Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison LP Value Guide

Recorded live on January 13, 1968, this Columbia Records release captured Johnny Cash's raw performance for the inmates of Folsom State Prison. It is a cornerstone of any vinyl collection, representing the moment Cash solidified his 'Man in Black' persona and revitalized his career through tracks like 'Cocaine Blues'.

What Is Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison LP Worth?

The typical price range for Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison LP is $30 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the vinyl surface, specifically the absence of audible scratches that disrupt the raw live recording.
• The presence and state of the original cardboard jacket, as seam splits and heavy ring wear significantly reduce value.
• Rarity of the pressing, with original 1968 mono copies often fetching the higher end of the $30-$50 price range.
• Completeness of the package, including the original Columbia Records paper inner sleeve.

How to Identify Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison LP?

• Check for the original 1968 Columbia 'two-eye' label design featuring '360 Sound' in white text at the bottom.
• Verify the catalog number CS 9639 for Stereo versions or CL 2839 for the rarer Mono pressings on the jacket and label.
• Look for the iconic cover photograph by Jim Marshall showing a sweating Johnny Cash against a dark background.
• Inspect the matrix runout in the dead wax for stamped identifiers consistent with 1968 United States pressing plants.

History of Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison LP

Recorded live on January 13, 1968, at Folsom State Prison in California, this album is a landmark in music history. Johnny Cash, known for his outlaw image and sympathy for the incarcerated, performed two shows that day. The album captured the raw energy and connection Cash had with the inmates, featuring classic tracks like 'Folsom Prison Blues' and 'Cocaine Blues.' Its success revitalized Cash's career and brought prison reform into the public consciousness, solidifying his legend as the 'Man in Black.'