Everyone knows the popular culture image of Johnny Cash - the hard-living, defiant "rockabilly country rockin' rebel" and the iconic photo of Cash's middle finger salute.
On Saturday, July 21 at 2 p.m., at the Norwood Library in El Monte, Mighty Cash Cats front-person Michael Jay and his musical partner. vocalist/bassist Leticia, will present their world-renown Tribute To Johnny Cash and tell the "rest of the story." He will go behind the myth and music of the "Man In Black" and present a musical workshop about the roots of Cash's music including the Carter Family, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins. Roy Orbison, and Sun Records. Michael J will tell stories about how Cash defied the Country music establishment and wrote songs about the plight of Native Americans, prisoners, and the downtrodden, giving a voice to the voiceless. Included will be humorous tunes like a "By Named Sue" as well as Johnny Cash/June Carter duets such as "Jackson." These library shows usually encompass a wide demographic, ranging from Elementary-aged students and their parents to Teens and Seniors.
The Norwood Library is located at 4550 N. Peck Rd., El Monte. Admission is free. Info: (626) 443-3147 or http://www.colapublib.org/libs/norwood/index.php
In Other Mighty Cash Cats News:
When top-rated German television reality program RTL Punkd 12 recently sought a live touring band in the U.S. to profile, they looked no further than Ventura County's own Mighty Cash Cats. The German TV show had seen a glowing live review of the 'Cats dead-on Johnny Cash tribute show, and with The Man In Black still hugely popular throughout Europe, the Mighty Cash Cats were an easy choice.
Other Upcoming Mighty Cash Cats Special Events:
A special "Johnny Cash Cruise" sailing out of Ventura Harbor on Saturday, July 28; headlining show at Sutter Creek Theater (just outside Sacramento) Saturday, August 4; and an appearance at the always-popular Sonoma County Fair Sunday, August 5 (on the Park Stage at 6:00, 7:15, and 8:15 p.m.).
What The Press Is Saying About Mighty Cash Cats:
"Michael J Smith leads the performance playing a black acoustic guitar. It is impossible not to be drawn to the bass texture of his voice -- and his physical and aural resemblance to Johnny Cash is practically eerie. The Mighty Cash Cats are purely live entertainment for a live audience. They know how to talk to the crowd and manuver their instruments and voice to create a body of sound for each song, no matter the genre or mood. They closed with Cash's Orange Blossom Special to raucous applause." MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Mighty Cash Cats - Live:
Check out a live Mighty Cash Cats performance of Johnny Cash favorite "Jackson:"
About The Mighty Cash Cats
Mighty Cash Cats are a world-renowned tribute show honoring the music and spirit of the late, great rebel country rocker Johnny Cash, who would have turned 80 this year and for whom there remains an ever-growing and fiercely loyal and devoted fan base. During each show MCC front man/guitarist/vocalist (and Johnny Cash lookalike) Michael J goes behind the music and myth of the "Man in Black" and talks about the roots of Cash's music including the Carter family, Elvis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison and Sun Records. Michael J also tell stories about how Cash defied the Country Music establishment and wrote songs about the plight of Native Americans, prisoners, and the downtrodden giving a voice to the voiceless.
The Mighty Cash Cats cover Johnny Cash's career from his early hits that audiences all know and love to his final Rick Rubin-produced album "American Recordings" including fun Johnny Cash and June Carter duets. The band also plays Hot New Country Music, Rock 'N' Roll, and Blues. The band tours extensively in the USA, Las Vegas, Europe, Ireland and Israel while performing at festivals, fairs, casinos, summer concerts in the park, and corporate events.
The band's latest CD, "Americana Made," is available on CD Baby at this link: http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=8175031
http://www.mightycashcats.com
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3 comments:
My interest in Johnny Cash goes back to the 1950's, when I was in a Cal Poly dorm with a lot of Ag major students. When "I Walk the Line" came on the radio, you could go from one end of the dorm to the other and not miss a beat. About 12 years later, he had a TV show that I would tune in, because there were usually some train scenes. One show I didn't see had Evie Sands as a guest singer, and Evie became friends with Johnny and June. And then last year I visited Sun Studio in Memphis, where they had one of Johnny's guitars on display.
One of my favorite Chaos Band covers is "Folsom Prison Blues", and on a couple of occasions Evie has added some fine country guitar pickin' to the song.
It's good to see new musicians paying tribute to the master like this.
Did you ever get to see the show with Evie? Perhaps on YouTube? That would have been something!
It is indeed on YouTube, in color, yet! (I previously acquired a black and white bootleg video). I love the way Johnny Cash said "It's like she has electricity in those fingers..."; and who can doubt the Man in Black?
There was another scene on that b&w video that featured numerous clips of train action (it might have been for "Daddy, What Was a Train.") but implied that railroads were a thing of the past. Back in 1970, this wasn't a bad guess, but things changed and now we have Warren Buffet buying the BNSF. Sacramento even has light rail trains going to Folsom, although not to the slammer.
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