Johnny Cash - 'The Johnny Cash Christmas Special 1978'

The Johnny Cash Christmas Special 1978 Bottom Line

Thanks to Shout Factory, Johnny Cash fans can enjoy The Johnny Cash Christmas Special 1978 on DVD. There is a wide variety of acts that gathered together in order to make this disc unforgettable. Watching this DVD, you will take a trip back in time when things may not have been perfect, but everyone appreciated the finer things in life such as music.

A Little Background

Johnny Cash is one of the most recognizable names in country music. He tore down every barrier in the 1950s when he first signed with Sun Records and continued to do so throughout his whole career. It seemed nothing was off limits when it came to recording his music. If it meant something to him, then chances are he would record it.

Johnny Cash was also an amazing songwriter. He was able to write his thoughts down about murder, adultery, and even being hospitalized into a mental institution. Porter Wagoner brought "Committed To Parkview" to life on his final album and many listeners have never checked out the writer's name. If you have, then you know it is credited to J.R. Cash.

Being able to put yourself on the same level as a convict or prisoner is not an easy task, but Johnny made it seems effortless. In his song "Folsom Prison Blues," every word was believable simply because of the emotion in Johnny's voice.

He was also known for teaming up with other artists from time to time. One of those stars was his wife, June Carter Cash. Whenever they joined forces, nothing was impossible. It always seemed that Johnny Cash had everything, but when you listen to his music, it is clear there was something deep going on in his soul.

If you were growing up in the late '70s and early '80s, then you are familiar with the "variety" shows that were huge in this time period. Everyone from Glen Campbell to Sonny and Cher had their own show that brought together every genre of music in order to entertain their audiences. Well, Johnny Cash was no different. He also had his own show that delivered quality entertainment for everyone that watched.

During Johnny's years on television, he had a Christmas special that helped folks get in the holiday spirit. During the 1978 special, his guests included Steve Martin, Kris Kristofferson, June Carter Cash, and even Rita Coolidge.

Johnny starts off the segment with "Christmas Can't Be Far Away." Kris Kristofferson teamed up with Johnny for a duet of "Sunday Morning Coming Down." This has always been a personal favorite, but to see these two legends join forces and sing this live is breathtaking.

Where's the Christmas Music?

Steve Martin decided he was going to come in on the fun for "I Wonder How the Old Folks Are at Home." I really enjoyed this segment, however it seemed that for a Christmas special, it really lacked the Christmas music. Sure the background was decorated, but where were the Christmas carols? The only other true Christmas tune is "Christmas Time's A-Comin'." It features Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Rita Coolidge, and they were all fantastic.

Over all, this is a great DVD that everyone can enjoy from start to finish.

The Johnny Cash Christmas Special 1978

1. Christmas Can't Be Far Away (Johnny Cash)
2. Talking About Friends - (Steve Martin Comedy Sketch)
3. Ballad Of A Teenage Queen (Johnny Cash)
4. Sunday Morning Coming Down (Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson)
5. I Wonder How The Old Folks Are At Home (Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Steve Martin)
6. Jean-Pierre Louey (Steve Martin Sketch)
7. Fourth Man (Johnny Cash)
8. I Will Rock And Roll With You (Johnny Cash)
9. You're A Part Of Me (Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash)
10. Christmas Time's A-Comin' (Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Rita Coolidge)
11. Love Me Again (Rita Coolidge)
12. Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends (Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge)
13. The Greatest Cowboy Of Them All (Johnny Cash)
14. The Card Trick (Steve Martin Sketch)
15. Silent Night (Johnny Cash with daughters Carlene, Tara, Rosanne, Cindy, Kathy, and Rosie)