At San Quentin is a recording of a live concert given by Johnny Cash to the inmates of San Quentin State Prison. As well as being released on record the concert was filmed by Granada Television.
On the original LP release, the song order was changed and several songs were cut, probably for space reasons. Despite the title of the version released on CD in 2000 – At San Quentin (The Complete 1969 Concert)-the CD does not contain the entire concert uncut, but does feature additional tracks and running order that parallels the actual setlist. Performed but not included were the songs “Jackson” and “Orange Blossom Special”, which are included in the video release of the show.
In 2006, Legacy Recordings released another deluxe version titled At San Quentin – Legacy Edition. The three-disc version included two CDs containing 31 selections, 13 of them previously unissued, plus DVD of the original documentary. There are also interviews, some searingly candid, with the prisoners and guards who were present when the Johnny Cash Show packed the prison.
The album was nominated for a number of Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and won Best Male Country Vocal Performance for “A Boy Named Sue”.
Comments are closed.