American Music History Appraisal

Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison Vintage Sheet Music Book

This item is identified as a vintage sheet music book titled "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison." The book's cover features a prominent portrait of Johnny Cash, captured in a candid moment, likely performing. The color scheme of the cover is characterized by a vibrant orange banner at the top, housing the title in bold, white, sans-serif lettering, set against an olive-green background. Johnny Cash's face dominates the central portion, appearing to be in mid-song or intense thought. His skin tone is natural, with visible sweat or sheen on his forehead and upper lip, adding to the authenticity of the live performance feel. He is depicted wearing a dark suit jacket and a white collar or shirt. The overall image gives a sense of a raw, unpolished, yet powerful performance. On the lower right side of the cover, there is small print that likely denotes copyright information or publishing details, reading "Southwind Music, Inc., Sole Selling Agent, Hill and Range Songs, Inc., 241 West 72nd Street, New York, N.Y. 10023." This provides key manufacturing details and the original publisher's address, dating the item to 1969 as indicated by the context. The book appears to be made of paper or cardstock for the cover, with internal pages of standard sheet music paper. Its physical dimensions are consistent with a typical music book format, likely around 9x12 inches. The visible condition is described as 'good condition,' aligning with the visual evidence. There are no apparent major tears, rips, or significant creases on the cover. The colors, while aged, retain much of their original vibrancy. The edges and corners show minimal wear, suggesting it has been handled with care over the years. The absence of pencil marks or handwriting notes internally, as per the provided context, further indicates a well-preserved state, which is crucial for the value of vintage collectibles. The 'aged' characteristic is inherent to items of this vintage, presenting a natural patina rather than active damage. The craftsmanship appears to be standard for mass-produced sheet music of the era, focusing on clear print and durable binding.