biting "San Quentin" and "Starkville City Jail." On the double-disc boxed set, Cash also welcomes upcoming act The Statler Brothers and bluegrass favorites The Carter Family (now consisting of Mother Maybelle and her daughters). No longer limited to merely country or gospel numbers, modern era folk and rock covers include the eclectic and often-covered "Break My Mind," the Lovin' Spoonful's "Darlin' Companion," Tom Paxton's "The Last Thing On My Mind," and Carl Perkins' classic "Blue Suede Shoes" (performed by the master himself)!

Cash's passing would leave an empty space in American music, but the legacy of recordings he left behind and the artists he inspired (and continues to inspire) will deservedly live on as a true American treasure.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Classic Man in Black
Comment: Everyone knows Johnny Cash is a legend, and this album shows why that is the case. Not only does it showcase his talent, but it gives you a glimpse of the person as well. Vintage Cash and worth every penny!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Great CD, but...
Comment: My husband loves this CD, but I have a hard time listening to the foul language and gospel music!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Johnny Cash
Comment: Great music from a classic singer. Now part of my collection of Johnny Cash items. Price was very low when ordered with other Amazon items.

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