The 1980s often cast a shadow over Johnny Cash’s prolific career, a period frequently described as a creative nadir before his celebrated resurgence. While it’s true that his longtime label, Columbia, dropped him and commercial success waned, this narrative overlooks the consistent quality and evolving artistry Cash continued to produce. This exploration delves into some of Johnny Cash’s most compelling recordings from 1980 to 1989, showcasing his enduring talent and willingness to experiment, even as his career navigated different landscapes.
A Resilient Creative Force
The general perception of Johnny Cash’s 1980s career is one of struggle, culminating in a significant revitalization by producer Rick Rubin. While Rubin undoubtedly played a crucial role in re-establishing Cash as a cultural icon, this often overshadows the fact that Cash never ceased creating compelling music. His output during this decade, though sometimes off the beaten path and in unexpected collaborations, remained a testament to his unique voice and artistic integrity. This period, far from being a void, offered a rich tapestry of diverse musical expressions.
Collaborations and Gospel Roots
In 1980, Johnny Cash contributed to Emmylou Harris’s album Roses in the Snow. His performance alongside Harris and Ricky Skaggs on a gospel piece, ” Emmylou Harris (w/Johnny Cash and Ricky Skaggs), 1980“, was a highlight. This album was a significant document of the New Traditionalist movement, demonstrating that even 25 years into his career, Cash remained at the forefront of contemporary music. The following year, Cash partnered with Levon Helm for “The Death of Me” on the concept album The Legend of Jesse James. This collaboration offered a relaxed, loping rhythm that echoed the spirit of Cash’s early Sun Records recordings.
Family Ties and Emerging Talents
The 1980s also saw significant contributions from Cash’s family. In 1982, his daughter Rosanne, who was achieving greater country radio success, released the album Somewhere in the Stars. Johnny Cash made a guest appearance on her song “That’s How I Got to Memphis,” lending his powerful voice to the final chorus, elevating the track from good to sublime. The same year, Cash joined forces with Marty Stuart, a longtime sideman, on Stuart’s sophomore album, Busy Bee Café. Their rendition of the Bob Nolan cowboy tune “One More Ride” showcased their comfortable harmonies and Stuart’s skilled bluegrass picking.
Duets and Train Songs
Johnny Cash’s duets with his wife, June Carter Cash, remained a consistent highlight, even on his less commercially successful albums. Their 1983 collaboration on “Brand New Dance,” another Paul Kennerley composition for the album Johnny 99, is a prime example of their enduring musical chemistry. Cash’s lifelong fascination with train songs also produced gems in the 1980s. “Hey Hey Train,” penned by Marty Stuart for the 1985 album The Baron, stands out as a blistering and memorable track, representing one of Cash’s final singles for Columbia.
The Highwaymen and New Labels
The supergroup The Highwaymen, featuring Johnny Cash alongside Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, released albums that were often a mixed bag. However, their duet “The Twentieth Century Is Almost Over” showcased an enjoyable synergy, with Nelson’s fluid delivery complemented by Cash’s grounded rhythm. This track, despite its “cheesy keyboards,” captured the spirit of camaraderie and fun shared by the legendary artists.
Following his departure from Columbia, Cash signed with Mercury Records. This lesser-known phase of his career, often produced by long-time collaborator Jack Clement, yielded a treasure trove of excellent performances. “I’d Rather Have You,” a charmingly earnest love song from his 1987 album Johnny Cash Is Coming To Town, exemplifies the quality of these recordings. In 1989, Cash revisited one of his earlier Sun singles, recording a superior version of “Ballad of a Teenage Queen” for a remake featuring The Everly Brothers and his daughter Rosanne. This demonstrates how Cash continued to reinterpret his own catalog with fresh perspectives.
Gospel Revivals and Enduring Legacy
Cash’s involvement in the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Will the Circle Be Unbroken 2 album in 1989 provided another platform for his gospel music. His performance of “Life’s Railway to Heaven,” backed by Earl Scruggs on banjo and the harmonies of the Carter Family, was a powerful rendition. This period also saw him contribute backing vocals to the essential, albeit rare, Carter Family album Wildwood Flower.
Conclusion: A Testament to Timeless Music
The 1980s represented a period of transition for Johnny Cash, marked by label changes and evolving industry landscapes. However, far from being a decline, this decade revealed his unwavering commitment to his craft and his ability to produce profound and engaging music. From heartfelt duets with his wife and daughter to collaborations with legendary peers and his own re-interpretations of classic songs, Cash’s output during this time is a vital part of his rich discography. These recordings serve as a powerful reminder that true artistry transcends commercial trends and that the “Man in Black” continued to deliver resonant performances that deserve wider recognition. Explore these lesser-known treasures and rediscover the enduring power of Johnny Cash’s music.