If I Told You Who It Was

Album: Out Among the Stars (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This collaboration with Minnie Pearl is one of a number of lost recordings laid down by Johnny Cash in the 1980s with Billy Sherrill, who was the head of A&R at Columbia Records at that time in Nashville. In 2012 his son, Johnny Carter Cash, found the songs among a huge stash of his father's effects. Carter Cash recalled to The Guardian: "When I first heard 'If I Told You Who It Was,' I laughed out loud. What fun, what energy, what spirit. My dad was dear friends with many people in the music business and what a blessing to have a guest appearance in this by the great Minnie Pearl."

    Minnie Pearl was a beloved folksy comedian who was a regular on the television variety show Hee Haw between 1969 and 1991.
  • John Carter Cash commented to NME: "Perhaps not many people are aware that dad had a great sense of humor, and you hear it loud and clear here."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.