WLJ, Thank You. I cannot comment, only contemplate on what I have just heard in the song "April 5th" and read in Roseanne's article. That's what great songwriting does to me, it makes my wheels turn in thoughtful interpretation. Eventually, I will have a coherent thought about this piece of lyrical genius other than "Awesome!". :) Kristofferson is a national treasure, and if the readers are unfamiliar with his work, I suggest they start brushing up on all things Kris, immediately. Seems to me that the only way you cannot know who Kris Kristofferson is, tho, is if you have existed your whole life under an ice block in Antartica.

tupelochick: If you're a Kristofferson fan, here's a clip from that same show of a song that he wrote with Elvis Costello and Rosanne Cash mainly via email while Rosanne was recovering from cancer treatment.

Here's a link from a blog that Rosanne wrote about the song writing process:

http://measureformeasure.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/22/the-ear-of-the-beholder/

They got together in the studio with Rosanne's current husband John Leventhal on "April 5th" which was the only day their busy schedules would allow them all to get together to finish and record the song, so they named it "April 5th".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cldEvQP_igA

I think that it's a beautiful song and a great collaboration. I wish the three would get together and record an album.

This song and "Rainbow" give me a lump in the throat and bring tears to my eyes time I hear them. :)

That's what music should do to us and, not to take anything away from Costello and Rosanne Cash, it's Kristofferson that is the common denominator in both of those songs.

He's getting up there in age and I only hope that he keeps writing and sharing his songs with us until the day he dies. He certainly doesn't owe it to us to do so because he's already given us so much beautiful music, but I hope that he, like his good friend Johnny Cash, continues to share his brilliance with us as long as he possibly can.

WLJ: You're right!

On pages 382 and 383 of "Johnny Cash: The Autobiography", Mr. Cash writes:

"The other Highwaymen don't go back with me as far as Waylon, but Kris comes pretty close. He and I have had a powerful connection ever since I noticed him sweeping out the CBS studio in Nashville in 1969 and saw the intensity in his eyes. I didn't know anything about his background -- winning a Rhodes scholarship to Oxford, flying helicopters in the United States Army Rangers -- and I couldn't see his future, but I surely knew that the fire burning in him was a hot one. When I paid attention to his songs, of course, his genius was obvious, and since it was first revealed to me I don't think that I've performed a single concert without singing a Kristofferson song. 'Sunday Morning Coming Down' is the one people identify with me most strongly, but if I had to pick the one I love best, I think it would be 'Rainbow.' In fact, that might be my favorite song by any writer of our time. Besides all that, Kris is kind and funny, and honorable; he stands up for his beliefs and he won't let you down. He, too, is one I love like a brother."

I'm a fan of both Cash and Kristofferson and have always thought both were brilliant songwriters and performers.

And for Cash to say that about Kristofferson is surely high praise indeed and certainly seems to validate Kristofferson's brilliance as a songwriter and human being.

It's really neat when two people that you hold such admiration for also held/hold such admiration for each other.

How very fitting, one of the greatest and most influential artists of our time would favor a song written by quite possibly one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Thank you for the info. On another note, late nite Cash/Kristofferson/Jennings/various other artists jam sessions/gatherings, if you could find yourself lucky enough to get in the door, would have to have been amazing.

tupelochick: Actually, that's not Mr. Cash's favorite song. That's Mr. Cash's favorite of HIS songs.

Last year, on "Spectacle: Elvis Costello with . . ." in an interview with Kris Kristofferson, Rosanne Cash and others, Kris Kristofferson (a longtime close personal friend of Cash's) said that Johnny wrote in his autobiography that "Here Comes That Rainbow Again", that Kristofferson wrote, was probably his favorite song.

Here's a link to the video of that part of the show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCXK3-Hw4bo

So, while Google is great, it's not the always correct. :)

For $6500.00, you may buy a list of his favorite songs handwritten by JC. Below is a link to a picture of the list. "Delia's Gone" is tops

under the heading Greatest Hits, and "Half A Mile A Day" under Gospel.

http://www.johnnycashstore.com/product691.html

Ain't Google great?

"Ring of Fire" written by June Carter to describe her relationship with Johnny Cash, is a good one.

I also like "I Walk The Line", "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Cocaine Blues" which Cash recorded but didn't write.

Of course, in this context "Starkville City Jail" seems most appropriate.

I have a question.

Does anyone know what song Johnny Cash said was HIS FAVORITE song?

"Ring of Fire" will always get my vote for favorite Cash tune. Romantic, passionate, heart pounding, blinding love between twin souls is an all consuming flame of desire that burns so hot that your body and mind feels as if there is nothing that can ever snuff that fire out. It leaves you craving more...always. Almost to the point of being dangerous. Love that "Ring of Fire".

Hope this is back soon. Very cool event for Northeast Mississippi. I'm going with "I Walk The Line" as best Johnny Cash song. Any other thoughts out there? Lot of good ones to pick from.

Todd Vinyard

Online Editor