Sun Records has expanded its celebrated archival partnership with Qobuz through the exclusive digital debut of Pure Johnny Cash, a meticulously remastered collection of rare early recordings from Johnny Cash. Available today exclusively on Qobuz in up to 24-bit high-resolution audio, the album will arrive on all major streaming platforms beginning March 6, 2026.
A Hi-Res Revival of Johnny Cash’s Sun Records Era
Originally released as a premium vinyl collection in collaboration with McIntosh Laboratory, Pure Johnny Cash compiles 18 rare and seldom-heard recordings from Cash’s formative years at Sun Records. These tracks have been meticulously remastered from the original analog tapes to preserve the warmth, immediacy, and raw energy that defined his earliest sessions.
The collection includes alternative takes and standout versions of timeless classics such as:
- “Train of Love”
- “Ballad of a Teenage Queen”
- “I Walk the Line”
These performances offer a direct glimpse into the unfiltered power of Cash’s early recordings, captured live in single takes without overdubs. The result is an intimate listening experience that highlights the unmistakable baritone and rhythmic snap that would shape American music history.
Exclusive Hi-Res Streaming on Qobuz
The digital launch of Pure Johnny Cash underscores Qobuz’s commitment to high-quality listening experiences. Known for prioritizing high-resolution streaming and downloads, Qobuz delivers the album in up to 24-bit Hi-Res audio, preserving the nuance and sonic integrity of the original master tapes.
This release marks another milestone in Sun Records’ ongoing efforts to bring its legendary vault recordings to modern audiences without compromising fidelity. By partnering with Qobuz, Sun ensures that fans can experience these historic sessions with clarity and depth rarely heard in standard digital formats.
New Lyric Video Premieres for “Ballad of a Teenage Queen”
To celebrate the digital debut, Sun Records is premiering a new lyric video for the Pure Johnny Cash version of “Ballad of a Teenage Queen.” The video introduces fresh visual storytelling while spotlighting the enhanced clarity and detail revealed through the remastering process.
The release serves as both a tribute to Cash’s enduring legacy and an invitation for new listeners to rediscover one of his most beloved songs in stunning high resolution.
Preserving the Lightning: From Analog Tape to Hi-Res Digital
Chase Gregory, Senior Director A&R + Sync at Sun Records, emphasized the importance of authenticity in this release. He highlighted how producer Sam Phillips captured “lightning in a bottle” during these sessions, noting that each performance was recorded in a single take with no overdubs.
That immediacy remains central to Pure Johnny Cash. Every vocal inflection, rhythmic accent, and room resonance has been carefully restored to maintain the spirit of the original recordings.
The vinyl edition, produced in collaboration with McIntosh, focused on delivering exceptional fidelity through high-end analog playback systems. Now, Qobuz extends that same philosophy into the digital realm, allowing listeners to stream or download the album in studio-quality resolution.
Why Pure Johnny Cash Matters in 2026
As high-resolution streaming continues to gain traction among audiophiles and music enthusiasts, releases like Pure Johnny Cash demonstrate how archival recordings can be presented with modern clarity while honoring their historic roots.
For longtime fans of Johnny Cash, this collection offers a deeper connection to the earliest chapters of his career at Sun Records. For newcomers, it serves as an accessible entry point into the raw, foundational recordings that helped define rockabilly, country, and American roots music.
With exclusive 24-bit Hi-Res availability on Qobuz and a wider streaming rollout set for March 6, 2026, Pure Johnny Cash stands as both a preservation effort and a celebration of one of the most influential voices in music history.
Listen on Qobuz in up to 24-bit Hi-Res: stream HERE and download HERE.
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