Johnny Cash: A Man And His Vision

Country

Season 1, Episode 1 of 1

The Best of The Johnny Cash Show is a musical and narrative overview of one of the most important and innovative television variety shows in history: celebrating not only the musical genius of one of America's greatest artistic treasures, but also the vision of the man at the helm of a truly distinctive legacy in broadcasting history. The Johnny Cash Show ran from June 1969 to March 1971, during a time of tremendous contrasts. It started as a summer replacement show and continued on as a prime time regular. At the end of this remarkable run that lasted only 15 months of production, The Johnny Cash Show produced a staggering 57 episodes. His vision was massive, and it's only now that TV screens are wide enough to contain it. Johnny Cash didn't just walk the line. He crossed it week after week. This show was a revolution on television that brought us all together. The Johnny Cash Show was not only responsible for exposing an American audience to an eclectic array of talent, but established Johnny Cash as a true American superstar, and solidified Cash as a true artist, humanitarian and bigger than life legend for the rest of his career. Every week, Johnny Cash invited us to "ride that train" with him across state lines, color lines, party lines and the Mason-Dixon line. He had guests on the show that showcased new talent as well as those well established. He invited country as well as rock and roll stars to join him on stage week after week. This eclectic list of performers ranged from Bob Dylan and Neil Young to Loretta Lynn and Bill Monroe to Ray Charles and Charlie Pride. He made stars out of newcomers, and made damn sure that music legends - Country and otherwise - stayed that way. This was no ordinary TV show and Johnny Cash was no ordinary host. Now it's your turn to join Johnny Cash. To remember back when reality TV meant TV that was real.

Previously Aired

Day
Time
Channel
12/13/2008
11 a.m.
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