Unreleased Johnny Cash Album 'Songwriter' Set for June Release

A previously unreleased new Johnny Cash album titled 'Songwriter' has been uncovered and is set for release on June 28, 2023. The album was originally recorded by Cash in 1993, a decade before his death, at his family's recording studio in Nashville. However, the tracks were shelved after a dip in record sales, and Cash went on to collaborate with producer Rick Rubin on his acclaimed 'American Recordings' series.

Cash's son, John Carter Cash, has now stripped back the songs to feature his father's vocals and acoustic guitar, with the help of musicians who had previously worked with Cash. The album is intended to showcase Cash's songwriting abilities and his voice as an 'American voice.' It includes previously unheard tracks like 'Well Alright,' 'I Love You Tonite,' 'Drive On,' and 'Like A Soldier,' which deal with themes of love, pain, and addiction.

Why this matters: The release of 'Songwriter' is seen as an opportunity to further highlight Cash's legacy as a renowned songwriter and artist. The album showcases the breadth of Cash's songwriting on topics like love, family, sorrow, spiritual salvation, and redemption.

John Carter Cash worked with Cash's longtime collaborators, including guitarist Marty Stuart and bassist Dave Roe, to record the album. The goal was to put the spotlight back on his legendary father's songwriting and give history the opportunity to recognize him as a great writer. "My father was first and foremost a songwriter," John Carter Cash said. "I believe this is one of the most important works of my father as an artist, as a songwriter, as a man, as a human being. I'm so proud to present it to the world."

The first track, 'Well Alright,' has been released, and the full album 'Songwriter' is set to be released on June 28, 2023, via Mercury Nashville/UMe. The album will be available on various formats, including CD and vinyl. The project was guided by Cash's advice to 'follow your heart,' as expressed by his son John Carter Cash.

Key Takeaways

• Unreleased Johnny Cash album 'Songwriter' to be released on June 28, 2023.
• Album recorded in 1993, shelved due to dip in record sales, now revived.
• Album showcases Cash's songwriting on themes of love, pain, and addiction.
• Produced by Cash's son John Carter Cash with longtime collaborators.
• Aims to highlight Cash's legacy as a renowned songwriter and artist.