Record #0734: A Boy Named Sue / San Quentin – JOHNNY CASH

Columbia 4-44944 (original) USA, 2. July 1969
Words & Music by:  Side A – Sheldon Silverstein; Side B – Johnny Cash
Musicians: Johnny Cash (vocals and guitar), Bob Wootton (guitar), Carl Perkins (guitar), Marshall Grant (bass), W.S. Holland (drums)
Recording sessions: Produced by Bob Johnston at San Quentin State Prison, CA on 24. February 1969
Highest chart positions: US #2, US AC #1, US Country #1, UK #4

“A Boy Named Sue” was Johnny Cash’s biggest hit in terms of chart success. The Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Women” blocked it from the top spot of the US chart.

The level of innocence was a bit different back in the day and some censorship was applied. “Son of a bitch” was too much, and it was bleeped out.

Both sides of this single were included on Cash’s 1969 live album “At San Quentin” (US Album #1, US Country Album #1, Canada #1).

List price:  Very Good+ is $3, Near Mint is $6