My Top 25 Johnny Cash Songs: I Was There When It Happened (#9)

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I'm into my top ten favorite songs by the legendary Johnny Cash, one of the most iconic figures in any music genre. People who don't know his music still know his name, and that, to me, is the mark of a true legend. #9: I Was There When It Happened Cash was raised a devout Christian, and his music frequently reflected that. This song goes back to his first album release, from 1957. He sang with true conviction, and the backing by the Tennessee Two was perfect for the song. It still has that "Johnny Cash sound" that he made famous in the early part of his career, yet without being overly "rockabilly" so as to distract from the faith displayed in the song. (Jimmie Davis' original sounds like a cross between an old-time Baptist hymn and an outtake from one of Elvis' gospel records!) One of the earliest Cash recordings, and one of my favorites. I Was There When It Happened Written by Fern Jones and Jimmie Davis From Johnny Cash With His Hot and Blue Guitar, 1957 Here's Johnny, Luther, and Marshall singing the song on Town Hall Party: