3 Songs That Sound Like Johnny Cash but Actually Aren’t

There isn’t anyone like Johnny Cash. No one who could command a honky tonk stage as well as one in the middle of a prison. No one who could be married to a star like June Carter and still be called the Man in Black. No one with a voice like that who could write songs that would last forever, including, “Ring of Fire” and “I Walk the Line.”

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But there are a few folks along the way who have tried to emulate Cash’s signature deep voice and hard-earned lyrics. Here below, we wanted to explore three such examples. A trio of tracks from artists who not only sounded like Cash but who likely wanted to in the process. Indeed, these are three songs that sound like Johnny Cash but actually aren’t.

[RELATED: 5 Songs You Didn’t Know Featured Johnny Cash]

“Una Vez” by Vince Mira from El Radio (2017)

While Seattle artist Vince Mira’s 2017 album El Radio is a sonic achievement that bridges English and Spanish and includes some truly beautiful songs like “Una Vez,” when Mira was younger he was endlessly compared to Johnny Cash. He was on Ellen and other talk shows. It actually got comical how much he was compared to Cash. But he did cover a number of the artist’s songs, including “I Walk the Line” and “Ring of Fire.”

“Lay, Lady, Lay” by Bob Dylan from Nashville Skyline (1969)

Not only does this song sound tremendously influenced by Bob Dylan’s love of Cash, but the first time he played the song was in Cash’s house, surrounded by other country stars like Kris Kristofferson and Joni Mitchell. It’s well documented that Dylan adored Cash for his singing, songs, and cool. And that influence came out in this love song to be sure. He’s deepened his voice, embraced country, and sings with a full new inflection. Dylan was even recorded singing duets with Cash at the time he recorded his 1969 LP Nashville Skyline, on which “Lay, Lady, Lay” appears.

“Get Rhythm” by Billy Morgan (Live, 2012)

About seven years ago, Billy Morgan got his 15 minutes of fame. He was the “crooning cop” who sounded and even looked like a young Johnny Cash. Well, here below, we wanted to share one of the best videos that showcases that similarity. (For the music in the video, fast-forward to about 1:52.) With a certain rockabilly flair, he delivers a great rendition of “Get Rhythm,” as well as bits of other songs. See for yourself what you think—does he pass the Johnny Cash test?

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