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Woman's World
The 10 Best June Carter Cash Songs of All Time Showcasing the Singer’s Raw Talent
By Carissa Mosness,
3 hours ago
Singer-songwriter June Carter Cash is certainly country music royalty. From her passionate and electric love affair with Johnny Cash to the Carter Family band, throughout her life this singer has proven many times over just how talented she was.
Carter Cash was born on June 23, 1929 in Maces Spring, Virginia into a very musical family. Her mother, Maybelle Carter, was herself a country music performer, who, along with June's uncle, A.P. Carter, and aunt, Sara, was a part of the Carter Family band, which June joined in 1939 at the age of 10. And which she would be a part of, performing with different family members — notably her mother and sisters — right through the 1960s and 1970s.
Along the way, she would discover comedic skills, abilities as a dancer and actress and, of course, a honing of her singing and songwriting craft. She'd also create music on her own and with future husband Johnny Cash, breaking boundaries for women in music by showcasing just how much of a splash she could make.
Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash in 1970 Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer/Getty
Carter Cash was married three times, first to Carl Smith from 1952 until 1956, followed by Edwin Lee Nix in 1957 until 1966 and, finally, the musician married Johnny Cash in 1968. They were together until her death in 2003 at age 73. She had three kids as well.
To honor the singer and her musical legacy, we've rounded up the 10 best June Carter Cash songs of all time sure to have you singing and dancing as you listen, which is all she ever would have wanted.
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10. "Shantytown" (1967)
Like so many other June Carter Cash songs, this one was recorded with Johnny. It appeared on their album Carryin' On With Johnny Cash And June Carter and seems to follow the two of them falling in love, even though they are from different parts of town. It could be reflective of their individual life journeys. However, the real inspiration behind the song remains a mystery.
9. "Road to Kaintuck" (2003): June Carter Cash songs
"Road to Kaintuck" was one of the the last things the singer worked on before her death, but it was still oh so good. Not only was it a cover version of the hit 1965 Johnny Cash song, but it also showcased just how well Carter Cash's voice had developed over the course of her career. Fun fact: the word Kaintuck means a resident of the state of Kentucky, but neither Johnny or June were born there.
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8. "The Pine Tree" (1973)
Johnny and June reunited once again for this 1973 hit song that seems to follow someone telling their loved one they can't believe they gave up on their relationship. It appeared on the couple's studio album Johnny Cash and His Woman — the woman being June. It's exactly three minutes long and was written by Billy Edd Wheeler. The album itself was Johnny Cash's 46th and reached 32 on the country music charts.
7. "My Dixie Darling" (1991): June Carter Cash songs
Sung by the Helen, June, Anita and Carlene Carter — AKA The Carter Family/The Carter Sisters — "My Dixie Darling" is everything listeners could ever want out of a country folk song. June served as the front person, and it was her work in this group that would help launch her into musical stardom. You go June Carter Cash!
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6. "I Used to Be Somebody" (1999)
Carter Cash will always be someone to us and this song proves why! The singer's voice shines here and really showcases her range both musically and technically. The song appeared on the album Press On, was written by Carter Cash and is 4 minutes and 41 seconds long. Definitely give this June Carter Cash song a listen!
5. "Tall Lover Man" (1999): June Carter Cash songs
Also appearing on the Press On album, this track is all about a man who has a wife but is in love with the other woman. This could very well be influenced by June's relationship with Johnny, who was married when they first met. There is even a line in the song that offers, "I’m not to blame, it was a game. ‘Cause that fair-haired woman is my wife. And she will be all of my life.” However, this song ends must more tragically than the Cashs' love story, seeing as both of them die in a manner very similar to Romeo & Juliet. A must listen for those of forbidden love.
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4. "Oh, What a Good Thing We Had" (1967)
This one follows a couple that seem to still love each other, but know that along the way things went bad. The song is sung by both, and is clearly fictional, since the two had a very long and happy marriage. It could be in reference to their relationship when Cash was still married to Vivian Liberto, but since the song ends with the couple not together, it's very unlikely. Even so, this June Carter Cash song is a fun and fresh tune.
3. "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" (1999): June Carter Cash songs
Originally a Christian folklore song, Carter Cash's rendition of it is simply perfection. It showcases just how strongly the singer felt about sticking to her country folk roots, even if the song wasn't originally scored in that manner. Carter Cash herself was religious and could often be found thanking God for all of the good things life threw her way.
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2. "Darlin' Companion" (1979)
Recorded live at San Quentin, this song is nothing short of spectacular. Not only does their chemistry shine on stage, but their voices blend together so well it gives everyone goosebumps. "Darlin' Companion" was originally written by John Sebastian, but it was the Cash's 1979 performance of it that launched it into infamy. Their remake never appeared on an album, and was only recorded live.
1. "Jackson" (1966): June Carter Cash songs
Coming in at number one is none other than the 1966 hit "Jackson," which the couple sang together. It seems to follow two people who got married hastily and decide that a town called Jackson was going to be their salvation. As is a common theme within most of the couple's duets, this song seems to be one of love lost even though the two were never shown to have relationship struggles in reality. Nevertheless, this song remains June Carter Cash's best, and is perfect for anyone that loves emotional and heart-wrenching duets.
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