From the S&S archives: Rhein-Main clubs hail Johnny Cash

RHEIN-MAIN AB, Germany (S&S) — Johnny Cash, country and western performer whose hits date back 13 years, is presently blazing through Europe like a ring of fire.

Cash, who landed in Frankfurt on Tuesday, already had played several performances in this area. He headed for Scotland Thursday.

The country and western star played at two Rhein-Main NCO clubs Wednesday night, leaving the first while the audience was still applauding in time to tune up for his show at the second. Both clubs were filled to capacity.

The Kingsland, Ark., native, speaking with a heavy drawl, said, "Next to prisoners, I like to play for military audiences best."

Cash, who recorded a live album from a penitentiary, "Folsom Prison," said, "Prisoners are always the best audiences. I decided to record an album from prison because I wanted a good quality sound with a good audience reaction.

"The only time I've been in prison is to perform," Cash said.

Cash has made several tours of Europe. His first stint here was from 1951 to 1953 as a soldier. On the current tour, he played to a sellout crowd at the Palladium in London, and Thursday he flew to Glasgow.

"I think country and western music has as much soul as any kind of music," he said.

Speaking about his own style, he said, "I have done such a variety of different kinds of music that I really can't pin down just one thing my music expresses."

The singer has had five million-selling records in his 13 years, but he doesn't remember any break into the big time. "I just took things a little at a time. I don't think you have to have a break. Do you?"