Watch Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison

Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison was a landmark moment in music history. In 1968, Johnny Cash and his entourage descended upon Folsom State Prison in California for a groundbreaking concert. The show was recorded live and later released as a best-selling album, Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison. Now, four decades later, Ovation presents a documentary that delves into the story of this iconic moment in music history.

The documentary is full of fascinating interviews with those who were there that day. Gene Beley, a young reporter at the time, recounts his experience of covering the event for his local newspaper. Beley has rare, behind-the-scenes footage from the concert and offers a unique perspective on the legendary day. Another interviewee is Jim Brown, the director of the documentary. Brown brings an interesting perspective as he reflects on the film he created and its impact on music history.

Of course, no discussion of Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison would be complete without mentioning June Carter Cash. June Carter and Johnny Cash were married at the time of the concert and had been performing together for years. June's contribution to the concert was crucial - she helped shape the setlist and provided emotional support to the inmates who were obviously affected by the event.

The documentary explores the lead-up to the concert, including Johnny Cash's relationship with the prison system. Cash had a strong connection to the penal system - he had several friends who were incarcerated and wrote several songs about prisoners and the prison system. Folsom Prison was the logical place for him to perform his now-famous concert.

The documentary also looks at the impact that the concert had on the music industry. Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison was a major turning point in Cash's career, and it helped to establish him as one of the most important artists of his time. The documentary features testimonials from musicians who were influenced by Cash's music, including Merle Haggard and Marty Stuart.

As well as exploring the impact of the concert on the music industry, the documentary takes a deeper look at the personal connections forged between the performers and the inmates. During the concert, Johnny Cash took the time to speak with several of the inmates and even performed a song written by one of the prisoners. For many of the inmates, the concert was a transformative experience, providing them with a brief respite from the grim reality of prison life.

Overall, Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison is an incredible look at one of the most important moments in music history. The documentary gives viewers a rare insight into what was happening behind the scenes, and explores the incredible impact that Johnny Cash had on the music industry and on the lives of those who heard his music. It's an unmissable tribute to one of the greatest artists of all time.