Long before Reese Witherspoon was born, June Carter Cash was a living legend.
Sure Johnny Cash was a star as evidenced by the loyal fans that bought his albums and turned out for his performances, making him one of the brightest country stars of the 1960s and 1970s.
But when you watched a televised performance of him and June Carter Cash, you immediately noticed that June stole the show. Johnny – the man in black – had all the charisma and stage presence you’d expect, but it was June who projected the grace, confidence and intelligence that belied her royal status as a member of The Carter Family (who practically invented country music in the 1940s).
While Witherspoon’s portrayal of Carter Cash in the recent movie “Ring of Fire” was admirable, Anchored in Love, the 11-track tribute CD to Carter Cash, is the true testament to her legacy. After Carter Cash died in 2003, John Carter Cash, the only child of June and Johnny, set out to pay tribute to his mother with this album.
Enlisting singers who were friends or admirers of June’s – including Patty Loveless, Brad Paisley, Kris Kristofferson, and Emmylou Harris - the album is an array of songs that were made great by June and Johnny. Some, such as "Ring of Fire," were famously written by June and sung by Johnny (who died four months after June).
I’ll admit right off that I’m a purist – and a sentimental one at that. In my mind, I can still see June and Johnny singing “If I Were a Carpenter.” What the words didn’t convey, the body language sure did. So it was with a big dose of disappointment that I heard the rendition of the song on this album by Sheryl Crow and Willie Nelson. Besides the rather strange coupling, the meaning of the words fell flat in their rendition. Likewise, June’s daughter Carlene’s duet with Ronnie Dunn on “Jackson” is a bit tired. Obviously true love and passion do make a difference when a couple sings a love song.
Not surprisingly, songs by country veterans Loretta Lynn ("Wildwood Flower"), Emmylou Harris ("A Song for John") and Brad Paisley ("Keep on the Sunny Side") are among the richest tracks on the disc.
But whatever quibbles one might have with certain songs or renditions, Anchored in Love is a rich, full tribute album to Carter Cash -- produced by a son who adored his mother and performed by friends and family who loved her. Whatever else is said, their honest affection for the one shines through.
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