Johnny Cash Christmas Show Screening at the Country Music Hall of Fame
Classier Than Hee Haw
by D. Patrick Rodgers @dpatrickrodgers
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From deep within its hallowed archives, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has unearthed The Johnny Cash Show's rarely viewed 1970 Christmas episode. With performances from The Everly Brothers, Johnny and June, The Carter Family and an acoustic version of "Pretty Paper" from Roy Orbison--not to mention some pretty absurd haircuts--the program is a genuine slice of '70s country-music luster. On top of countless rare performances, the show also features a lengthy and hammily acted Christmas Carol-style skit with an appearance by Minnie Pearl as the Ghost of Christmas Past. Sure, Christmas specials these days might have more bells and whistles, fewer awkward pauses and far less obvious glances at off-screen cue cards, but Johnny & Co. knew how to throw the kind of heartwarming holiday hootenanny you just don't see anymore.
Sun., Dec. 14, 2 p.m., 2008
Sun., Dec. 14, 2 p.m., 2008
