'Out among the stars', a record that country singer Johnny Cash recorded in the 80s and which until now had remained unpublished, it goes on sale today more than a decade after the death of its author. Cash's then-record label Columbia Records refused to release the album thirty years ago, and the material was kept in storage until the musician's only son, John Carter Cash, found it in his father's archives in Nashville.
Produced by Billy Sherrill, twelve songs make up 'Out Among The Stars', which includes Cash duets with Waylon Jennings and his wife, June Carter. When "the man in black", as Cash was also known (1932-2003), recorded this album in 1981 and 1984, he was living low hours. Following its commercial success in the 60s and '70s, his popularity was at one of the lowest levels of his career in the early 80s, his sound was seen as starting to get outdated, and soon after, Columbia rescinded. your contract.
In addition, the singer had relapsed into his drug addiction. He entered rehabilitation in 1983 and precisely there he wrote "Came to Believe", one of the songs that are part of 'Out Among The Stars'. Carter Cash explained that this album is not like another posthumous album, because it was conceived for publication three decades ago, and only the rejection of Columbia prevented its release. So, he added, when he discovered it by rearranging his father's recordings, he decided to give it another chance.
"It's like finding an old Van Gogh in your closet, what do you do?"
asked Johnny Cash's son, speaking to National Public Radio (NPR).
More information | Johnny Cash, covered on a new album
Via | EFE