Long before the country music "Outlaw Movement" of the mid 1970's, country music already had an outlaw in the best sense of the word.

Just one name. Cash.

If "country music outlaw" means doing it your own way and the establishment be damned, then the Father of outlaw country is Johnny Cash.

From the 1950's to today, Johnny Cash's music rings real and true. There are too many classic songs to mention and his life's story has been well chronicled. In this piece, i want to hone in on one album, one historic performance.

While Johnny's 1968 album Johnny Cash At Folsum Prison is better known, the album that (I think) epitomizes the Man In Black is the legendary album that was released in June of 1969.

Recorded February 24, 1969 Johnny Cash At San Quentin features Johnny, June Carter Cash and the Carter Family, The Tennessee Three, Carl Perkins and The Statler Brothers.

Having sold over 3 million copies, Johnny won the Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for the hit single from the album, Shel Silverstein's "A Boy Named Sue".

But, for me, it was "San Quentin" that showed the world (if they didn't already know) who Johnny Cash was. An "in your face" song, as you can see and hear, Johnny's audience certainly appreciated the sentiment that Johnny knew each inmate felt.

It was 46 years ago, February 24, 1969, that one of country music's most iconic albums was recorded, and released in June of that year.

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