The American Milestone series presents every title with bonus tracks, previously unreleased material, rare photographs, and newly-commissioned liner notes by noted journalists and educators in the field of country music. Of particular note in the new edition is the Johnny Cash concert album from San Quentin, in which the original best-selling double-platinum 10-song LP is not only nearly doubled in its contents, but is also completely resequenced according to the original tapes of the show. Liner notes by Marty Stuart (who also contributes and interview with Merle Haggard on the subject at hand), June Carter, manager Lou Robin, and Johnny himself -- explaining the notorious 'Bird' photo -- make this an indispensable package.

Willie Nelson's RED HEADED STRANGER was recorded in April 1975 (at Autumn Sound Studios in Garland, Texas) and debuted on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart on June 21st, so the Nashville Bureau Chief Chet Flippo paint a graphic picture of Willie's takeover of the Austin music scene, centered around the world famous Armadillo World Headquarters music hall. Willie, who was personally involved in this anniversary project, chose three 1975 bonus tracks for the occasion, all cover songs: Hank Williams' "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You," Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys' "Maiden's Prayer," and "Bonaparte's Retreat" by Pee Wee King, who passed away on March 7th. A fourth bonus track, on the classical tip, is his version of the Bach Minuet in G.

Each of the five new releases contains its share of memorable hits framing a moment in time:

• From the Carter Family - "Can The Circle Be Unbroken," "Lulu Walls," "My Clinch Mountain Home," "I'm Thinking Tonight Of My Blue Eyes," "River Of Jordan," "The Storms Are On the Ocean," "My Home Among the Hills" and "Black Jack David"
• From Johnny Cash - the original hit version of "A Boy Named Sue," plus reworkings of "I Still Miss Someone," "I Walk the Line," "Wanted Man," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Ring Of Fire" "Daddy Sang Bass" and "The Rebel -- Johnny Yuma"
• From Johnny Horton - "The Battle Of New Orleans," "Lost Highway," "When It's Springtime In Alaska (It's Forty Below)," "Cherokee Boogie" and "All Grown Up"
• From George Jones - "He Stopped Loving Her Today," "If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me (Her Memory Will" and "I'm Not Ready Yet"
• From Willie Nelson - "Time Of the Preacher," "Medley: Blue Rock Montana/Red Headed Stranger," "Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain" and "Remember Me"

The American Milestone series was launched in October 1999 with restored Expanded Editions of five classics: Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison, Big City by Merle Haggard, Stardust by Willie Nelson, Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs by Marty Robbins, and Tammy Wynette's Stand By Your Man.