A new single from Johnny Cash’s forthcoming posthumous album Songwriter is out now. “Spotlight,” the second track from the new record due out June 28 via Mercury Nashville/UMe, features guitar from The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach. Songwriter, which features exclusively material written by Cash himself, has been more than 30 years in the making. The first single from the album, “Well Alright,” came out in late April.
Order Johnny Cash’s Songwriter now.
Cash’s vocals for “Spotlight” were first recorded in 1993 at Nashville’s LSI Studios, around a decade before his death. His son John Carter Cash selected the demo vocals and, along with co-producer David “Fergie” Ferguson, stripped the song down and handpicked a new group of musicians who had played with Cash during his lifetime to build a fresh arrangement. Selected players include guitarist Marty Stuart, the late bassist Dave Roe, drummer Pete Abbott, and, of course, Auerbach.
“It was the thrill of a lifetime to be able to play guitar on a Johnny Cash song,” Auerbach shared.“Hearing his voice through the speakers in my studio sent chills down my spine. I can’t thank John Carter and Fergie enough for including me.” John Carter Cash added: “It was great to have Dan be a part of ‘Spotlight’ and to add his guitar tones and his sounds to this incredible song. I think it really opened it up into a different direction. It’s good to hear two fantastic guitarists, Dan and Marty, working together to bring this song alive.”
Songwriter will be available June 28 for streaming and download, but will also see a physical release on CD and vinyl. Different vinyl variations include standard black and several limited-edition color variants.
Order Johnny Cash’s Songwriter now.