Featuring Tonight’s Live Nuggets Radio Show: Complete First Show, January 13, 1968

On JamFest, where every song we air is the live version, there are certain performances that transcend music—they become historical documents of raw emotion, authenticity, and rebellion. One of the most legendary is Johnny Cash: Live at Folsom Prison, recorded on January 13, 1968, at the infamous California penitentiary. Tonight, our Live Nuggets Radio Show presents the complete first show from that day, uncut and unfiltered, giving listeners the full power of a performance that changed live country music forever.

A Night Behind Bars, Alive With Music

Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison concert was more than a performance—it was a bold statement of empathy, solidarity, and raw storytelling. Cash had long been drawn to themes of hardship, incarceration, and redemption, and performing for inmates created a resonance that studio albums could never replicate.

The Lost Archives release preserves this night in its entirety, capturing not just the music, but the atmosphere, the audience, and the unpolished humanity of the moment. From the opening announcements by Hugh Cherry to the heartfelt final notes, this is a concert where every second matters.

Opening Acts and Introductions

The first show begins with the voice of Hugh Cherry, guiding the audience through the evening and setting the stage for the main event. Before Cash takes the spotlight, legendary Carl Perkins kicks things off with Blue Suede Shoes, followed by The Statler Brothers performing This Ole House. These early performances warm the room, bridging rockabilly, country, and gospel for the eager inmates.

Then, Hugh Cherry introduces Johnny Cash, and the stage shifts into the unmistakable sound of the Man in Black.

The Setlist: Classic Cash, Raw and Alive

Cash’s set is a masterclass in live storytelling and musical authenticity. Highlights include:

• Folsom Prison Blues – The song that immediately establishes rapport with the audience, every live rendition charged with energy.

• Busted and Dark as the Dungeon – Songs that underline Cash’s empathy for those living on society’s margins.

• I Still Miss Someone – Tender and intimate, showcasing the emotional depth of Cash’s live vocals.

• Cocaine Blues and 25 Minutes to Go – Bracing, edgy, and delivered with storytelling flair that studio versions cannot capture.

• Orange Blossom Special – Instrumental virtuosity that adds excitement and variety.

• Jackson and I Got a Woman (with June Carter) – Moments of levity and chemistry, showing the dynamic interplay of the Cash-Carter duo.

• The Long Black Veil, The Legend of John Henry’s Hammer, Greystone Chapel – Songs that demonstrate Cash’s commitment to blending traditional folk and contemporary storytelling.

The concert concludes with heartfelt closing announcements from Hugh Cherry, leaving the audience—and listeners of JamFest—moved by the sheer presence and authenticity of the performance.

Why This Performance Still Resonates

1. Raw Emotion: Every song is delivered with intensity and immediacy, reflecting the reality of the audience at Folsom Prison.

2. Storytelling in Action: Cash’s live performance emphasizes narrative, transforming each song into a shared experience with the listeners.

3. Uncut and Authentic: Unlike edited studio releases, this full show preserves the dialogue, laughter, and natural imperfections that make live recordings legendary.

4. Cultural Significance: Cash’s visit highlighted his deep empathy for incarcerated individuals, bridging gaps between music, social commentary, and human connection.

Tonight on JamFest: Live Nuggets Radio Show

Tonight’s Live Nuggets Radio Show brings the full first show from January 13, 1968, directly to your speakers. Experience:

• Every note, every lyric, every interaction exactly as it happened

• Classic hits and deep cuts performed live for a unique audience

• The chemistry between Johnny Cash and June Carter

• The energy and atmosphere of a historical Folsom Prison concert

JamFest ensures that listeners hear nothing but live performances, and there is no better example of this philosophy than Live at Folsom Prison.

JamFest: Where Live Music Lives Forever

At JamFest, we play music as it was meant to be heard: live, immediate, and real. Studio polish may be perfect, but it cannot replicate the electricity, spontaneity, and emotional resonance of performances like this. From the tension of Cocaine Blues to the tenderness of I Still Miss Someone, tonight’s broadcast is a masterclass in live musical storytelling.

Join Us Tonight

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience one of the most legendary live country concerts ever recorded. Tune in to JamFest for Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, uncut, unedited, and utterly unforgettable.

On JamFest, the music doesn’t just play — it lives, breathes, and tells a story.