Johnny Cash Duets, For His Birthday

With a little help from Dylan, Ronstadt, Joni, Satchmo, Orbison, Kris & Willie and daughter Rosanne.

Greg Mitchell is the author of a dozen books and now writer/director of award-winning films. He was also a longtime editor of the legendary Crawdaddy.

The Man in Black was born 91 years ago today in Kingsland, Ark., and there’s much to say, and sing, but we will confine ourselves to marking the occasion with Johnny on the spot in a few duets, often from his crucial TV show, over the years. Cartoons follow. Enjoy, then don’t forget to subscribe, it’s free—in this case, no cash involved.

We all knew Johnny and Dylan were pals and I still remember the night when Bob made his first TV appearance in years on John’s show after Nashville Skyline. Here they sing, and clown a bit, when recording one of my favorite Bobster tunes, “One Too Many a Mornings,” which did not, but should have, made that album.

Around the same kind with young and now well known Linda Ronstadt. Her skirt was so short she was advised by producers to limit the effect.

With an even more influential musician, the man of the century, Satchmo (shortly before his death), paying tribute to another legend, Jimmie Rodgers.

With another just-emerging songstress, Joni Mitchell.

With fellow Highwaymen, Kris and Willie, for “Me and Bobby McGee”

And with daughter Rosanne, after her first album way back when.

With his former Sun stablemate Roy Orbison hailing that“Pretty Woman.”

Plus: It’s Fats’ birthday as well (no visual evidence that he ever sang with Johnny), so here’s one of my faves, “Blue Monday.” A roly poly giant.

Cartoons of the Day