Watch the Only Ever Performance Between Johnny Cash and John Denver—“Take Me Home Country Roads”

In 1971, John Denver released his biggest hit—”Take Me Home Country Roads.” Reaching No. 2 on the Billboard US Hot 100 singles, it seemed Denver got all he possibly could out of the song. Though, as we all know, the song has been used countless times in countless different ways. However, what you might not know is that in 1978, Johnny Cash and Denver duetted the song in a one-time collaboration.

Taking place during Denver’s TV special Thank God I’m A Country Boy. In addition to Cash, the show also featured Glen Campbell, Roger Miller, and numerous other country artists. Prior to the show, Cash and Denver reportedly did not have a solidified relationship. Though, this lack of friendship seemingly did not interfere with their onscreen chemistry.

The Song Was Never Meant for John Denver

One of Cash’s alleged motivations for doing this performance is because “Take Me Home Country Roads” was originally intended to be his song. Written by Bill Danoff and Tyler Nivert, they planned to sell the song to Cash and leave it at that, per Whiskey Riff. But when Denver heard the song, he couldn’t live without it. Insisting that Danoff and Nivert should sell the song to him so he could release it on his Poems, Prayers & Promises album.

Frankly, it seems the song ended up in the right hands. If Cash had performed it, it’s possible that the tune would have fallen into obscurity due to his plethora of other hits. It was Denver’s artistic touch and small-time star power compared to Cash that made the song the hit that it was.

What Could Have Been

The 1978 recording of Cash and Denver singing the song is not only a rare piece of music history. It is also a sneak peek into how Cash would have sung the song. Regarding Cash’s potential rendition, in the duet he brings his booming deep vocals to the table. Though, it does sound like any other Cash song. Despite it never being intended for Denver, it was meant to be a Denver song.

Regardless of this change of direction, the duet brings a fresh take on the song. Trading verses back in forth, Cash and Denver serenade listeners through their juxtaposing voices. High and low, it truly is a duet that entails a certain antithesis. Yet, they achieve to bolster the song’s beautiful imagery and homely sentiments. Making viewers further long for a nearly ficticious land.

Photo by Tony Russell/Redferns