The Baron is an album by American country singer Johnny Cash, released on Columbia Records in 1981 (see 1981 in music). The title track was a top ten hit, and three singles in all — including "Mobile Bay" and "The Reverend Mr. Black" / "Chattanooga City Limit Sign" — were released, though the latter two were rather unsuccessful in the charts, peaking at No. 60 and No. 71.
Cash recorded the album with countrypolitan producer Billy Sherrill. Other sessions with him would be released on the 2014 album Out Among the Stars.
Critical reception
The Boston Globe wrote: "That half of the songs are partly spoken, sometimes over syrupy strings, adds to the embarrassment."
Track listing
Personnel Johnny Cash – vocals, guitar Pete Wade, Phil Baugh, Terry Jacks, Billy Sanford, Pete Bordonali – guitar Marty Stuart – guitar, fiddle, arrangements Pete Drake, Weldon Myrick – steel guitar Hargus "Pig" Robbins, Bobby Wood – piano Bobby Emmons – keyboards Terry McMillan, Charlie McCoy – harmonica Bob Wray – bass Jerry Carrigan, Kenny Malone, Jerry Kroon – drums Lea Jane Berinati, Millie Forrest, Janie Fricke, The Jordanaires, Millie Kirkham, Louis Nunely, Gordon Stoker, Hurshel Wiginton – background vocals Bill McElhiney – string arrangements Technical Ron Reynolds – engineer Bill Johnson – sleeve design Slick Lawson – photography
Chart performance Album Chart (1981) Peakposition U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums 24 U.S. Billboard 200 201
Singles Year Single Peak positions US Country CAN Country 1981 "The Baron" 10 6 "Mobile Bay" 60 — 1982 "The Reverend Mr. Black"/ "Chattanooga City Limit Sign" 71 — 71 (flip)
References