James Garner

For the past 15 years, James Garner and his band have been paying homage to the legendary Johnny Cash with their highly acclaimed tribute show. Their impressive portfolio includes over 500 professional shows, including a special concert at Folsom State Prison in 2008, commemorating the 40th anniversary of Cash's iconic live album, recorded within the prison walls. The group's performances are well known for their stunning accuracy and toe-tapping renditions of Cash's biggest hits, such as "Folsom Prison Blues," "Ring of Fire," and "I Walk the Line."

Garner's tribute show has received widespread recognition and has been aired on PBS stations across the country. The group has also released three full-length albums, making them the most recorded and published Johnny Cash tribute show in the nation. In 2018, on the 50th anniversary of Cash's historic performance at Folsom Prison, Garner and his band were joined by special guest Tara Cash, Johnny Cash's youngest daughter, for two sold-out shows at the Harris Center for the Arts. The performances included songs from the Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison album and stories shared by Tara about her legendary father.

Gene Beley, one of two reporters who covered the 1968 concert at Folsom Prison, was also part of the 50th anniversary celebration with Garner's band and Tara Cash. According to Beley, Garner and his band give concertgoers their money's worth, saying that "this act will not disappoint the people who wish to resurrect that classic Johnny Cash voice and rhythm."

Garner's love for Johnny Cash's music started at a young age. He recalls hearing "Don't Take Your Guns to Town" when he was 12 years old and becoming hooked on Cash's sound. A few years later, he was able to see the Man in Black in concert and even got to meet him backstage. Shaking hands with Johnny Cash remains one of the coolest experiences of Garner's life.