The all encompassing 28-track 2LP-set The Essential Johnny explores the breadth of Cash's brilliant career milestones from "Ring of Fire" and"Folsom Prison Blues" and "I Walk The Line" through to catalog classics.
This is the last album released before his death in 2003. The majority of songs are covers which Cash performs in his own spare style, with help from producer Rick Rubin.
The Man in Black solidified his legend as outlaw country pioneer with his spirited live show as performed for 2,000 prisoners and armed guards in one of California's most notorious penitentiaries.