June Carter Cash - Keep on the Sunny Side: Her Life in Music

After marrying him in 1968, June Carter was usually perceived as an adjunct to Johnny Cash. Nothing could have been farther from the truth. June was an all-stops-out entertainer: a goofy comedienne, a big-hearted actress who studied under Lee Strasberg, and a dynamic singer unequivocally rooted in tradition as the youngest member of the pioneering Carter family, but just as steadfastly living in the here and now. Finally, there's an album to prove it (two discs, actually, covering the years 1939-2003). To begin to perceive all she was capable of, check out the eternal sorrow of "Without a Love," the pop-folkish "He's Solid Gone," the hillbilly luncacy of "No Swallerin' Place," the rambunctious "Juke Box Blues," the bizarre exotica of "The Heel," the agility and effortless flow of "Tall Loverman," the anxious fessing-up of her own "Ring of Fire," her no-nonsense "Jackson" duet with Cash, and her strength of conviction in "Appalachian Pride"--as well as her way with traditional material from the Carters and others. June had pizzaz, mountain style. --John Morthland Amazon.com

Great Album!

I just picked this album up yesterday and I love it. I have not been able to put this album down. I have listened to almost all the songs of the first disc and I haven't heard one I don't like yet! July 16, 2008

Tribute

I am taking the time today to review an album on which one of music's most important ladies finally emerges from the shadows to stand in the fore-front.Disc 11. Keep On The Sunny Side (3 stars) this is a good way to gain background on June's early life with her family. Being an intro however, it is short.2. O Susannah (5 stars) I honestly dont think I've ever heard someone this young sing this way. Excellent!3. Root, Hog, Or Die (3 stars) While good vocals are featured, the song today sounds somewhat dated and hillbilly. I do like it though.4. Baby It's Cold Outside (4 stars) This song is humorous. I like it. The brothers persuade June to stay because it is cold outside and also with a little "medicine".5. Country Girl (3 stars) In this song June tells people not to expect her to be all Hollywood because she is country through and through.6. Foggy Mountain Top (5 stars) This is a Carter family classic updated. June, Maybelle, Helen, and Anita define harmony in this track. Alternating the lead in the verses and the yodel at the end are perfect.7. Fair and Tender Ladies (5 stars) Once again the harmony is perfect. Also notable is the homespun instrumental achievements.8. He's Solid Gone (5 stars) At the risk of being repetitive, the harmonies once again soar.9. Jukebox Blues (5 stars) On this track, fans find out where Reese Witherspoon found the inspiration for her wonderful rendition for this song in the film "Walk The Line."10. No Swallerin' Place (5 stars) June tackles this track with breakneck speed. It is amazong how she manages to stay in tune.11. Love Old Crazy Love (3 stars) June duets with first husband Carl Smith on this track. June's country wit really shines on this one.12. He Went Slippin' Around (3 stars) This reminds me of a hillbilly version of The Andrews Sister's.13. I Guess I Told You Off (2 stars) Once again too cutesy hillbilly for me. Hoe Down bit is funny though.14. Strange Woman (5 stars) June really shows off her vocal abilities in this one. Sisters are backing. This sounds alot like a Loretta Lynn tune.15. The Heel (4 stars) This song shows the dark side of the mountains. It is almost like a mini-movie. I prefer the version on "The Ring of Fire : June Carter's Greatest Hits."16. How Did You Get Away From Me (3 stars) This song shows a possessive side of June pertaining to Johnny. It is comical though.17. Tall Lover Man (4 stars) This is a June penned tune. It is a wonderful murder ballad.18. A Love To Call My Own (2 stars) This reminds me of Sammi Smith. I'm just not used to hearing June sing this slow and quietly. I do like it though.19. The Ring Of Fire (4 stars) This is the Carter women. It is a mix between the first recorded version (Anita Carter) and Johnny's super hit version.20. Keep On The Sunnyside (5 stars) This version is The Carter Family featuring Johnny Cash. This sounds as if it was taken directly from The Johnny Cash Show.Disc 21. Jackson (5 stars) This song needs no introduction with it's laid back country sass and swagger. Perfection!2. If I Were A Carpenter (5 stars) One of the best duets from one of country's best duos. This song always reminds me of medieval times with knights and ladies and chivalry.3. The Loving Gift (3 stars) Another Johnny/June duet. This song seems to tell their story perfectly. Just a little too slow for me.4. A Good Man (5 stars) This song proved June can stand alone vocally. Very upbeat with a late 60's 70's style. Religious refrences abound in this tune.5. Ole Slewfoot (5 stars) Personal favorite. This down home country ditty brings june together with Johnny, daughters Carlene, Rosey, and Rosanne. This tells the story of a bear who continually makes a pest of himself. June gets fed up and goes on a rampage after it with a rifle.6. Losin' You (4 stars) Another June solo. This song tells of the price of cheating.7. Shadow of a Lady (5 stars) This song has a moral in telling the story of a born again prostitute.8. Gatsby's Restaraunt (5 stars) This song finds June in a wacky situation involving a horse, the It/ March 4, 2007

Gift for my Dad

I bought this Cd and a couple of others for my Dad's Christmas gift. He loves this CD, said it's the best in his collection. Now he wants a set for the house and his truck ! I also got him the Best of Johnny and June and the Carter Sister's and Mother Mabel. He grew up listening to them sing on the radio, and he said this reminded him of when he was young. So for that I give it 5 big Stars !!! December 30, 2006

JUNE IS AMAZING IN EVERYTHING SHE DOES!

June Carter Cash: so many thoguhts come up at the name. They should. June Carter Cash was much more than just a singer, but an experienced comedienne, and such the instrumentalist. Walk the Line just showed you a bit of June's music, and there is truly much more! Keep on the Sunny Side introduces you to June's music and is abosolutely sensational. June has done an extroadinary job, just like she always does.

We start off way back in 1939 when she was just a little youngster singing the original Carter Family theme song 'Keep on the Sunny Side.' You can tell even in these old recordings, June was on the right foot for sucess.
"Oh! Susanna" is next. This familiar tune was June's first solo. She sings it loud and proud and even you can tell by how confident she is singing it, that she is a born to be star, just like her mama.
Next is "Root, Hog or Die," one of my very favorites! It has a good beat and Is fun to sing along to, and Jun even throughs in some comedy.
In 'Baby It's Cold Outside" June pairs up with Homer and Jethro to sing a classic favorite. This however, is sung mountain style!! With hats lookin' swell, and maybe just a half a jug more, you'll be laughing and singing along, just having a great time!
"Country Girl," is my favorite song on Disc One, it shows how a country girl can just be satified with life as a country girl! This comedy is a great sing and you'll love it and play it every day at least twice!
Now we head in to Mother Maybelle and The Carter Sisters. "Foggy Mountain Top" is a great song and has a good beat, and it really shows you the Carter Sisters. It's a great sing and I love it!
"He's Solid Gone," is a reamke by the Carter Sisters of the Carter family song "The Cannonball." There is just somethign about the song that makes you feel good. Is it how the girls harmonize so great, or maybe just the carfree tune? Whatever it is, "He's Solid Gone," will cheer you up any day!
"Juke Box Blues," is a June Caretr classic. This good tune will cheer you up any day of the week with it's bouncy beat and how June's voice flows with the song.
'No Swallerin' Place" is one of june's comedies. It was written with Frank Loesser and June does a great, comedic job of singing it! It will become your favorite faster than you can believe!
June sings 'Love Oh Crazy Love" with her first husband, Carl Smith. Carl adn Juen were both country singers, so they did a great job on this comedy. However, June and Carl didn't lvie happily ever after together.
The Carter sisters are back to sing 2 favorites "He went Slippin' Around," and "Well, I guess I told you off," starring one of June's characters "Little Junie Carter." These are both great songs and are very memorable.
June plays another unforgettable character in "The Heel," about a love obseessed women who is dating a cheatin' man and is a woould be killer. "I'd be the chewin' gum that clings to that dirty lowdown heel," June says in the song.
We all know "Ring of Fire," right? This time, instead of Johnny Cash singing it, the writer (June) and her family sing it. It's a good twist on a Johnny Cash classic and probably his most signature song!

Now on to disc two:

Everyone knows Johnny and June's siganture song "Jackson," and what great way to start off the second disc. Following Jackson is, "If I were a carpenter," a song turned into a duet by Johnny and June. Finally the two are married and perform "The Loving Gift," a sentimental song written by Kris Kristofferson.
"A good Man," was written during the Vietnam war and tells about how with the good Lord, we can do anything if we pray.
"Ole Slewfoot," is sung by June and her entire family! With a fiddle in the backaround and an easy to dance to beat, it's a great song that even has a solo spot for June's son, John Carter Cash!
"Losin' You", and "The Shadow of a Lady," are songs from the heart that June wrote. They are very similar but also very different with. With their unique style of music, they show June's many sides.
"Gatsby's Restaraunt" is about a restaurant that June often visited in New York City. This comedy is great and features ehr daughter Rosey singing backup.
"The L & N don't stop here anymore" sounds like something Loretta Lynn would sing, especially because in the song, June is a coal miner's daughter. it's a really good song ans is very different from most of June's work.
"Appalachian Pride," is my favorite song on disc two. It is a calming song, and is peaceful and has a good message in it about how you can be a poor appalachian family and still be rich in your heart if you loved God. It also makes a wonderful lullabye or realxing song.
"I love you Sweetheart" is a good song. It has a good beat, but also is soft and good for a lullabye or just pouring some coffee in a mug and sitting down on a warm couch.
"Far Side Banks of Jordan" is a duet with Johnny and June, and was also one of June's favorites. In the song, June says "But if it proves to be his will that I am first to cross, and somehow I've a feelin' it will be, when it comes your time to travel likewise don't feel lost, for I will be the first one that you'll see."
"Will the Circle be Unbroken," is a timeless Carter Family song that shows emotion the whole way through. In someof these songs, you can tell that June was a very sentimental person and said what she meant.
We end it with "Keep on the Sunny Side," June's first song and last song. June sings as she can in this last song, to prove she can press on till teh day she dies.

We hold June in our hearts forever. I know she loved me and I loved her very much. Sometimes, if I listen to these CD's, I can feel her spirit fill up the room, and everyone's hearts.

God Bless You June,
June
December 26, 2006

June: A Country Tradition

You wouldn't think that a 7th grader like me would like old country music by June Carter Cash right? Think again! Who doesn't love the blue-eyed, high pitched, country legend sweetheart?! Oh, you're not a fan? You will be when you start listening to this!

"Keep on the Sunny Side" is the perfect way to get to know June's music! It has everything from the 1939 "Root, Hog, or Die" to the classic remake of the carter family's "Keep on the Sunny Side." You've got from Johnny to Carl Smith, to even all 3 Carter sisters! Some highlights are "He went Slippin' Around", "Jackson", "Love, Oh Crazy Love", and "No Swallerin' Place". And beleive me, there is much, much more! The entire package even includes a 7 page book that tells about June's life. I learned a lot of my knowledge of June from this book. For instance, did you know that she was married to a Nashville Police officer named "Rip Nix"? But the best part is the music! There are high spirited songs to cheer you up, or get you dancing! Listening to these CD's are part of my daily schedule actually!

So, now are you interested? Honestly, if you buy this one of a kind pack, you will surely not regret it! So what are you waiting for? Buy this CD right now and get listening!

June May 31, 2006

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