Big River (1958). Johnny Cash /you must hear this/

Musician and composer Mark O'Connor was on NPR's You Must Hear This yesterday. His pick: Big River by Johnny Cash:

The rhythmic phrasing and vocal performance by Cash in "Big River" is remarkable; its energy and drive replaces any need for drums or percussion. Cash's own guitar strumming riff was quite memorable as well. He strummed up the neck with a dynamic crescendo.

Johnny Cash's Big River on lala:

Big River - Johnny Cash

Now, won't you batter down by Baton Rouge, River Queen, roll it on.
Take that woman on down to New Orleans, New Orleans.
Go on, I've had enough; dump my blues down in the gulf.
She loves you, Big River, more than me.

Mark O'Connor's Americana Symphony conducted by Marin Alsop on lala:

Americana Symhony - Baltimore ...