1968: A Folsom Redemption

In 1968, two journalists—photographer Dan Poush and writer Gene Beley—were lucky enough to be in the room for the iconic Johnny Cash concerts at Folsom Prison. The event survives as a turning point in the career of the iconic artist, documented in the recordings made that day that became the critically-acclaimed album At Folsom Prison. Having performed for inmates for over a decade, he finally won the argument with his record label over the merits of recording live inside a prison. 

In a powerful traveling exhibition now at the West Baton Rouge Museum, Beley's first person accounts join Poush's photography in walking the viewer through the complexities and implications of that important concert, tracing Cash's golden era from the 1968 album to a March 1, 1969 concert in Anaheim. 

The exhibition is organized and toured by ExhibitsUSA, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance. westbatonrougemuseum.org.