Introduction
“The Rebel – Johnny Yuma” is a song recorded by Johnny Cash as the theme for the American television series The Rebel, which aired from 1959 to 1961. The series follows Johnny Yuma, a former Confederate soldier portrayed by Nick Adams, who roams the post-Civil War American West seeking justice and inner peace. discogs.com+7Wikipedia+7Raise My Glass to the B-Side+7Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia – Die freie Enzyklopädie+2
The song was written by Richard Markowitz (music) and Andrew J. Fenady (lyrics). Cash recorded it on August 14, 1959, and it was released in October 1959 as part of the EP Johnny Cash Sings The Rebel – Johnny Yuma. The track features Cash’s distinctive deep vocals, accompanied by the backing of The Anita Kerr Singers. dramaticpublishing.com+5Wikipedia+5Wikipedia – Die freie Enzyklopädie+5secondhandsongs.com+3Log in or sign up to view+345cat.com+3YouTube+1YouTube+1
Lyrically, “The Rebel – Johnny Yuma” encapsulates the essence of the show’s protagonist, depicting him as a restless wanderer who, haunted by his past, seeks redemption and purpose in the untamed West. The song’s chorus emphasizes Johnny Yuma’s solitary journey and his defiance against societal norms. Wikipedia – Die freie Enzyklopädie+4Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4Johnny Cash Official Site
The single achieved moderate success, reaching number 24 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 108 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its popularity was bolstered by the television series, which resonated with audiences during its two-season run.Wikipedia
In addition to providing the theme song, Johnny Cash made a guest appearance on The Rebel, portraying a villainous character—a departure from his typical on-screen roles. This marked one of the rare instances where Cash played an antagonist in a television series. discogs.com+6Johnny Cash Official Site+6Wikipedia+6
Over the years, “The Rebel – Johnny Yuma” has been included in several of Cash’s compilation albums, such as Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash (1963), ensuring its continued recognition among fans. The song remains a testament to Cash’s ability to capture complex characters and narratives within his music.Johnny Cash Official Site+3Wikipedia – Die freie Enzyklopädie+3Wikipedia, l’enciclopedia libera+3
For those interested in experiencing this classic track, here’s a link to the song:
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