The man was a genius; words, music, tempo, voice, and image.  He had it all and if you liked that rock-a-billy music, you could never get tired of listening to him and the greats who would often sing along with him.  I quit buying country music records (er, CD’s) about 12 years ago just before he died, and Merle Hagard got too old along with many others.  The bubble-gum junk they sell as country now is souless and meaningless, there is nothing about life in it and it tells no stories and sure doesn’t entertain much.

We have used this tune for an anthem at Canterbury House at the University of Michigan, for a service commemorating Constance and Her Companions.  It’s a song about - oh yeah - constancy, and has a great reference to “Blest be the tie that binds” - also used in the same service.

It put a big smile on my face. What a singer, and what a man he was! Thanks, Kendall.

Fascinating.  I know part of it is schtick, but I am moved that he introduces himself - and quite modestly, too.  The song sounds like a personal mantra and reminder more than a statement.

For those who are Johnny Cash afficionados (which I haven’t particularly been) what did you think of Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Mr. Cash in Walk the Line?  You can listen to his rendition of this song here.