Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Johnny Cash, Gordon Jenkins settled dispute over 'Folsom Prison Blues'

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Johnny Cash
A 1977 photo of country western musician Johnny Cash.
Associated Press file

Today's Morning Edition music is based on"Folsom Prison Blues," a single by Johnny Cash that was released 60 years ago Tuesday.

Cash said he wrote the song after seeing the movie "Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison" while he was in the Air Force.

He took the melody and many of the lyrics from a song called "Crescent City Blues," which was written by Gordon Jenkins and sung by his wife Beverly Mahr.

After the live version of the song became a hit in 1968, Jenkins sued Cash and settled for $75,000.