On a recent road trip to Minneapolis, I listened to the NPR interview show Fresh Air, which rebroadcast an interview Terry Gross did with Johnny Cash in the late 1990s. He was in the news because 1) February 26 was the anniversary of his birthday, and 2) the last in his American Recording Series, Ain’t No Grave, was released to coincide with his birthdate
I wasn’t a country western fan in my youth, and my generation spent more time ridiculing Johnny Cash than listening to him. But Gross’s interview with the aging singer and his obvious love of music made the interview a delight. You can listen to it or download the transcript by clicking here.
After the rebroadcast, Gross interviewed Rick Rubin, the record producers who collaborated with Cash on the American Recording Series. Gross and Rubin spent much of the interview talking about the CD in the boxed set which is all Cash singing his favorite hymns and spirituals solo. In the interview, Rubin describes the impact of Cash’s witness through an everyday moment. To hear what Rubin said or download that transcript, click here.
Once you listen, you may understand why Johnny Cash is my new homeboy.
Thanks, man in black.
Since his first appearance in St. Elsewhere, Denzel Washington has been one of my favorite actors. I haven’t seen all his movies, but his performance in Glory and The Great Debaters, which he also directed, are two of my faves.
A couple days ago, I listened to him on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and was impressed with his down-to-earth attitude about acting. Near the end of the interview, Terry asked Denzel about growing up as the son of a Pentecostal minister. Denzel’s response was one of the most gracious witnesses of faith I’ve ever heard.
But, do you think I can locate the interview? No matter how many times I search NPR’s website, it doesn’t show up. But, I did find the following interview at the Reader’s Digest website. While it doesn’t tell as much about the effect his father’s integrity had on Washington’s life, it’s a fair substitute.
Take a look the interview and see what you think. If you’re like me, you’ll be renting every movie he’s been in – perfect entertainment as the nights get longer and the days get colder.
And if you locate the link for the Fresh Air interview, send it to me, please. I’d love to post it so more people can hear it.
