Johnny Carson welcomed June Carter Cash on his show in July 1980, and Mrs. Johnny Cash’s powerful performance of ‘Ring of Fire’ lit up the stage!
Most folks only remember Johnny Cash when we hear the classic country hit ‘Ring of Fire.’ However, the song was not written or originally recorded by Mr. Cash. As June shared before singing, she penned the song. June and songwriter Merle Kilgore wrote the love song in 1962, and it was first recorded by June’s sister, Anita Carter.
It was, however, Johnny Cash’s recording, released in April 1963, that made the song a phenomenal hit. June explains that though she’s very proud of her husband’s version, she’d like to perform ‘Ring of Fire’ her way—the way it was sung the very first time. That she does.
The beautiful songstress plays guitar and sings a slower version of the song. Perhaps her rendition allows listeners to ponder the lyrics a bit more. ‘Ring of Fire’ was written during the time that June and Johnny were falling in love. However, Johnny was dealing with addiction issues, so their relationship was stressful and complicated in those early days.
Mel Christensen of Old Time Music wrote, “On the surface, ‘Ring of Fire’ might seem like a simple love song about two people being consumed with passion. But the lyrics actually refer to something much deeper – the pain and struggle that come with falling in love.”
Following her performance, June’s dress is hung up on the stool and she needs Johnny Carson’s assistance to get freed. Her crocheted dress didn’t cooperate, but it sure looked lovely with her long, dark hair and generous jewelry. She’s a pretty lady. Funny, too!
She tells the Host Johnny why her Johnny isn’t with her. He’s fishing in Canada after his appearance on Alice got canceled when the actors went on strike. And, when asked if she worries about her husband, she laughs and says that she doesn’t these days, because “he straightened up real good.” She rattles off the ages of their children from prior marriages and reminds Johnny about the one they share together, 10-year-old John Carter.
Mrs. Cash seems innocent, playful, and flirty all at the same time. As Johnny said before she ever appeared on stage, she is very charming! In the final few minutes of the clip, Johnny talks with June about her 1979 autobiography, Among My Klediments, she plays the autoharp, and they reminisce about old radio and when it came only from stations in border towns.
Many have recorded covers of June’s song. Frank Zappa recorded a live reggae-style version, Dwight Yoakam did a honky-tonk rendition, and Blondie rocked out “Ring of Fire.” None will be as good as June’s and Johnny’s two!
Commenters remarked on the love between Mr. and Mrs. Cash, saying “she literally saved the life of Johnny Cash” and that she was “the only remedy Johnny ever needed.” The two legends died within four months of one another in 2003, June passing in May and Johnny later that year in September.
Johnny Carson, often playing the straight man, brought amazing music, clean comedy, fun interviews, culture, and even a little history into the homes of viewers all across the United States for 30 years!
Haven’t we been blessed by a couple of great Johnnys and a lovely June?
“I hear my lover’s voice. Here it comes, jumping over the mountains, skipping over the hills.” Song of Solomon 2:8