American Recordings  by Johnny Cash

Producer Rick Rubin approached Johnny Cash and offered him a contract with his record label Def American in order for Johnny Cash to return to the music industry. All this happened around late 1992. Initially, Cash was particularly skeptical about Rubin's proposal, but he eventually said the big "yes".

Johnny Cash, with only his acoustic guitar and Rick Rubin recording him either at the latter's apartment or at a country house owned by Johnny Cash, created American Recordings. All this happened within five days in December 1993. Two songs were recorded live at the Viper Room, a club that was then owned by Johnny Depp. Thus, Johnny Cash's new album is ready, an album containing thirteen songs of his own, covers of songs, or recordings of new songs by other artists who wrote them specifically for Cash.

American Recordings marks Johnny Cash's great comeback. The album received rave reviews. However, commercially it did not have the expected response as it reached only No. 110 on Billboard.