"Big River" is a song written and originally recorded by Johnny Cash. Released as a single by Sun Records in 1958, it went as high as #4 on the Billboard country music charts and stayed on the charts for 14 weeks.[1]
"Big River" | ||||
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Single by Johnny Cash | ||||
from the album Sings the Songs That Made Him Famous | ||||
Released | March 1958 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 2:35 | |||
Label | Sun | |||
Songwriter(s) | Johnny Cash | |||
Producer(s) | Sam Phillips, Jack Clement | |||
Johnny Cash singles chronology | ||||
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The song tells a story of the chase of a lost love along the course of Mississippi River from St. Paul, Minnesota to New Orleans, Louisiana.
A verse omitted from the original recording was later performed during Johnny Cash's live performances.[2] A demo recording from the Sun sessions featuring the omitted verse also exists and has been released on numerous Sun compilations.
Chart (1958) | Peak position |
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U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles | 4 |
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 14 |