On This Day in 1955, Johnny Cash Recorded a Song That Would Bring Him Chart Success and Legal Issues Decades Later

On this day (July 30) in 1955, Johnny Cash entered the Sun Records studio in Memphis, Tennessee, and recorded the original rendition of “Folsom Prison Blues.” He would later release the song as a B-side to his second single, “So Doggone Lonesome.” More than three decades later, a live version of “Folsom Prison Blues” topped the country chart. That version also sparked a lawsuit that cost tens of thousands of dollars.

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“Folsom Prison Blues” is a standout example of Cash’s foundational sound. He recorded it with “The Tennessee Two,” Marshall Grant (bass) and Luther Perkins (lead guitar). At the time, Cash’s songs didn’t include a drummer. Instead, he would weave a folded dollar bill into the high strings of his guitar, allowing him to add a snare-like sound to his guitar playing.

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Several things came together to inspire Cash to pen this timeless tune. He wrote the song while serving in the United States Air Force. While stationed in West Germany, he saw the 1951 film Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison and realized how much life in prison and life in the military had in common. He also pulled heavily from the song “Crescent City Blues.” Written by Gordon Jenkins and recorded by his wife, Beverly Mahr.

Gordon Jenkins Sued Johnny Cash Over “Folsom Prison Blues”

“So Doggone Lonesome”/ “Folsom Prison Blues” brought Johnny Cash a No. 4 hit in 1955. Both songs later appeared on his debut album, Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar. While the song was popular at the time, it didn’t draw Gordon Jenkins’ attention.

Cash recorded the song again and released it as a single from his 1968 live album, At Folsom Prison. The live version of the song topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for four consecutive weeks. Jenkins filed his lawsuit after the song became a massive hit.

“Folsom Prison Blues” shares several lines with “Crescent City Blues,” including the iconic opening line, I hear that train a-comin’. As a result, Cash chose to settle the case out of court, paying Jenkins $75,000.

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