The music industry’s spiritual elite gathered in Austin, Texas this weekend for a tribute concert in honor of The Man In Black, Johnny Cash. Dubbed “We Walk The Line: a Celebration of the Music of Johnny Cash,” the star-studded event raised spirits of those in attendance while simultaneously raising funds to fight Duchenne muscular dystrophy through Charley’s Fund. Here is a description of the show from the website:
On April 20, 2012, music stars and friends will join together to celebrate the life of Johnny Cash in Austin, TX at “We Walk The Line: A Celebration of the Music of Johnny Cash.” In the year that would mark his 80th birthday, the concert, which will take place at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theatre, will not only pay tribute to Cash and his music, but also to his roots and his heritage.
Headlining the event were Johnny’s brethren from the Highwaymen, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson – the latter of which famously described Mr. Cash in his song “The Pilgrim” with the lyrics:
He’s a poet, he’s a picker,
He’s a prophet, he’s a pusher,
He’s a pilgrim and a preacher, and a problem when he’s stoned.
He’s a walkin’ contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction,
Takin’ every wrong direction on his lonely way back home.
Other family members (this time descendants) from the Fab Four supergroup of country music included Willie Nelson’s daughter Amy Nelson and Waylon Jennings’ son Shooter Jennings, who dueted on the song “Cocaine Blues,” famously performed by Johnny Cash during his historic Folsom Prison concert.
In addition to the Highwaymen and and their descendants, the roster of artists who performed at the event included Lucinda Williams, Amy Lee (of Evanescence), Shelby Lynne, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Jamey Johnson, Rhett Miller (of the Old ’97’s), Brandi Carlile, Andy Grammer, Pat Monahan (of Train), Ronnie Dunn, Sam Beam (of Iron & Wine), and even emcee Matthew McConaughey, who delivered his own rendition of Cash’s title track from his fourth American Recordings release, The Man Comes Around. Also on stage was one of the most talented house bands ever assembled with drumming guru Kenny Aronoff, GRAMMY Award-winning Don Was, guitar maestro (and duo superhusband) Buddy Miller, Ian McLagen, and Greg Leisz.
Here is a complete setlist in order with accompanying photos and videos (if available). There are so many that I had to break the post in two – you can CLICK HERE to see the second set (with LOTS more videos) or just scroll down to the bottom and there is another link there.
Folsom Prison Blues
Brandi Carlile
Get Rhythm
Andy Grammer
I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry
Amy Lee (of Evanescence)
Hey Porter
Buddy Miller
Why Me Lord?
Shelby Lynne
Help Me Make It Through the Night
Pat Monahan (of Train)
It Ain’t Me Babe
Pat Monahan & Shelby Lynne
Sunday Morning Coming Down
Jamey Johnson & Kris Kristofferson
Jackson
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Wreck of the Old ’97
Rhett Miller (of the Old ’97’s)
CLICK HERE FOR PAGE 2
Photos: Arnold Wells/WENN.com