The Unlikely Origins of 'Tennessee Flat Top Box'

When Rosanne Cash recorded her version of 'Tennessee Flat Top Box' in 1987, she was unaware that it was written by her father, Johnny Cash. The song had been released as a single in late 1961 and became a moderate success on both the country and pop charts. But what made this song so special?

According to legend, the song tells the story of a young boy who aspires to be a country singer and starts his career at a local cabaret in a South Texas border town. The boy's passion for music is unmatched, and he becomes incredibly popular with the locals, who would sneak away from home to hear him play.

The song's title, 'Tennessee Flat Top Box,' refers to a steel-stringed acoustic guitar, which was an instrument dear to Johnny Cash's heart. In fact, Randy Scruggs played the acoustic guitar solos on Rosanne Cash's version of the song.

Rosanne Cash recorded her cover of 'Tennessee Flat Top Box' at the suggestion of her then-husband, Rodney Crowell, and it was released as the third single from her album King's Record Shop in November 1987. The song became a huge hit, peaking at number one on the country charts in February 1988.

Interestingly, Johnny Cash's original version of 'Tennessee Flat Top Box' was also a chart success, reaching number 11 on the Billboard country singles charts and number 84 on the pop charts. It was included on his album Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash.

In conclusion, 'Tennessee Flat Top Box' is a song that has been passed down through generations, with both Johnny Cash and Rosanne Cash recording their own versions of it. Its catchy melody and inspiring lyrics have made it a beloved classic in the world of country music.

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