This week’s “Weekly Whatever” honors Johnny Cash–tomorrow (9/12) marks 12 years since his passing– one of our generations true musical icons.
He was beloved, and truly loved, worldwide. Certainly by me. I remember my first JC concert, in the huge grandstands at the Minnesota State Fair at the peak of his fame early 1970s; at that time he was a huge Country star who was also mainstream.
But he wasn’t always “The Man In Black,” as evidenced by this wonderful clip of 1958’s “Ballad Of A Teenage Queen,” one of his first big hits both in Country as well as Top 40… this video has an intro by Dick Clark, so it’s probable the show was American Bandstand.
If you aren’t familiar with “Ballad of a Teenage Queen” it’s a Shel Silverstein-like gem written by Jack Clement that tells the story of a whole lifetime in 2:13 charming minutes. The big win is Johnny SMILES in this video!
Let’s raise a glass this weekend in honor of Johnny and offer thanks for the memories he left us.