Johnny Cash Memorial

[Bridget Burke]

Did anybody else here watch it? It was on CMT TV Saturday night & repeated on Sunday.

The Ryman Auditorium was the venue, with simple but good production values. A wide variety of performers reminisced & sang various Johnny Cash hits. The Fisk University gospel singers opened the show (they'd sung at his funeral). Rosanne Cash spoke touchingly of her father & sang "I Still Miss Someone". She returned later to rock through "Tennessee Flat Top Box".

Kris Kristofferson sang a couple--one with Willie Nelson, George Jones & Hank Williams Jr as the reconstituted Highwaymen. Willie also did a solo turn with the chilling gospel tune "Were You There?" Kid Rock came out with an acoustic guitar & sang "What is Truth?"--quite well, actually. I'm just scratching the surface here.

Chet Flippo has this account: http://www.cmt.com/news/feat/nash.skyline.111303.jhtml

The message board at CMT has a few angry posts about how "un-American" the whole thing was. For one thing, Tim Robbins was the MC. However, all details of the show were specified by the Cash children--Tim was a friend of their father. He discussed Johnny's opposition to the war in Vietnam, but added that he'd gone to entertain the troops. Robbins emphasized that, although Cash opposed his country's policies, he felt the need to support the troops. Then he introduced Steve Earle, who sang "Folsom Prison Blues".

It was a fine show & there's a chance that tapes or DVD's will be available. Al Gore appeared, too. He was a friend and Johnny had supported him for president.

[latebloomer]

1. Oooh, Al looks cool in that pic!

I only saw a little bit of it, because our family only has 2 TVs and I lost the fight. Did catch Roseanne's speech about her dad-- incredibly moving! And the funny story her ex told about when he was dating R and displeased Johnny---"I haven't known you long enough to miss you"-- great line!!

[mac56]

2. I saw it too, and enjoyed it immensely.

The entire Cash family on stage at the end singing "We'll Meet Again" was quite moving.

Surprise of the night: Kid Rock did a great turn on "What Is Truth".

Disappointment of the night: Al Gore's comments based upon "Man In Black" were reportedly edited out by the network.

[Bridget Burke]

3. Gore was not totally edited out....

The actual show was 4 1/2 hours long. I didn't see Gore Saturday night. As I did leave the room occasionally, I thought I may have missed him.

However, I did see him on Sunday. I do believe that showing was edited differently--it was longer.

On the message boards, Rosanne is quoted as saying a DVD and/or tape will be available. Here's hoping that's so & we can see the whole thing.