Big River Vinyl Memories.

Johnny Cash And The Highwayman Live.

Big River vinyl memories returns to 1958 with this song written by Johnny Cash and performed live with The Highwaymen. According to his daughter, Rosanne Cash, this is one of the most eloquent pieces of American poetry ever written.

Big River was released as a single by Sun Records from the album "Sings the Songs That Made Him Famous" and went as high as #4 on the Billboard country music charts.

The song remained on the charts for 14 weeks, however,  there was a verse omitted from the original recording that was later performed during Johnny's live performances.

Listening to this original recording on vinyl also allows you to appreciate the intricacies of the instrumentation. The twang of the guitar, the rolling baseline, and Cash's distinctive deep voice all stand out in a way that digital formats cannot replicate. Each note and lyric carries a weight that resonates with the listener, conveying the essence of Cash's storytelling.

Johnny Cash's Big River vinyl memories is a timeless classic that holds a special place in the hearts of many music lovers, especially those who appreciate the warm, rich, sound of vinyl.

As you watch the video below with Cash and his buddies, Waylon, Willie and Kris Kristofferson, perform the song from the album "The Highwayman" pay close attention to how much fun these guys are having with the song. The experience of listening to this iconic song live may bring back cherished memories of your experience listening to the original recording on vinyl.

Big River Vinyl Memories.
Story Line - by Rosanne Cash.

I think my dad’s ‘Big River’ is one of the most eloquent pieces of American poetry ever written. It is so layered and cinematic.

It’s a narrative that starts at the top of the Mississippi River, in St Paul, Minnesota, and ends in New Orleans. It was written about a time when travel was still full of surprises; when it was an exotic trip to go from St Paul to Memphis or New Orleans. He uses alliteration in a thrilling way.

The first line of the last verse always gives me a thrill. It is positively Shakespearean. I like knowing my dad was so moved by the river, the South, the Delta and the music that arose from that area.

It inspires me he had such an intuitive and refined sense of narrative and language, that he created a cinematic landscape, a testosterone-fueled chase of a woman down the river, and that he wrote such a driving back beat to hold it together.

This is a song that could never be written today, and so it is also a piece of American history and part of the legacy of my family and my country.

Big River & The Highwayman Live.

The opening chords of Big River fill the room, enveloping you in the raw energy and emotion of their performance. Moreover, owning a Johnny Cash Big River vinyl record creates a tangible connection to the past. It serves as a physical testament to the enduring significance of Cash's music and his impact on the music industry.

Holding the record in your hands, examining the album artwork, and reading the liner notes adds another layer of appreciation to the overall experience.

Whether it's reminiscing on the first time you heard Big River, sharing the song with friends and family, or simply enjoying the pure pleasure of listening to vinyl, the memories associated with Johnny Cash's Big River on vinyl are sure to be cherished for years to come.

Please enjoy one of my favorite Sun recordings by Johnny Cash as he performs Big River  with The Highwaymen.

Big River Vinyl Memories
Written by: Johnny Cash
Performed Live by the Highwaymen:
Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson & Kris Kristofferson

Nelson:
I taught the weepin' willow how to cry, cry, cry
Kristofferson:
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky
Jennings:
And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you, big river
Cash:
And I'm gonna sit right here until I die

Nelson:
I met her accidentally in St. Paul, Minnesota
And it tore me up every time I heard her drawl, southern drawl
And I heard my dream, Went back downstream, cavortin' in Davenport
And I followed you, big river, when she called

Kristofferson:
Oh, she took me to St. Louie later on, down the river
Freighter said, "She's been here, but she's gone, boy, she's gone."
And I found her trail in Memphis, but she just walked up the club
Raised a few eyebrows and went on down alone

Jennings:
Well, I pulled into Natches next day down river
But there wasn't much there to make the rounders stay very long
When I left it was rainin' so nobody saw me cry
Big river, why she doin' me this way?

Cash:
Now, won't you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on
Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans
Go on, I've had enough, dump my blues down in the gulf
She loves you, big river, more than me

Nelson:I taught the weepin' willow how to cry, cry, cry
Kristofferson:
And I showed the clouds how to cover up a clear blue sky
Jennings:
And the tears I cried for that woman are gonna flood you, big river
Cash:
And I'm gonna sit right here until I die

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