Johnny Cash - SXSW 1994 Keynote Address

VIDEO COURTESY OF TIM HAMBLIN

Flashback to 1994. Where were you on March 17? That was the day the man in black came to SXSW to serve as keynote speaker and blow us all away with a mesmerizing set at Emo's. Yes, Johnny Cash played Emo's... on the same bill as Beck... who was then largely unknown.

But I digress... I feel fortunate to introduce this keynote clip. I feel even more fortunate to have been there. (Yes, that's me standing next to him looking like a total doof in the press shots. He was surrounded by men, decided that wasn't right and said, "I need some girls here" and grabbed then music booker Annie McReynolds and me to stand beside him. Talk about being in a magical place at a magical time.)

It's amazing to see Mr. Cash come to life, sharing stories, singing songs. He was a sweet and generous man and of the hundreds of highlights throughout the history of SXSW, this one stands the test of time and shows what a consummate performer and funny man he was. We were all dazzled and charmed.

Cash's SXSW performance at Emo's was a precursor to the April release of American Recordings, his first collaboration with producer Rick Rubin. You'll see snippets of songs from the album in this clip. The record revitalized Cash's career and included a new version of "Delia's Gone" and a soulful reworking of Leonard Cohen's "Bird on a Wire" alongside the Glenn Danzig penned "Thirteen."

I'm thrilled they dug this clip out of the video vault. Without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, Johnny Cash...

Category:

Music

Tags:

• johnny
• cash
• keynote
• address
• sxsw
• austin
• texas
• march
• festival
• conference
• black
• hurt
• music
• south southwest
• south by southwest

[facestyle1000]

Look up Speed Racen

[rodrigoraulsuarez]

Super artist and legend.

[SequoyahTree]

I was there that day and feel so lucky that I was able to experience seeing him live in such a small and intimate forum. Thank You for sharing, I am sure there is more and would love to see his whole keynote address. Any chance in that? : )

[Cookie64]

Thanks a million for sharing this. Johnny Cash live - can't get any better!

[casparbabypants]

i met him that day when i played with beck and we opened up for him at emo's! he was sick but put on a great show!

[laslos3]

This is awesome! Thank you!

[yourdogsmusic]

one of my musical influences. god bless him.

[goldenheart96]

"It's got nothing to do with age... Grandchildren!" Love how he starts to laugh at 2:10! Great vid, thanks for sharing!

[cowboytony47]

Very awesome video,I like singing a lot of his song,Johnny Cash was a awesome singer,one of the best,Im so very Glad I stoped by and listened

[ShyLohTX]

RIP Johnny. You are missed!