David Ferguson and others who have made the recordings we enjoy should receive more recognition for their labor; thank you Otis for featuring their contribution to the music we enjoy. :)

@otisgibbs

2 жыл бұрын

I agree with you, Artemis. The Musician's HOF and Museum in Nashville is maybe the only place I know that celebrates these folks. It's worth a visit for anyone headed to Nashville.

@jimmy7376

Жыл бұрын

@@otisgibbs I also agree. They don't get the recognition they deserve. Joe Chambers does video's here on KZread and spot lights some of those folks. Great content! Thanks for the video's Otis!

@Havanorange

Жыл бұрын

Through my job which is not in music, I met a studio sound engineer for Bob Marley. It was only after me being curious and asking about his work and then who he had worked with that he told me. If I had not taken a moment to ask, I never would've known. I had a copy of an album he's credited on. It's a top album. So I told him that I liked the music and specifically the energy of the album, and he smiled so warmly and thanked me so kindly. I later found through Google photos both from the time of the album and more recent that it was in fact him besides his name being on the album credits. It's probably been 10 years now, but I still remember that positive moment. I still enjoy those songs now and then, whether the album or hearing the recording in public or a live cover😊 I always remember the time I talked with the sound engineer whenever I hear one of those songs again.

If Rick had done nothing but talk Johnny into doing Nine Inch Nails song "Hurt" he would be a genius when it comes to Johnny. Johnny's take on that song & the video he created to go with it is as good as it gets. I think Ricks great move with Jonny was simply believing in him & telling him to do what ever he wanted to do....Ed Brashear

I thought it brilliant what Rick Rubin did. He just shifted perspectives. It was like, in my opinion, Johnny cash hadn’t been making good music, it was more like people just weren’t listening. But Rubin made people listen again. And that’s a great thing for a legend like Cash. I love Drive On and the man who couldn’t cry. And have always loved the Tennessee stud. I like all these albums on American recordings. Thanks Otis. Furg is a legend too. Would love to meet that guy.

According to his autobiography, Johnny wanted to do a record with just him and his guitar already in the early 1980s but his record company CBS, I think, didn't allow it. Hence his protest song/video Chicken In Black. Would have been nice with an extra decade of gems by Johnny Cash. Is his album Personal Files on American Records too? If Jesus Ever Loved A Woman is a gem on it. On the other American Records there are a lot of excellent covers. Tom Petty almost apologized for his own version of I Won't Back Down after hearing Johnny's. Southern Accent, Down By The Train, Four Strong Winds and The Devil's Right Hand are some other awesome covers by Johnny. Amazing period in his career, reaching new generations born up to fifty years after himself!

@DavidSmith-ss1cg

2 жыл бұрын

It's great that he had the chance to work with Rick; as the guy said, it kinda took an outsider with a fresh perspective. And, God bless him, Johnny, the consumate old pro, the Man in Black - he GOT it, and trusted Rick. He didn't always get it, but he reached out, he tried to connect. And all them musicians got it, and you can tell - you can feel him reaching out...a master at making a connection, as much as he ever was(but different, of course). I'm SO glad to see this, I read Tom Petty's bio by Warren Zanes and heard some of the songs, and their weight. Johnny was a Gift, and it was shameful that Gnashville treated him like they did. "The Athens of the South..." Huh. I watched the Johnny Cash TV special when he passed, and I knew there was going to be some stuff worth seeing, and I was tore up all over again. Johnny had that TV show in the 1960s in prime time and he was able to get a "Who's Who" of young brilliant talent on prime time TV and got them National exposure and helped their careers - so many of them. I'll bet that Tom Petty and others watched; it was so rare for the Rockers to get respect, because many of the bands knew guys that had been to Vietnam and it was a really sensitive subject then; a lotta people first heard of Merle Haggard when he wrote that song about Muskogee; but Merle wasn't being political, he was being topical, an old Country music tradition. Johnny's TV show was a Gift from God, too. Thanks for this peek behind the process of Johnny Cash's American Recordings, Otis. You sure get some interesting folks on your channel.

I really enjoy his version of "Sea of Heartbreak".

@otisgibbs

2 жыл бұрын

That's a good one, Chris!

@gregmattox

2 жыл бұрын

That's a great song. Johnny's is good.

His version of “I See A Darkness” and “Mercy Seat” are on constant rotation. Simply brilliant.

I'm probably in the minority of viewers on this channel, but the American/ Rick Rubin material is my favorite Johnny Cash material. I can easily listen to the entire Box set fairly often. His "Ive Been Everywhere" is a favorite of mine.

@twoshirtman7096

2 жыл бұрын

In my opinion you are right, The American Recordings period is Johnny Cashs best period as a recording artist. These records are down to basic.

@johnrosier1686

2 жыл бұрын

There is definitely some great songs and no problem with this being your favorite Cash material. He reached a lot of different audiences during his decades of performing and recording. I am probably in the minority because I like Johnny more than Elvis.

@j.r.242

2 жыл бұрын

Same. It’s what really got me into CASH

@alanp3334

2 жыл бұрын

I'd say it's more a matter of perspective. A young man has energy and drive, whereas an old man has experience and wisdom.

The entire album as a whole man. One of all time greats stripped down to his soul and an acoustic guitar . Man , I love this album.

I love the honesty of David Ferguson and him giving credit where credit is due , and the inside story of behind the scenes. I dont think people realize all of the countless hours of work it can take just to get a finished song. Great interview and content as always!

@regunter6599

2 жыл бұрын

I share your opinion of Mr. Ferguson, it takes a man who truly respects others work ethic to jump in immediately and say, "I didn't do this alone, and then start naming names". A great leader always does that, people like to work with someone who shares the credit for a success.

When that first American recording album came out I got it! Played along to it on my Dad's banjo day in and day out in Hong Kong. Helped me realize my living in that fast-past super-charged city didn't need rapid Scruggs transit; I needed some dirt scratching Cash deposits. Chilled me out. Saved my life, :] I can't thank you enough to discover how that recording happened. Perfect

I'd have to say Redemption is may favorite. It takes on a whole new meaning when sung by someone with the perspective of so many life experiences and the passage of time.

It was great to hear Dave’s version of these recordings. I was happy that Cash could make a comeback and later still record even when his health was declining.

I've heard his voice on Sirius radio its nice to see his face. Such an incredible guy

Thank you for posting this interview with Mr. FERGUSON. What a story, I could listen to this stuff all day long. It is wonderful that the " behind the scenes " artists like engineers get some credit. Thanks OTIS.

Big thanks Otis for posting this interwiev it was really, really interesting. I mean Johnny Cash is one of the most important artists in history of modern music. Johnny did a lot of great music during his lifetime and The American Recordings are so brilliant. Muddy Waters did his best records in the last years of his life, and I do belive that Johnny Cash did it to.

In “Life’s Book of Cool” there’s one whole chapter dedicated to Elvis Presley. For Johnny Cash, there’s two chapters.

Every time I see the "Hurt " video it tears me up . Only one word "Beautiful "

Thankful for everyone who worked on those records, I listen to songs from the american recordings probably everyday, I was only 3 years old when Johnny passed away but would’ve loved to have seen his perform live one day. Everyone involved in this album are legends

Pure class!!!

This is great. The American Recordings are a gift.

This guy is a treasure great stories👍🍻

We were blessed with 4 of them and then 2 more after he passed away

That was really great of Dwight to do that for you. That's one of the reasons I love country music so much... usually, everyone looks out for one another. It's like an unwritten code that country music artists live by. Well, before the change happened anyway.

Great. I love Otis, that all these incredible talents and pros love to talk to you. These interviews are so warm and educational too. Thank you, from a singer-songwriter in Toronto, Canada.

“The Man Comes Around.” The acoustic guitars that open this amazing song give me chills as I write this! And it’s Johnny’s “dream song” with some of his finest poetic juxtapositions (which remind me of “Thunder, Perfect Mind,” from the Gnostic Gospels, jus’ sayin’…), purty pah ruffle juju from where’s I sit! And then it leads into “Hurt!” Of the redux of the old cannon, it’s hard to choose… all equal or exceed the originals! I’m very fond of “Country Boy” and “l Hung My Head,” but perhaps most especially “Sea Of Darkness”… - Namaste, Glenn PS: Oh! The “Hurt” DVD included with the CD, also “powerful stuff!” Really enjoy your posts Otis! With infinite gratitude in perpetuity… GCBJ

I love all of the American recordings of course, but that first record is special, and is my top 5 LP's of all time. Side note: When my wife went to NYU, she was given Rick's former dorm room.

These American recordings are the best..

It's great to have some insight from the engineers perspective. My favourite songs from the sessions has to be Redemption Song with Joe Strummer. Thank you, Otis!

I dream of the winter. Sparse landscapes in towns I've never seen. Trees without leaves, surrounded by snow and shrouded in black bark. And yet they know I am there, and they talk to me. That's how American Recordings enter into me.

I am going the blaspheme and admit I have not listened to all of the American Recordings or at least do not have them anymore (lost cds that were not replaced). However, Sam Hall holds a very special place in my heart. I cannot hear that song that I do not remember my young daughter and son in the car singing along with it. Music is the one art form that has always touched my life and certain songs are the soundtracks to precious memories. It is thanks to the work of men like Mr Ferguson that we have these magical musical moments. Please thank him for sharing this with us Otis and thank you so very much for doing what you do.

My Favorites were Tear Stained Letter, I Never Picked Cotton, and I've been everywhere.

I love this so much

Thank you again Otis. I loved it

Thank you! Love hearing these stories! Johnny Cash was a genius!

Great interview Ferg!

Cool anecdotes - keep em up.

This is really great man! Off the charts. Thank you very much for this one! 🎸🚂🥁🎙🖤

Thanks Otis

Lol Love the title :)

You done good David, Much love Otis...

This channel introduces me to the most fascinating people.

Great subject! Fascinating recordings that augment Johnnies legacy so much. I stumbled across a video of Rick Rubin talking about this project out there somewhere. Thanks Otis.

Damn you, Gibbs. This video may be my most expensive YT video yet. After watching this one, I had to go buy the Cash American Recordings box set.

@algoreHasNoRythm

2 жыл бұрын

Great investment in your development could be a tax deduction😁

"In My Life" has helped me through many heartbreaking times

Mr. Gibbs another fantastic episode look forward to each and every installment of your series. You are really “hitting the note” as Duane Allman would say, I believe you found your calling! Thank you so much!

This was pure GOLD. Thank you for sharing this conversation, these are the folks we really admire-the engineers. The American Recordings are our favorite Johnny Cash stuff. Love songs like “Ain’t No Grave” or “Hurt.”🎧🙏🏻

It's been a while since I've able to listen to your shows. Lots to catch up on. I've always loved the American recordings. I think those are a fitting document to the life of JC. There are so many but the four that come to mind are Further on up the Road, So Lonesome I Could Cry w/ Nick Cave, Redemption Songs w/ Joe Strummer and Down There by the Train. Things sure change. I don't remember commercials in the middle of the cast. But I still love what you do. Can't wait to listen to all the ones I've missed.

Thanks Otis and thank David too. I really appreciate you saving this history! I think my favorite was Danny boy. Mostly because we had a son in Iraq about that time. Thanks again.

Thanks very much Otis for posting this. It is a great insight on one of the greatest (in my opinion) series of recordings in country music history!!! Johnny Cash was and is one of my all time heroes as are many of the great musicians that contributed to these recordings. The later recordings still have a raw sound, which I think is good. Credit to David Ferguson for helping to make it all happen. Say what you want about rap and hip hop, but Rick Rubin clearly had a vision of what basic Johnny Cash was.

man, what an honest and open dude. great insight to recording process.

@DavidSmith-ss1cg

2 жыл бұрын

You're right; I think that what's great about many of the great artists of the Rock era - that's now mostly past - is that they GOT it, that they realized that the producer and the engineer - and the PROCESS - is pretty damned important, and so they made some phenomenal art. I don't think that it will get much better than some of their recordings.

Hey Otis. This is a great video, lots of history. I was wondering if you might do a video on Mickey Raphael. He's my favorite harmonica player. Love ya, Otis. Keep it up!

I had heard Johnny's son John Carter engineered the recordings. It didn't seem like he had the experience. Great interview. Thanks for posting.

What are your favorite Johnny Cash songs from the American Recordings series?

@ronwarnick5248

2 жыл бұрын

That's really tough to answer, because there are so many of them. Pressed, I'll say "Down There by the Train," a Tom Waits cover that fit Johnny to a T, and the cover of Neil Young's "Pocahontas," on which Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers did A LOT of heavy lifting.

@twoshirtman7096

2 жыл бұрын

On the evening train.

@twoshirtman7096

2 жыл бұрын

Solitary man is also really beautiful.

@richardmurray1682

2 жыл бұрын

The Man Comes Around for me Otis. Thanks for Sharing this with us.

@fullschneider

2 жыл бұрын

Personal Jesus. It fits Johnny so good.

Love these stories. I love all those Cash recordings hard to pick one. But I’d have to choose- ‘I see a darkness’ ‘Sam hall’ ‘Help me’ ‘On the evening train’. So many treasures to pick from

Crazy how crucial Rick Rubin is in multiple aspects of American musical culture

@jayjaynella4539

Жыл бұрын

Neil Diamond's work with Rick is his most penetrating and soulful music ever.

David Ferguson has a new album coming out on Fat Possum Records and y'all need to give it a listen! fatpossum.com/collections/david-ferguson/

I loved the song Dehlia. I played it for my DAD & he just stares at me & said, " That ain't Johnny cash" indignantly, almost insulted. I fired back, "l took a shot of cocaine & l shot my woman down" & "l shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die". I guess he couldn't get over , who he thought Johnny Cash was......, My Father passed at 84 back in 2012 in Fla. Retired truck driver, from CT.

Sea of Heartbreak is the best song of the whole collection. Particularly Benmont's walkdown to that low low note. Those three notes are some of my favorites ever recorded.

The sound on your video is great.

@otisgibbs

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I remember when Rick was recording rappers out of his dorm room at NYU. It's Yours by TLA Rock is a masterpiece

Good dude. The real deal.

❤

All i can think of was Hurt. Maybe Johnny's last album. RR. I just knew of Rick thru Slayer's "Reign In Blood", to me the Abbey Road of Heavy Metal. Never heard Johnny's album or whatever DJ did but work at a shop that sells dog collars and such on line. One order was for Rick Rubin, just about a year ago. 'hey, something cool....'. nope. another cat.

I love "Old Chunk of Coal" and "One." Force me to choose and I will go with the latter, but I listen to both all the time.

“The beast in me” track is my favorite.

David is right on the money about engineers… sadly enough.. I’ve spent a decent amount of hours in recording studios in the past.. and wouldn’t know one of the engineers if they came up and bit me..!!😩 But most of them turned our analog choas into polished turds.. lol.. I guess we weren’t THAT good…

The Mercy Seat.

Eat the train blow the whistle…. That’s the best

Man I miss DAT and especially ADAT!!

👋😎👍

I just love these inside stories. Hey Otis! Do you recall which of your posts that you tell the story about driving around in England and yelling out the car window ''Fuck Eric Clapton'. Every time I think of that story I laugh out loud. :)

@otisgibbs

2 жыл бұрын

I told that story on stage 6 or 7 times in a two week period over ten years ago and I still hear about it. The audiences loved it, but I felt guilty and cheap afterwards. I don't want to be the guy spewing out negative crap into the world, so I've never told the story anywhere since, but folks still bring it up. It shows the power of negative energy. You get a lot more attention burning the barn down than you do taking care of the herd.

@tedlindsay8221

2 жыл бұрын

@@otisgibbs Nice response. I agree. This is gold. "You get a lot more attention burning the barn down than you do taking care of the herd." Take care!

I remember reading a Bob Dylan interview not long after Cash passed where he referred to the American Recordings catalogue as, “…that low-grade stuff he did with Rick Rubin”. Still don’t know what he meant by that. Still pisses me off. I’ve always thought of it as the crowning of an unparalleled career. For me, no one comes close to Johnny Cash, not even Dylan. I mean, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were his backing band! If I had to pick a song from the American Recordings sessions I’d say, “Like The 309” because it’s the last song the Man In Black ever wrote. Thanks, Otis.

@JohnRHughes

2 жыл бұрын

I too thought that was odd of Bob, but it made me go back and listen more closely to the Sun recordings.

@carlosford1226

2 жыл бұрын

Low grade then so be it. Cash never sounded better, just the unadulterated pureness of a man in a room with his guitar and that iconic voice that won't pass this way again. Now realize I don't have the complete boxed set but I'll soon remedy that.

@ryanroark2818

2 жыл бұрын

@@carlosford1226 it is a probably my favorite of all the American series…. The book in the box set is fun to read the reminiscices and four different themed CDs

"Delia's Gone", and later "Rusty Cage".

Delilah’s Gone.

I appreciated the positive things Rick Rubin did for music but let's be clear he is not now aligned as he with Adria Petty who is releasing music Tom would never allow ...... nor ever was a musician himself. Superfan all good ... until Jacob Dylan tried to work with him and had a nervous breakdown trying to talk the nitty gritty about making records with him. And I am a great admirer of the documentary Echoes of the Canyon JD put out a few years ago. JD is armoured for a good reason but I agree with him that Brian Wilson was a true genius in any genre. Am trying to reflect on what I have learned; if my perspective is faulty I am sorry. And yes I still love your channel whatever happens. Having a bad day my cat died; she was 17 and that's life. So sorry this is a bit disorganized but feelings run high.

@otisgibbs

2 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry to hear about your cat, Evelyn. All the best to ya!

@evelynbaron8357

2 жыл бұрын

You are that good man to ride the river with my friend

Hurt

love it...tho my beard could never be OTis Gibbs cool...i will type this tale....having hit puberty late i barely shaved frist couple years at Uva....I spent my third year in Chile and liteary had 4 passpot photos, having been at the time when i decidedto remain in Sanitago the entire year smartly, the first gringo to get a visa extended while in Chile, which was a ridiculous scavenger hunt of paperwork and bureaucracy in the first i look like a fine young kid from tthe states with my orioles hat and very little hair....in the second im hairier on the face and grungy length by the third im hairy all over by the fourth, in which i am holding up one of those boards with numbers like id been arrested and am dark fully hairy and lool like Paco the drug lord....anyway....before that (note my last name) my dad used to send photos of Rick not related that we know of Rubin and his excessive hairy look making jokes about perhaps he is my distant cousin....tho its been groomed and could and does grow back quickly i did not groom during all of Quarntimes and oddly wound up never thinking i would with a pretty mpressive beard...anyway thanks as always brother Otis-SJOCR