Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
3 Johnny Cash Songs That Should Have Been Way Bigger Hits on the Radio
American Songwriter has highlighted three Johnny Cash tracks it believes deserved far more radio success, despite the country legend's more than 60-year career and vast catalogue of over 100 singles. The list spans different eras and themes of Cash's work, from family and faith to patriotism and social issues, suggesting that even prolific hitmakers leave standout material overlooked by mainstream airplay.
The songs featured are "Papa Was A Good Man" (1971), a story song about a father overcoming drinking for his family, written by Hal Bynum; "Song Of The Patriot" (1980), a tribute to American pride co-written by Marty Robbins and Shirl Milete, notable given Cash's own Air Force service; and "Praise The Lord And Pass The Soup" (1973), a song touching on homelessness performed with The Carter Family and The Oak Ridge Boys, which failed to reach the Top 50 despite its star-studded line-up.
In short
- Three overlooked Johnny Cash songs deserved bigger radio success, article argues.
- "Papa Was A Good Man" (1971) tackled family and overcoming alcoholism.
- "Praise The Lord And Pass The Soup" missed the Top 50 despite big-name collaborators.
Explained simply
Johnny Cash was one of America's most prolific and influential country musicians, with a career spanning more than six decades and a catalogue exceeding one hundred singles. His distinctive voice and songwriting made him a defining figure in country music, and he remains a cultural icon.
Even prolific artists with significant mainstream success sometimes have standout recordings that fail to achieve the radio airplay they might deserve. A music publication has examined Cash's extensive back catalogue to highlight tracks from different eras and themes that it believes deserved greater recognition on the radio.