Life's Railway To Heaven | Johnny Cash, Earl Scruggs, Mark O'Connor w. Dirt Band

[@scottyjohnson3120]

Johnny Cash has one of those voices that whenever you hear him you know it's Johnny Cash, even if you've never heard the song. Even when I was a little kid way back in the 1970's, we'd be driving down the road and they'd playing it on the radio. I'd say "Hey dad, that's Johnny Cash!" And he'd say "Yes it is!" Then we'd keep on driving down the road listening to it, and I was totally fascinated with it. And if I was ever doing something and I heard a Johnny song I would just drop what I was doing and listen to it and wouldn't do anything else until the songs was over. Now, all these years later, and I love hearing Johnny more than ever, especially his gospel songs.

[@WilmaChupp]

I feel EXACTLY the same about Johnny Cash songs! You nailed it!!

[@maryplaidy6814]

Check out Jerry Lee's version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5Wmo4Fnobecf9E

[@debraboyd8351]

Where are you from?

[@meTimetraveler]

also the 60s when radio stations played everything. they played a beatles song, then nancy sinatra, then johnny cash, then henry mancini, then diana ross and the supremes , then cream, then James brown...on and on

[@Darian-mk1bw]

He's got that unmistakable deep baritone, unlike country stars now who all try to have that fake drawl. I just don't like how you can't tell anyone apart anymore

[@russyeatman5631]

I am grateful to the videographer(s) who made video recordings while Circle II was being recorded. I did not have opportunity see any of the folks on Circle II and so many are gone, Earl Scruggs, Levon Helm, June and Johnnie, A.P. Carter and so many others I lose track. And thank you to Mark O Connor for uploading the recording to youtube.

[@hephlon]

God bless them all that shared the room with Johnny. What a moment.

[@thomasmarthinussen8978]

Got to hand it to Earl Scruggs. He went into progressively challenging Bluegrass Country Rock in the 70s and early 80s with help from his sons and made a series of incredibly albums. Iconic banjo player. As for Johnny Cash well the Greatest country artist of them all.

[@bb22602]

Earl Scruggs had the finest fingers God ever made.

[@DonnieWhite-vl1qq]

Yeah you don't hear from them people no more no rock and roll crap now😊

[@micheleholman3421]

Yeah but in my opinion Lester flatt was correct about staying traditional.

[@thomasmarthinussen8978]

@@micheleholman3421 Scruggs obviously wanted to branch out and progress. Gotta admire Flatt, though for keeping it REAL!

[@sandraclmcneill3224]

Undoubtedly the very best version of this song. Backing, everything, superb

[@JohnHarris-ri4ev]

I’d argue that Jerry Lee Lewis did a pretty good one live at the odeon … but hell yeah this one is definitely amazing.

[@markpowell4082]

I agree!!

[@devakikaren]

@@JohnHarris-ri4ev JLL's version is my favorite, but then I'm a huge JLL fan. I'm a big fan of Johnny's too. And LOVE the instrumentals on this version. Just GREAT. Boxcar Willie sings the most verses to this wonderful vintage song tho. And he does a lovely job of it.

[@happyolddude]

Hmmm! Jimmy Fortune also does a great job!

[@esmomster]

Love this old stuff. They can't make it any better than this.

[@royduncan2065]

This song brings back memories my dad used 2sing it in church, God really got a good picker and singer up there!!

[@pauljohnsoninsuranc1]

That comment by Johnny, "I ran out of air and left a hole" is precious. One of a kind just captured in the studio.

[@Rbbrrmqn146]

And I love when the guy in the background says Somebody get John some air.

[@royjack00]

Yes. I ran out of air once myself. Going downhill on a train. Not as much fun.

[@timmycan1]

Great album. So much talent in one room.

[@YT-BenG]

Hearing Cash in settings like this is absolutely stunning! Whisky music

[@rondellschuyler7074]

Johnny and June Cash traveled that Railway to heaven, now they are singing in God's choir.

[@vampork]

With David Bowie, Etta James, Bob Marley, Nina Simone etc etc etc xxx yay!

[@eugenestepp8041]

I love you

[@maryplaidy6814]

@@vampork Bullcrap. David Bowie in heaven? Only if St Paul was kidding when he said perverts were not included.

[@brentleyrandy4950]

i guess I am kind of off topic but do anyone know a good site to watch newly released series online ?

[@laytonmessiah8197]

@Brentley Randy I would suggest FlixZone. Just google for it :)

[@tazman67]

All the Beautiful talent in this one place .to walk the path with God's hand guiding us in life

[@christopherorourke6543]

Life’s Railway to Heaven will be played during my funeral service when I leave this world. It’s a must listen to hymn for all railroaders & Model railroader and train travelers everywhere. I travel by Amtrak trains when I travel long distance & even short to medium distance trips as well.

[@waynespyker5731]

This railfan also.

[@ramonasmith6639]

My daddy was an engineer for Southern Pacific Railroad for 33 years, this was his favorite gospel song. We played it at his funeral, and also at my mom's 8 years later. I'm gonna want it at my memorial dinner....don't want a funeral personally.

[@anjou6497]

I'm with ya on that wish. Such a special "train" song. 💜🚂

[@steveroberts8719]

Covered by many but none better than this cover. How can you go wrong with Earl Scruggs and Johnny Cash? Classic gospel by the giants of country music. My favorite gospel song of all.

[@RaincloudmusicTFS6]

I adore "Will the Circle", with Hornsby leaving behind his jazz for a minute

[@stevenbrennon9284]

Spot on the best of the best RIP Johnny Cash and Earl Scruggs we all miss you all .

[@TheAzmountaineer]

A great example of why Earl was the best. His choices, timing, etc., everything - were always spot on and sound great, even after all of these years and all of these other banjo pickers.

[@donaldhowe6630]

Earl invented and perfected the style! There have been many great bluegrass banjo pickers but there is a reason why they all try to play it like Earl played it!

[@aviator1962]

You can tell they are enjoying themselves sharing their talent with the rest of us who enjoy it.

[@lindakepler8500]

Beautiful! One of my favorite Johnny Cash songs. I love the version with June. I grew up listening to he and June, and the Carter sisters, and still often listen to him. So many greats in past country music!

[@estelleadamski308]

American Bluegrass done to perfection, done by master's at their selected trade! Praise God!

[@ab7zv]

"Show him what the intro is, Earl". Always loved that.

[@ThePhonographCompany]

I too. It's like he's tired of explainin'. "Show em Earl!"

[@JHH284]

And did he ever show them! ! Beautiful old Hymn.

[@billedwards8249]

Did Earl show them... wow!

[@georgewashington6877]

Even cash knows he can't keep up will earl;)

[@jaydenrushing3176]

Earl Scruggs was the best

[@thomasmarthinussen8978]

The whole album flows from start to end without fillers. They actually outdid themselves on this one and it's just as great as the first one from 1971.

[@Barcelona7772]

Tell me please, what was the name of the album ?

[@thomasmarthinussen8978]

@@Barcelona7772 Will The Circle Be Unbroken volume 2(1989). Country Rock band The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, from California, did three volumes of Will The Circle Be Unbroken. The first one in 1971 the second in 1989 and the third in 2002. They are all marvellous albums! Apart from the Will The Circle Be Unbroken series, you should check out other fine NGDB albums like Symphonion Dream(1975), Plain Dirt Fashion(1984) and Welcome To Woody Creek(2004). Oh, and Uncle Charlie and His Dog Teddy (1970) was their breakthrough album and its superb!

[@geraldmarlowe7500]

An old favorite of my Dad and I . He and his musician friends played it a lot at Church and out in public. I am not sure who wrote it but it conveys a great gospel message to the baptized believer on remaining faithful. My Dad was an old Restoration minister and I had this song played at his funeral.

[@777sicilia]

That was freaking incredible!! That whole album is nothing short of amazing!

[@benschmitz8831]

Tim Arrigo it is great. I was raised on it, love it.

[@ranchmom173]

One of my very favorites. :)

[@waterloofreak]

whats the name of the album?

[@jeanpaulperot]

Cody Isaak Will the Circle Be Unbroken Vol 2 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

[@chuckcaldwell474]

I think all three of the 'Circle ' albums are spectacular, yes, too many of the participants are gone now but they left a lot for us to enjoy !

[@ranchmom173]

Music in heaven must sound like this. I think of my sweet father-in-law who died in 2010 and loved playing his guitar and pray he is playing right now in a group of musicians like this in eternity with God. : )

[@marshallmcpeak4468]

best banjo picking ived ever heard want this played at my funeral

[@corneliadenninger5395]

Earl Scruggs!!

[@kingdavey90]

Heard this song hundred times, very happy to find a video! So cool to see them!

[@otaburianek8571]

I know Johny, I know Nitty Gritty band - I love this version - many thanks for this video - amazing and best version of the song

[@anjansarkar9803]

Whenever Johnny sang, he made that song his own !! Be it gospel, country, or even Hurt by NIN.

[@lhager52]

All that talent in one room is amazing!

[@freddi7588]

R.I.P. J.R Cash & the lat great train master Boxcar Willie for a great song

[@marshallmcpeak1442]

If they don't play this at my funeral I will be back

[@itissobeautiful.andrewpern4479]

What a great blessing song by Johnny Cash and Carter family .😀

[@deedeescrystalblueclassics3973]

What a wonderful video...love all the musical talent that made this so awesome!

[@averyshootah6471]

Great General 😍 if your fiddle playing hadn’t been in this piece there would be no substance for the song. I say it surely and bodaciously. You are truly the best! I’ve never heard such an amazing fiddle melody in my life. I have great respect for the Master Earl. But you sir. That’s amazing 🤯🤯

[@angelakelly1884]

Loved seeing and listening to this. A real treat.

[@devakikaren]

Wish Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny had sung all the verses of this wonderful vintage gospel song. Boxcar Willie has done all the verses and his version is on You--Tube also. Love the instrumentals on this version here.

[@michaelgaley9532]

The greatest assembly of artist ever. If you get the CD's, or download get them all. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Will the Circle be Unbroken, they're three albums plus one more by the same group.

[@robinvater3067]

Wow, this song make me think of my mom and dad, I miss them so much, so awesome.

[@dannyhatmaker7688]

country music as I know and love the great singers are slowly leaving us

[@scottsmith4612]

Listening with goosebumps. This train made it to the station.

[@garriscoulter]

This is awesome. I went to East Tennessee state university majoring in bluegrass. Your my hero bro!

[@bazthehandyman]

Pure Heaven....all the best together....magical.

[@jennywatts6291]

Thank you for keeping this video up

[@RaincloudmusicTFS6]

@Mark O'Conmor is the closest thing to my Uncle's playing, other than Allisom Krauss! We lost my Uncle to Bladder Cancer in 2015. North Louisiana Bluegrass Gospel HOF, he was!!! I love this tune; this is stuff I grew up hearing!

[@amyxplores810]

Mark, this is awesome. Thank you!

[@krist6918]

Oh Dios mío está me encanta !!! 🌞

[@kimberlymartin2314]

Beautiful ❤️

[@matthewkeener6732]

Johnny knew earl knew what to do, amazing talent

[@teddyboy252]

Beautiful

[@gyorgyolah7649]

Earl & J.R. &&&& THE Girls rules !!! Thank U Joe/Bp.

[@elvira9930]

Qué preciosidad de tema. Johnny Cash tenía una voz excepcional.

[@Bruce-tb8nl]

This is about the finest he ever did.whoa. glory be

[@jerryturner2556]

Beautiful!

[@joannabox8438]

Great song love it. True legend

[@nachocentavo8932]

This song is awesome. Coby J. Fuson sings it too

[@patocallaghan3486]

Omg . That's how I put a song together brilliant

[@iac4357]

At the Song's beginning, when that Bluegrass kicks in; OMG !

[@carmelaloperena8972]

I wish someone could write it down the lyrics of the song. I can't understand all words. Nonetheless really like it. It goes straight to the heart. Thank you.

[@flautalee3090]

Fabulous song!

[@avisswope6495]

SING IT GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@RenatoFSales1]

Magnífico 🎉

[@wingpopbrr1880]

Where can I buy a DVD of the video recording from the "vol 2" performances, this is as good as "The last waltz"

[@mta224]

Timeless....

[@walterperry4565]

Hey Mark

[@Neelutpal2011]

Life is like a mountain railway With an engineer that's brave We must make the run successful From the cradle to the grave Watch for curves and hills and valleys Never falter never fail keep your hands upon the throttle And your eye upon the rail Blessed Savior, Thou wilt guide us Till we reach that blissful shore Where the angels wait to join us In God's praise forevermore As you roll across the trestle Spanning Jordan's swelling tide You behold the Union Depot Into which your train will glide There you'll meet the superintendent God, the Father, God, the Son With a hearty joyous greeting Weary pilgrim, welcome home Blessed Savior, Thou wilt guide us Till we reach that blissful shore Where the angels wait to join us In God's praise forevermore Blessed Savior, Thou wilt guide us Till we reach that blissful shore Where the angels wait to join us In God's praise forevermore Where the angels wait to join us In God's praise forevermore So turn it on, turn it up And sing along Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Charlie D. D. Tillman / J. R. Baxter / M. E. Abbey Life's Railway to Heaven lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

[@timkooper]

Different

[@Neelutpal2011]

@@timkooper ❓why

[@timkooper]

@@Neelutpal2011 not what they sang

[@forrestreeter5375]

Earl Scruggs, the ultimate master of the banjo.

[@RaincloudmusicTFS6]

Trying to transcribe that Fiddle step-out, for flute__for an October reunion. YIKES! What key did you cats park this in?!

[@totoyevangelista1255]

few songs can be sung better than the original ... this one of em

[@TylerJohnson-wp2qf]

Nothing hits harder to the heart than when earl shows them the intro

[@petergrandahl2386]

They're doing this in B if anyone wants to play along.

[@bosse641]

So fine. Pure gold.

[@shelbyrobertson1743]

Awesome

[@annrichman6551]

The music is great

[@joshuabrooks4907]

Too bad The Man In Black, and a few of the other musicians have ridden that golden railway since this video was done.

[@georgewashington6877]

Are you afraid of dying?

[@FireKiller70]

@@georgewashington6877 nope! 🙂

[@kingdavey90]

Yep, bless em, we all gotta go eventually

[@brainguy3263]

It's only too bad for us who are left living. Nothing but good news for those who have traveled to its end.

[@RaincloudmusicTFS6]

Cash, Scuff, Helm, Scruggs.... I'm a music pastor's kid, and all my 53 years, surrounded by Cash, Roy Acuff's stuff, Marty Robbins, the Cathedral Quartet, ... I adore the guys of "Toto". (JEFF was a monster on Sandi Patti's "Another Time, Another Place"!) Jeff did several country sessions. He's gone, too. Bruce Hornsby is a major influence on me as well. I LOVE what he did here!). Bluegrass Gospel roots. My Uncle is North Louisiana Bluegrass HOF on Fiddle. We lost him in 2015. O'Connor reminds me of Ray's sound, here. It's uncanny!

[@John-p9m2c]

damm legends

[@waynechurchill7212]

We. HVen,t forget is gift song and great voice

[@denismurray868]

box car best vocal on the song he owned it with respect great players here

[@pauljohnsoninsuranc1]

A classic.

[@SuzanneTrapanotto]

Perfect Easter song! 2024 Luke1:37. Everyone sounds WONDERFUL!!!

[@BigDtootall]

just heard that this song will be sung at Merle's celebration of life. welcome home weary pilgrim.

[@aviator1962]

Amen. Met Merle in person in 1973 in Reno, NV where he was performing. A treasured memory.

[@lornestevenson3302]

Is June Carter one of the backup singers??

[@TheAzmountaineer]

Yep - that's her talking at the beginning.

[@gabemarcum7016]

Yes sir, that’s the Famous Carter Sisters. Helen, June and Anita. All taught by the very best, Mother Maybelle Carter. ❤️

[@TheAzmountaineer]

At about :55, I think Johnny was about ready to put the questioner in the stocks, but did a nice pivot by moving on to Earl.

[@ty592]

THE BEST VERSION(SMILING)

[@mitchrawles]

love it

[@ausednes]

show him what the intro is, earl

[@gyorgyolah7649]

IT WAS realy NICE ! ... GBU jOHNNNNNNNN ! (just a Chris CrstfrSon-SONG,sorry ...) Joe, BP./Hungary

[@hambonejonesgb]

Old Earl was the Sovereign King of 5 string banjo. Truly the godfather of modern banjo

[@russelllassen5834]

quit the set up with the separate recording of the lead and vocals and the band crisp clean sound

[@angelovanoeveren7936]

Is the an hq recording somewhere please?

[@marshallmcpeak1442]

If thy don't play this at my funeral I will be back

[@Steven-zg5bq]

this is for brother ron!

[@jerrylemay2102]

Does anyone know what album this song is on? ✝️🙏🏻👤🌵

[@TheAzmountaineer]

It's shown abovee: Will the Circle Be Unbroken" (Circle II) 1989 Album of the Year

[@avisswope6495]

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!! NOW DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sashafischl2867]

How just Justin Bieber have millions of views and this doesn't even have 200,000?

[@joshuabrooks4907]

For the late Reverend Billy Graham.

[@Jowisz2010]

Johnny Cash Super Men . Bądż pozdrowiony w tym Niebie

[@joshuabrooks4907]

cool

[@Jowisz2010]

Johnny Cash Super Men Bądż pozdrowiony Żyj wiecznie i Śpiewaj nam do końca Swiata

[@slaven3049]

👍👍👍👍

[@joshuabrooks4907]

This song is starting to grow on me. Is that a bad thing?

[@josephmann3783]

Absolutely NOT!

[@joshuabrooks4907]

Joseph Mann thanks

[@robertabrenton5673]

Joshua Brooks ñb

[@MrTwotone1966]

No way is that bad

[@johnj.flanagan-hymnsoffaith]

Johnny Cash does it best.