Who Released "A Boy Named Sue"? The Story Behind Johnny Cash's Hit Record Label
"A Boy Named Sue" was released on Columbia Records in 1969 as a single from Johnny Cash's live album "At San Quentin." The song, written by Shel Silverstein, quickly became one of Cash's signature hits and reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Columbia Records, a subsidiary of CBS Records at the time, played a crucial role in bringing this iconic recording to audiences worldwide. The label recorded the performance live at San Quentin State Prison in California on February 24, 1969, capturing the raw energy and audience reaction that made this version particularly memorable.
The single was produced by Bob Johnston, who worked extensively with Cash during his Columbia years. Released in July 1969, it featured the B-side "San Quentin" and was distributed with the catalog number Columbia 4-44944.
The recording's success helped solidify Columbia Records' position as a leading country music label in the late 1960s. The label's decision to release live prison recordings, including "A Boy Named Sue," demonstrated their willingness to take creative risks with their artists.
From a technical standpoint, the recording quality at San Quentin was exceptional for a live performance of that era, showcasing Columbia's commitment to high production standards. The label's engineering team managed to capture both Cash's powerful delivery and the inmates' enthusiastic response clearly.
Columbia Records continued to represent Johnny Cash until 1986, releasing numerous successful albums and singles throughout their partnership. "A Boy Named Sue" remains one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed recordings from this collaboration.
The Grammy-winning song was later included in various compilations and re-releases through Columbia Records and its successor labels, ensuring its preservation and accessibility for future generations of music fans.