The Johnny Cash Children's Album

The first thing to say about this album is that it is a very typical Johnny Cash album in many ways, the only difference being that the songs are intended to appeal to children. However, no attempt was made to adapt the music in any way to encourage children to listen to it by (for example) recruiting a children's choir to provide vocal backing, even though Johnny Cash occasionally did that on his other recordings. For myself, I'm very happy to listen to this album, but I can understand why some people have a problem with the inclusion of Old Shep. This classic song with a sad ending, originally recorded by Red Foley but later covered by Elvis Presley, at first glance doesn't really seem to be a suitable choice for a children's album. I love this song and Johnny does full justice to it. Actually, most of the song is fairly upbeat as it is about the pleasure the dog gives to his owner. Perhaps that was why Johnny included the song on this album.Irrespective of whether Old Shep should be included, there is a lot to like about this album. Originally recorded between 1971 and 1973 and released in January 1975 with 11 tracks, the re-issue comes with four bonus tracks. The recording dates for those are not given, but they were probably recorded during the same period. Johnny Cash wrote many of the songs himself. Apart from Old Shep, the only familiar song is Grandfather's clock, which is one of the previously unreleased tracks. So you won't hear the same old songs that you'll find on other children's albums, except perhaps Grandfather's clock.There is a great song about a girl or young woman (Miss Tara) with a life to look forward to, but while it won't offend anybody, it has no obvious appeal to children. However, there are plenty of those including Nasty Dan, I got a boy and his name is John (with June Carter), Little magic glasses and Dinosaur song among them.There is one nonsense song here, Why is a fire engine red? It uses punnery at its worst, ending up by explaining that Russians are red, and that fire engines are always rushing, so that's why they're red. Well, I guess the children might enjoy that more than I do, but it is one of the bonus tracks. It's not difficult to see why it was omitted from the original album.A classic Johnny Cash album in many ways, I give it five stars because I love it, but if you're considering this for children and you're worried about the inclusion of Old Shep, knock a star or two off the rating.

I bought this for my grandson since he loves Johnny Cash! He listens to his music and has watched documentaries on his life, etc. I'm sure he will love it.

I didn't know what to expect from this album but was pleasantly surprised. In fact, it has become one of my favorite Johnny Cash albums (the others being American IV, American V, Live at Folsom Prison, and Bitter Tears). A few of the songs are, perhaps, forgettable, but many of the others are catchy and down-right fun. "Nasty Dan" makes me smile whenever I hear it. "I Got a Boy" is both funny and sweet. I find the tune of "Ah Bos Cee Dah" often runs through my mind. "Why is a Fire Engine Red" is just plain silly but enjoyable.But parents should be aware: Johnny's dark side does peak out at times. "Old Shep," about a boy and his dog (who dies) is very sad, perhaps even disturbing, and "Tiger Whitehead" tells the story of a man who hunts bears. That might not be very PC in this day and age; I have a feeling it's a song that would have been more appreciated by parents and kids back in the days when Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone were heroes.Anyway, I highly recommend it.

I had read in one of my parents magazines that this was ranked high among children's albums. After listening, I can't really agree that this is appropriate for kids. The music is great, but the lyrics have a lot to be desired. The song that sticks out most in my mind is "Old Shep", which is about a boy and his dog (starts out great). The lyrics then follow:"As the years fast did rollOld shep he grew oldHis eyes were fast growing dimAnd one day the doctor looked at me and saidI can do no more for him jimWith hands that were tremblingI picked up my gunAnd aimed it at sheps faithful headI just couldnt do itI wanted to runI wish they would shoot me instead"Actually, my husband and I cracked up when we heard those lyrics for the first time, but we decided that song's not appropriate for our son (as well as a couple of others on the CD). So, we burned a copy of the CD which didn't include those of which we didn't approve.

I really dislike most children's albums. I think they're so sterile & cheesy. That said, we love singing children songs together and doing all of the gestures. Some of our favorite albums are Curious George, Catch the Moon (Elizabeth Mitchell & Lisa Loeb), Songs to Grow on for Mother & Child (Woody Guthrie), & Leadbelly Sings for Children.Johnny Cash's Children's Album is my boy's favorite- we especially love I Got a Boy and His Name is John and Grandfather's Clock. It's beautiful to hear the love in Johnny's voice for his kids- that's what makes this album extra special. He's not trying to sound kid-friendly or upbeat (hate that)- he's just singing from his beautiful heart. For people who want their children to have a rich and varied taste in music, this is a great bet.

As I am a fan of Johnny Cash since 1963 and in possession of some 100 albums I am very pleased with the possibility of buying this album. Some 10 songs are new to me and I also am specially pleased with the second version of Grandfather's Clock. As I am Dutch I have to hold this review short, but I can say: Johnny Cash still pleases and surprises me every day.One of my desires still is the album Destination Victoria Station on CD.

It's simple-Johnny Cash and his guitar. Some of the songs are just fun. Some of the songs just call to your soul, such as the one about his grandfather and the clock or Miss Tara Jones. Their all pleasant and sweet to listen to. Highly recommend.

I have this on CD but wanted the mp3 version....the cover is the same...the album is the same....but is is missing the last 3 songs....what's up with that?!

Not just for kids, but big kids of all ages, 88 yrs and over. I bet Clint Eastwood loves this album, also could be used to educate kids in good music, ween 'em off this Katy Perry type cobblers! NICE ONE JOHNNY. GOD REST.

excellent cd value for money

This is such a catchy album, really enjoying listening to it with my 6 month old

Great

manchmal findet man neben den vielen Live Mitschnitten oder Geldmachplatten beim RSD auch Perlen wie zum Beispiel das Johnny Cash Children Album von 1975. Wer an Johnny Cash denkt, denkt bedingt durch sein Image gar nicht an einen / den kinderlieben Johnny.Auch mir war dieses Album bis heute unbekannt und ganz ehrlich - ich habe es nur aus Neugierde gekauft -, denn viel meinte ich nicht erwarten zu dürfen. Doch als sich die Scheibe auf meinem Plattenteller drehte, waren die Texte der Kinderlieder in Johnny's unvergleichliche Countrymusik eingebettet. Das ihm die Aufnahme viel Spaß bereitet haben muss, spürt man wenn man das 3. Lied auf Seite eins hört, denn hier singt und lacht er mit seiner Frau. Anspiel Tip ist auch der Dinosaurier Song. Insgesamt ein wunderschönes Cash Album und ein aus meiner Sicht muss have für Country Fans und welche es noch werden wollen. Berührend sind auch die beigelegten Worte seines Sohnes über den Vater.