10 Live Songs Better Than The Studio Recordings

After a while in the country music spotlight, Johnny Cash was at the end of his rope. Though he had notched several hits on the country charts at this point in his career, the Man in Black was going through one of the more drug-fueled times of his life, which led to his career nearly floundering. All that seemed to turn a corner though once he walked through the doors of Folsom Prison.

Cash's performance of his classics went over so well with the crowd that his older hit "Folsom Prison Blues" reemerged on the charts. While the original single has all of the Cash trademarks down to his commanding low voice, the raucous energy he brings to this live performance is matched only by the approval of the fellow inmates around him. The roar of applause after Cash sings the line about shooting a man in Reno is both demented and hilarious all at the same time.

By going back to his country roots, Cash turned this prison gig into one of the greatest second acts of his career. The song is loud, manic, and dripping with attitude, just like the Man in Black himself. In that sense, this live version may be the most authentic Johnny Cash song ever put to tape.