On this day in 1968, Johnny Cash walked into Folsom State Prison, looked out at a room full of inmates, and launched into “Folsom Prison Blues” with the kind of fire that would change his career forever. Backed by June Carter, Carl Perkins, and the Tennessee Three, Cash performed two shows inside the prison walls — raw, unfiltered, and recorded live for what would become one of the greatest albums in music history.
Cash had been fascinated by prison life since his Air Force days, when he first saw the film Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison. His 1955 hit “Folsom Prison Blues” made him a hero among inmates, who wrote to him for years asking him to perform behind bars. By 1968, after battling addiction and a career slump, Cash was ready for a comeback — and Folsom was the perfect stage.
The album At Folsom Prison shot to number one on the country charts, cracked the national top 15, and delivered Cash his first top‑40 hit in years. Critics praised its grit and honesty. Fans embraced its humanity. And the music world recognized it as a masterpiece — eventually earning spots on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums,” the National Recording Registry, and the Grammy Hall of Fame.
It wasn’t just a concert. It was a revival — for Cash, for country music, and for the idea that art can reach people in the darkest places.
And while you may not be performing for 2,000 inmates today, you can keep your day running smooth and steady.
Here’s your Tillsonburg fuel update — no prison blues required:
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Pioneer: $114.9
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Esso: $114.9
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Shell: $115.9
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Petro Canada: $115.9
So whether you’re walking the line, burning a ring of fire, or just trying to get through a chilly January morning, make sure your tank is topped up. Even the Man in Black needed fuel to keep rolling.
