Johnny Cash At San Quentin LP Value Guide

Recorded on February 24, 1969, this live album captured Johnny Cash at the peak of his outlaw persona following the success of his Folsom Prison recording. It is highly collectible for its raw energy and cultural significance, famously featuring the debut of the hit single 'A Boy Named Sue.'

What Is Johnny Cash At San Quentin LP Worth?

The typical price range for Johnny Cash At San Quentin LP is $25 - $75 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of the original '2-Eye' label significantly increases the value compared to later '6-Eye' or modern reissues.
• Condition of the vinyl surface, specifically the absence of surface noise or scratches during the quiet intro of 'A Boy Named Sue.'
• The state of the cardboard jacket, with higher prices paid for copies lacking ring wear, seam splits, or ink markings.
• Inclusion of any original promotional stickers or inserts that were distributed with early 1969 pressings.

How to Identify Johnny Cash At San Quentin LP?

• Check for the Columbia '2-Eye' label on the vinyl, which indicates an original 1969 US pressing.
• Verify the matrix numbers etched in the run-out groove to distinguish between original 1969 cuts and later reissues.
• Examine the cardboard sleeve for the 'Columbia Records' logo and the specific CS 9827 catalog number.
• Look for the presence of the original inner sleeve which often featured advertisements for other Columbia artists of the era.

History of Johnny Cash At San Quentin LP

Johnny Cash's performance at San Quentin State Prison on February 24, 1969, was part of a series of live albums recorded at prisons. Following the success of 'At Folsom Prison,' this album further solidified Cash's outlaw image and his connection with the incarcerated. It features iconic tracks like 'A Boy Named Sue,' which became a major hit.