1957 JOHNNY CASH Ballad Of A Teenage Queen SUN RECORD recording - 78 RPM Record

Johnny Cash and The Tennessee Two – Ballad Of A Teenage Queen
Johnny Cash, Luther Perkins and Marshall Grant
Recorded by Sun Record Co. Inc.
Written by Jack Clement
78 RPM audio transfer from Bowness Arts' collection of vintage records.

Johnny Cash and The Tennessee Two – Ballad Of A Teenage Queen / Big River
Label: Quality – 1692 (Canada)
Format: Vinyl, 10", 78 RPM, Mono
Recorded: November 12 and 22, 1957
Released: 1958
Genre: Folk, Country
Style: Country, Rockabilly
Other side of this record: Big River
https://youtu.be/-AC8StI2cbY

"Ballad of a Teenage Queen" is a song written by Jack Clement and recorded by Johnny Cash, with background music performed by The Tennessee Two (Luther Perkins and Marshall Grant). It was recorded for Cash's 1958 album "Sings the Songs That Made Him Famous" and reached number 1 on the US Country charts and number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song tells the story of a teenage girl from a small American town. She was the most beautiful girl around. With golden hair and piercing blue eyes, she captured the hearts of many boys. However, her heart belonged to the boy next door, who held a job at the candy store. Though admired by all, she remained humble and unaffected. She seemed to have everything she needed, not a worry in the world. Despite other boys offering more, she remained loyal to the boy next door. But fate had other plans. A movie scout arrived one day and, offering her fame and fortune, whisked her away to Hollywood. She left behind her love and the candy store. As a movie star, she achieved great success with a luxurious lifestyle. Yet, she couldn't shake the longing for her old home and the boy she left behind. The world was at her feet, except for the boy next door. In a surprising turn, the teenage star decided to give up her wealth and fame. She sold her possessions, boarded a train, and returned to her small town. There, she found solace and love once again with the boy who worked at the candy store.

Johnny Cash, whose birth name was J. R. Cash (later legally changed to John R. Cash), was a multifaceted American artist known as a singer-songwriter, actor, musician, and author. He was born on February 26, 1932, in Kingsland, Arkansas. Recognized for his signature all-black stage attire, Cash was often referred to as "The Man in Black." Throughout his career, he captivated audiences with his powerful performances and deeply influential music. Notably, he was married to fellow country singer June Carter, forming a dynamic musical and personal partnership. Cash's contributions to music were widely recognized and honoured. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1977, the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1980, and the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a performer. Cash died on September 12, 2003 in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 71. In 2010, his impact on gospel music was posthumously acknowledged with his induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Note: The first 78 RPM record came into existence around 1894, and in 1912, the Gramophone Company established 78 rpm as their recording standard. The production of shellac records continued throughout the 78 rpm era, with "unbreakable" 78 rpm vinyl records being introduced in the 1940s. The popularity of the 33 1/3 rpm "Long Play" record, initially released in 1948, caused the 78 rpm record to become obsolete before the end of the 1950s. As these 78 rpm recordings are quite old, they may contain derogatory language and/or negative stereotypes. It is important to evaluate such recordings within their historical context and consider them as a reflection of the attitudes prevalent at the time. These recordings form an integral part of the historical record and do not represent the views of this poster, channel, or Bowness Arts.