SINGS HANK WILLIAMS

Personnel includes: Johnny Cash (vocals, guitar).
Originally released on Sun Records (1245). Includes liner notes by Bill Dahl.
Part of producer and Sun Records label owner Sam Phillips' post-Johnny Cash output after the singer had departed for Columbia Records, the original release of this collection of Hank Williams covers laced with Cash's own songs was burdened with choir-like backing vocals intended to sweeten the performer's stripped-down rockabilly sound. The tracks are here restored to their former stark beauty, with the addition of rarities like Cash's own "Mean-Eyed Cat," and one of his first recordings, a solo version of "Wide Open Road," where Williams' influence can be clearly heard. And, for those who actually prefer their Johnny Cash assisted by a heavenly choir, there's "I Love You Because," with the bonus of some distinctly Jerry Lee Lewis-sounding piano accompaniment.

• Genre: Pop
• RSD Release Date: DDD
• Format: Vinyl
• Released: 02/26/2016