Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” Is A Blazing Hot Hit You Need To Listen

Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire"
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

In 1963, the world of country music was blessed with another iconic song – and it’s none other than Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” The single appeared on Cash’s album, Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash.

Written by his wife June Carter Cash and singer-songwriter Merle Kilgore, the song tells the tale of June and Johnny Cash’s relationship. June revealed that being around Cash felt like a “ring of fire” was surrounding her.

As Johnny Cash‘s career was taking off in the late 1950s, the country singer started drinking heavily and struggled with drug addiction. He faced a turning point in 1967 when June Carter was there to help him.

June’s sister, Anita Carter, was actually the first to record the song – just a few months before The Man in Black did. However, when Cash heard Anita’s version, the country legend claimed that he heard the song in his dream, and it was accompanied by “Mexican horns.”

Cash made a deal with Anita, telling her that if she won’t make a hit out of “Ring of Fire” within five or six months, he will record the song the way he feels it. He remarked that adding trumpets would absolutely change his basic sound.

Indeed, Cash had it his way! The song failed to become a big hit for Anita, and the country legend recorded the way he wanted it to be or the way he has heard it from his dream – adding the mariachi-style horns.

“Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash then became one of his biggest hits – reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart and holding that position for seven remarkable weeks.

Clearly, even if the country singer is recognized for a variety of profound Johnny Cash songs – his name will forever be connected with this fiery hit. You can listen to Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” in the video below.

Latest Stories

Parker McCollum Claps Back After Oliver Anthony Hints at Autotune Allegations

Parker McCollum Claps Back After Oliver Anthony Hints at Autotune Allegations

After viral sensation Oliver Anthony shared some candid—and controversial—thoughts about the music industry, country music fans were abuzz recently. The conversation escalated when Anthony hinted that a mainstream country artist ...

The Timeless Legacy of Randy Travis' Grammy-Winning "Forever and Ever, Amen"

The Timeless Legacy of Randy Travis’ Grammy-Winning “Forever and Ever, Amen”

When it comes to country music that stands the test of time, Randy Travis is the name that echoes through the halls of history. His deep, resonant voice and unparalleled ...

Phil Robertson Faces Early Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Phil Robertson Faces Early Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Amid Blood Disease Complications

The Robertson family, known for their Duck Dynasty fame, has revealed concerning news about their beloved patriarch, Phil Robertson. On a recent episode of their podcast, Unashamed with the Robertson ...

Earliest Known Country Music Recording Discovered, Dating Back to 1891

Earliest Known Country Music Recording Discovered, Dating Back to 1891

Country music has always been a storytelling tradition, weaving the trials and triumphs of everyday life into melodies that stand the test of time. While most fans trace the roots ...

The All-American Rejects Reveal "Dirty Little Secret" Started as a Country Song

The All-American Rejects Reveal “Dirty Little Secret” Started as a Country Song

Who would’ve thought? The All-American Rejects, those emo-rock icons of the 2000s, recently revealed a surprising twist about one of their biggest hits. During an interview on the Zach Sang ...

Zach Top Revives John Michael Montgomery's "Sold" With a Neotraditional Twist

Zach Top Revives John Michael Montgomery’s “Sold” With a Neotraditional Twist

Zach Top is quickly solidifying his place as one of country music’s most exciting rising stars. Hailing from Sunnyside, Washington, Zach brings a neotraditional flair to his music that feels ...

Revisiting the Time Dolly Parton and Country Queens Sang Together on Burt Reynolds' Show

Revisiting the Time Dolly Parton and Country Queens Sang Together on Burt Reynolds’ Show

Burt Reynolds may be best remembered as a Hollywood icon. Still, in the early ’90s, he brought country music royalty together for an unforgettable moment in television history. On his ...

Mainstream Media Tried to Cancel Chris Stapleton, But Fans Rallied Behind Him

Mainstream Media Tried to Cancel Chris Stapleton, But Fans Rallied Behind Him

Chris Stapleton’s dominance at the 2024 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards was not without controversy. As he walked away with Single of the Year and Song of the Year for ...

Oliver Anthony Criticizes Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" Album as "Complete Trash"

Oliver Anthony Criticizes Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” Album as “Complete Trash”

Oliver Anthony is no stranger to controversy. Known for his unapologetic stance against the mainstream music industry, the artist behind “Rich Men North of Richmond” recently turned his attention to ...

Oliver Anthony Slams Nashville's Music Industry for Prioritizing Profits Over Authenticity

Oliver Anthony Slams Nashville’s Music Industry for Prioritizing Profits Over Authenticity

Oliver Anthony, the breakout star whose hit “Rich Men North of Richmond” skyrocketed him to fame, has made it clear that he wants nothing to do with the music business’s ...