It happened on this day - 13th Jan in 1968

On this day in history - on 13th January 1968, Johnny Cash, the legendary country music singer held his famous gig at Folsom State Prison in California.

On January 13, 1968, Johnny Cash performed one of his most iconic concerts at Folsom State Prison in California, a show that became the basis for his landmark live album, At Folsom Prison. This performance marked a defining moment in Cash's career, revitalizing his image and deepening his connection to a wide audience, including those marginalized by society. Cash had long been fascinated with prisons and the lives of inmates, partly inspired by his 1955 hit "Folsom Prison Blues." The concert was a culmination of his empathy for the incarcerated, which had grown through years of corresponding with prisoners and visiting correctional facilities.

Backed by his band, the Tennessee Three, along with June Carter, Carl Perkins, and the Statler Brothers, Cash performed two shows that day, with tracks from the first show making up most of the album. The setlist included raw, emotionally charged songs like "Folsom Prison Blues," "Cocaine Blues," and "25 Minutes to Go," resonating deeply with the prison audience. Cash's gritty voice and unvarnished performance created a visceral connection, capturing the atmosphere of rebellion and humanity. The live recording preserved the sounds of cheering inmates, which added authenticity and a unique texture to the album.

At Folsom Prison became a critical and commercial success, marking a turning point for Cash's career, which had been struggling due to personal and professional challenges. The album not only re-established him as a country music legend but also underscored his role as a champion for the disenfranchised. It remains a timeless piece of music history, celebrated for its honesty and the boldness of performing in such an unconventional venue.