New album featuring previously unheard tracks by Johnny Cash to be released this year
It has been co-produced by his son John Carter Cash
21 years after Johnny Cash sadly passed away, a new album has been announced called 'Songwriter'. The album, which has been co-produced by Johnny's son John Carter Cash, and David 'Fergie' Ferguson, who previously worked with the legendary singer, will feature unreleased songs, written by Johnny and recorded back in 1993.
30 years after the songs were recorded at Johnny's son-in-law Mike Daniels and daughter Rosey's studios - LSI Studios in Nashville - the recordings have been discovered by his son, and are almost ready for release later this year.
The album features 11 songs, and is also available on CD, Digital and Vinyl formats.
The first single from the album has now been released, called 'Well Alright', and has been described as 'prime Johnny Cash'. Following the release of the song on YouTube, fans have been commenting about how great it is to have new Johnny Cash music in 2024.
One fan wrote: 'Cash having new songs releasing in 2024 is a blessing. It’s nice to see we’re still getting good country music even with all the mess we’ve been hearing on the radio nowadays.', with another saying: 'Wow previously unreleased material?!?! The Man in black still giving back. Legends never die.'
Speaking about his approach to the album, John Carter said: "We just went rudimentary. We went straight to the roots, as far as the sound, and tried not to overly enhance it. We built as if dad was in the room. That's what we tried to do. Between the both of us, Fergie and I have spent thousands of hours with dad in the recording studio, so we just tried to act like he was there: WWJCD, right?"
He went on to say: "It’s not about selling Johnny Cash, he would be doing that himself, I'm grateful that this record is here, even if it was only for me, because it reminds me of who my father was, and I do believe there are people out there that knew him on somewhat of a level that I did, that will be just as touched.
"But I also believe that there are people out there that have never heard my father's music that will find new interest in hearing this, hearing this album and hearing my father's voice. I hope that gleans some curiosity in some people where they dig further, and they discover more because there's a lot to see within those pages."
Fergie also opened up about what he thought Johnny might think of 'Songwriter', saying: "I would think Johnny would say what he said about every record that I worked on with him, every record I think he ever made, when he got to the end of it, he always said, 'I think it's the best record I’ve ever made.' You could count on that. I could just hear him say that. I think he'd be really proud of it."
What songs are on 'Songwriter'?
See the full list of songs below.
- 'Hello Out There'
- 'Spotlight'
- 'Drive On'
- 'I Love You Tonite'
- 'Have You Ever Been to Little Rock?'
- 'Well Alright'
- 'She Sang Sweet Baby James'
- 'Poor Valley Girl'
- 'Soldier Boy'
- 'Sing It Pretty Sue'
- 'Like A Soldier'
When is 'Songwriter' out?
'Songwriter' will be released on 28th June 2024.
Take a look through albums due out this year:
Sir Rod Stewart and Jools Holland - 'Swing Fever'
Release date: Out now
The album, called 'Swing Fever', will see Rod Stewart and Jools Holland unite for 13 songs including classic songs such as 'Ain't Misbehavin'', 'Frankie And Johnny', 'Sentimental Journey' and 'Lullaby Of Broadway'.
The Waterboys - '1985'
Release date: Out now
The Waterboys' '1985' is a box set featuring six CDs and a hardback book. The box set follows the creation of their 1985 album 'This Is The Sea'.
Texas and Spooner Oldham - 'The Muscle Shoals Sessions’
Release date: Out now
Scottish band Texas have announced a brand new album titled 'The Muscle Shoals Sessions' with Spooner Oldham. It was described by the band as 'like nothing we've ever done before.'
Pet Shop Boys - 'Nonetheless'
Release date: Out now
Pet Shop Boys have announced their latest album 'Nonetheless' will be released in April. The album features 10 songs and comes in a variety of formats.
Pink Floyd - 'The Dark Side of the Moon' Collector's Edition
Release date: Out now
Pink Floyd will release 'The Dark Side of the Moon' Collector's Edition in April. The latest reissue of the album will be available on transparent vinyl with UV print.
Bruce Springsteen - 'Best Of Bruce Springsteen'
Release date: Out now
Bruce Springsteen will release a new greatest hits album called 'Best of Bruce Springsteen'. The album features 31 tracks on the digital version, and 18 on the physical version, such as his hits 'Born in The USA', and 'Streets of Philadelphia'.
Tina Turner - 'What's Love Got To Do With It' Special edition
Release date: Out now
A special edition of Tina Turner's soundtrack album to her 1993 biopic What's Love Got To Do With It, is being released with some songs which have not been heard before.
Johnny Cash - 'Songwriter'
Release date: 28th June 2024
More than 30 years after they were recorded, 11 previously unreleased songs will be available for fans to enjoy. The album 'Songwriter' has been co-produced by Johnny son John Carter Cash, and music engineer, who worked with Johnny, David 'Fergie' Ferguson.
David Gilmour - 'Luck and Strange'
Release date: 6th September 2024
Serving as his first album of new material in nine years, Pink Floyd musician David Gilmour will be releasing his fifth solo album 'Luck and Strange' later in 2024. It will feature a surprise appearance from the late Pink Floyd keyboard player Richard Wright, from a recording from 2007. The album was produced by David Gilmour and Charlie Andrew.
Lightning Seeds - 'Tomorrow’s Here Today: 35 Years of Lightning Seeds'
Release date: 4th October 2024
Lightning Seeds will release 'Tomorrow's Here Today: 35 Years of Lightning Seeds' in October, closely followed by a UK tour.
Now read:
Cher, Ozzy Osbourne and more to be inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
New acts added to the Glastonbury line-up including Lulu and many more