June Carter Cash :Remarkable, Admired, Rare, & Legendary
prisrob | New EnglandUSA | 06/09/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"4.5 stars
"To describe the late June Carter Cash as remarkable, admired, rare, and legendary would accurately express the responses she evoked both from the public and from those who knew her well. Yet to simply heap superlatives and ignore the multiple dimensions to a life which inspired such words would do a disservice to such an endearing woman's memory. When one considers that June Carter Cash was a member of the preeminent family in American roots music, on her own merits a talented singer-songwriter who penned one of country music's most enduring hits ("Ring of Fire") and, perhaps what she will be longest remembered for, served as the muse and deliverer for one of the most charismatic performers in the history of both country and rock music, such words suddenly seem less encompassing than they once did." Arik Danielson
Since June Carter and Johnny Cash died there have been several memorials to them. The movie 'Walk the Line' portrayed their life together. There have been several albums of Johnny Cash, but to this date none to celebrate the life and legend of June Carter Cash. June Carter is a member of the legendary Carter family. Her parents Ezra and Maybelle were credited for inventing country music. June Carter was country music even before marrying Johnny Cash.
John Carter Cash, June and Johnny's son,was as an executive producer on 'Walk the Line'. He has penned the book, 'Anchored in Love: An Intimate Portrait of June Carter Cash' and serves as producer for the collection of 12 musical songs on this CD. John's involvement gives this CD a family touch, which separates the record from typical tribute albums.
In his autobiography Cash, "Johnny Cash, speaking of his wife's musical talents and achievements, lamented, "Sadly, I think her contribution to country music will probably go under recognized simply because she's my wife; it certainly has been up to now. That's regrettable--my only regret, in fact, about marrying her". The songs featured on 'Anchored in Love' run the gamut of June Carter Cash's career. The album features six songs she either wrote or co-wrote,or made famous.
The CD begins with two of June and Johnny's duets. Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow start with an country take of "If I Were a Carpenter" followed by Carlene Carter and Ronnie Dunn singing "Jackson". Carlene sounds remarkably like her mother, June. The CD features "Far Side Banks of Jordan", a Kris Kristofferson/Patty Loveless duet that is one of my favorites. The "Road to Kaintuck", subg by the Peaseall Sisters and Billy Bob Thornton. Loretta Lynn gives a beautiful semblence to 'Wildwood Flowers'. EmmyLou Harris sings 'Song To John',with a loving and gentle voice. Grey Delisle brings a fresh voice to 'Big Yellow Peaches. Roseanne Cash's rendition of 'Wings Of Angels' is etheral at times. A poignant moment on the CD. June Carter Cash wrote 'Ring of Fire' and Elvis Costello sings a toned down version to "focus more on June's rendition" as stated by her son John Carter Cash.
"This CD is a must have for anyone that loves the songs June Carter Cash sung over her long career. The cast of performers is as compendious as the list of musicians that have played at the Grand Ole Opry. And the performances are all flawless and enthralling." John Gilbertson
I remember June Carter Cash as a vivacious woman always by Johnny Cash's side. She obviously had a life of her own, but she is intertwined within that of her beloved husband. This tribute to his mother, by John Carter Cash, reminds us that June Carter Cash was a woman to be loved and admired for her intelligence and artisitic ability.
Highly Recommended. prisrob 06-09-07
American IV: The Man Comes Around
Carryin' On With Johnny Cash & June Carter
Anchored In Love: An Intimate Portrait of June Carter Cash
Keep On the Sunny Side: Her Life in Music
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GREAT
Gene S. Coleman | 08/23/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this CD. Great artists putting their stamp on great songs! I think the best title on this is "Jackson" by Carlene Carter and Ronnie Dunn. Ms. Carter sounds very much like her mother and you can tell they had fun recording it. "Will the Circle be Unbroken" by Ralph Stanly will bring tears to your eyes."
Great Tribute to a Great Lady
Gift Card Recipient | Charlotte, NC | 07/08/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love the songs John chose to include in this album. His choice of performers is excellent, too."