Ring of Fire - Sung by the “Man in Black”
If you page through articles on the internet, on each site you’ll find info that Johnny Cash is best known for making the country music song “Ring Of Fire” (copyright protected) popular in the 1960’s. It was originally written by June Carter and Merle Kilgore and was basically about June’s feelings about her relationship with Johnny Cash and his unfortunate drug addiction. Cash made a major contribution to the song with the addition of an amazing mariachi-style horn section which is heard at the beginning of the song and is a feature in parts throughout. This was an idea that Johnny Cash claims came to him in a dream. This horn section was also used in another popular song recorded by Cash called “It Ain’t Me Babe” which was recorded around the same time. He officially recorded “Ring Of Fire” on March 25, 1963 and it shot straight up to the top of the country music charts in no time.
Ring of Fire was covered by many artists throughout the years including Frank Zappa who recorded a reggae version in an arrangement that was done with the anticipation of a guest appearance in Europe but was unfortunately cancelled at the last minute. Other artists who have recorded the tune include Dwight Yoakam, Ray Charles, Social Distortion, Grace Jones, Dick Dale, Coldplay and The String Cheese Incident. Ring of Fire can also be heard in the movie Walk the Line which is a film about Johnny Cash. The song was covered by Joaquin Phoenix among many other Johnny Cash songs that were covered in the film.
Ring of Fire was also included on a Tony Hawk soundtrack for Tony Hawk’s Underground 2. One of the latest covers of Ring of Fire is a version by Tim Speed, Ian McCulloch and Apollo 440 and has been chosen as Liverpool FC’s official song for the FA Cup. The fans in the Liverpool Football Club adopted the song in 2002 and it quickly became popular as the team and their fans traveled across Europe. Ring of Fire was played by the Liverpool football team before the May 25th victory. The National Hockey League also has a team which played the song over the loudspeakers of their home arena during their run for the 2004 Stanley Cup and they would also sing it in their dressing room after every win they had.
You can hear Ring of Fire on many of Johnny Cash’s albums including Live at Folsom Prison and The Best of Johnny Cash. It’s an excellent song. Contact your favorite music store, buy it and check it out!