Johnny Cash, Grammy Hall of Fame and Upcoming Folsom Documentary

50 years ago this week, music legend Johnny Cash walked into Folsom Prison to make a live album. The album ‘Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison’ will join 24 other recordings for the 2018 enshrinement of the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Plus, we now hear that John’s January 1968 live shows at Folsom State Prison in California will be the focus of yet another Johnny Cash film/documentary. The man who served as the executive produce for ‘Jurassic World,’ Frank Marshall will be joined by famed Hollywood director Thom Zimny to document the real backstory.

We loved the Joaquin Phoenix portrayal of the life of Johnny Cash in the 2005 film ‘Walk the Line,’ but what the real backstory? Here’s the scoop; Johnny was in a lull, career-wise, but kept getting letters from prisoners at the Folsom State Prison. He thought recording a live album from this correctional facility would be interesting.

The record label wanted no part of the project, so Johnny used his own money to fund the recording of the album. The project became a smash with his fans, opening the doors for new music lovers. The Folsom Prison live shows may have been the turning point in his life, both personally and professionally.

Here’s a moment from the live concert 50 years ago.

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Photo credit: Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com