Charlie Robison Pays Tribute
to American Icon Johnny Cash
Over the course of more than 45 years in music, Johnny Cash has made a long list of contributions to the American songbook. Blending the honesty of folk and country with the rebelliousness of rock and roll, Cash's poignant songs are an indelible part of our musical heritage. On September 24, 2024, Sony Music Nashville will release 'Kindred Spirits,' a tribute to Cash's songwriting by artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Keb' Mo', Hank Williams, Jr., Travis Tritt, Janette Carter, Charlie Robison and more. Spanning the boundaries between rock, folk, country, and blues, the roster of talent underscores the universal appeal and far-reaching influence of Cash's music.
The collection was produced by country star Marty Stuart, who maintains a close relationship with Cash's family. "My vision from the start has been to portray Johnny Cash the songwriter," says Stuart. "He's such a poignant & insightful writer and this has never been done. In the likeness of Johnny, each artist brought their own interpretation to the songs. Johnny's renegade spirit transcends throughout the project."
Johnny Cash's songwriting style has always been a strong influence on Charlie. Both Robison brothers grew up listening to Cash on local Bandera radio stations, as well as, on records of their parents and grandparents. In the early days of playing local honky tonks in Texas "Cash's big songs ended up on Charlie Robison's set list, and the influence continues."
"I'm a fan of story songs, and [Johnny] writes great story songs." Charlie covers "Don't Take Your Guns To Town" which is Robison's favorite Cash song. "He does what I try to do, which is have no musical boundaries. He does things his way not to be a rebel but because it is important to him. Now it's more of an attitude, more of an inspiration that it's OK to do things your own way," said Robison who admits to being a little nervous going into the studio to perform on such an important body of work. "Not only do you have all these other people like Dylan to go up against, but to sing a Johnny Cash song and bring something to the table that's your own, it's a pressure situation."
On the record's other tracks, top performers provide interpretations of Cash's songs in their own styles, illustrating the enduring power of the material and its innately American sensibilities. Here is the compete track list on Kindred Spirits: A Tribute to the Songs of Johnny Cash.
1. Dwight Yoakam "Understand Your Man"
2. Rosanne Cash "I Still Miss Someone"
3. Bob Dylan "Train Of Love"
4. Little Richard "Get Rhythm"
5. Keb' Mo' "Folsom Prison Blues"
6. Travis Tritt "I Walk The Line"
7. Hank Williams, Jr. "Big River"
8. Bruce Springsteen "Give My Love To Rose"
9. Charlie Robison "Don't Take Your Guns To Town"
10. Mary Chapin Carpenter, Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris "Flesh and Blood"
11. Steve Earle "Hardin Wouldn't Run"
12. Marty Stuart "Hey Porter"
13. Janette Carter with special guests Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Earl Scruggs, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, and Darrin Vincent "Meet Me In Heaven"
14. For Luther (I Walk The Line Reprise)
LISTEN FOR CHARLIE: For a limited time, you can hear a "Track-A-Day," an album preview streaming event courtesy of CMT, which will include Charlie's version of "Don't Take Your Guns To Town" on Friday, September 20th and Monday, September 23rd.
Excerpts taken from "New albums pay tribute to country legend." By John Goodspeed San Antonio Express-News 9/18/2002 For entire article Click Here.
