Johnny Draws 9,000

by Marilyn Nason, The Post-Star, June 26, 1972

No one could possibly dislike country-western music after hearing Johnny Cash.

Although much of his show Saturday night at Saratoga Performing Arts Center was a repeat of his appearance a year ago, it was foot-stomping, infectious, uptempo entertainment at its best.

The more than 9,000 attending, largely adult and totally devoted to Cash, applauded enthusiastically at the first note of every familiar tune.

Cash is a great storyteller, combining narrative with singing in a spell-binding interweaving of tales of his childhood, his feelings on Ma, Pa, flag and country, all underscored by strong gospel leanings.

Wife June Carter, the Carter family of Mother Maybelle, sisters Helen and Anita, the latter hobbling around on stage Saturday much in pain with a left leg in a cast; Carl Perkins of “Blue Suede Shoes” fame; the Statler Brothers and Tennessee Three all were repeats from last year.

Newest addition was young Larry Butler, an excellent pianist who mimicked the styles of everyone from Liberace to Van Cliburn.

Because of Saturday’s threatening weather, the show went on without an intermission but this seemed to create no problems for the audience. Apparently SPAC officials have given up the seven-year fight to keep people from smoking in the theater during performances.

And if you happen to sit next to someone repeatedly shooting pictures, with flashbulbs, the blindness becomes intolerable after a while. This, too, has become a losing battle for theatre officials apparently.

Cash’s voice seemed better than ever, his deeper notes particularly clear and effective. As always, he and everyone save the Statler Brothers wore the familiar black outfits, a Cash trademark.

Sunday night the sharp tones and upbeat tempo of the 50’s rock and roll returned with Tony William and the Platters, Bo Diddley, Chubby Checker, Joey Dee and band, Crystals, Five Satins and the Capris.

Tonight at 8:30 it will be Muddy Waters, Guy Wells Band and Otis Rush.