Johnny Cash outside Folsom Prison, 1968 © Jim Marshall Photography (PRNewsfoto/San Francisco Art Exchange)

A breathtaking archive of photographs of the iconic musician Johnny Cash taken by legendary photographer Jim Marshall will be on exhibit at the San Francisco Art Exchange from July 1 through August 8. Titled “Johnny Cash at Folsom and San Quentin: Photographs by Jim Marshall,” the exhibit coincides with the publication of a book of the same name that documents the late singer’s historic performances at those prisons in 1968 and 1969.

Johnny Cash had first expressed interest in performing at Folsom Prison following the release of his hit “Folsom Prison Blues” in 1955. The idea was put on hold until 1968, when he appeared at the maximum-security prison to record his groundbreaking album At Folsom Prison. At his side for the show, and for the subsequent performance Cash played at San Quentin a year later, was Jim Marshall.

“Jim Marshall and Johnny Cash’s friendship goes back to 1962, long before the Folsom Prison and San Quintin performances,” says Theron Kabrich, gallery co-founder and creative director. “When Johnny decided to play at Folsom, he contacted Jim to join him. Jim was the only professional photographer on location because he came with Johnny and June Carter Cash. He had full access to the entire stage area, backstage, outside – you name it. He was basically part of Johnny’s posse.”

The approximately 30 black-and-white and color photos from the Folsom and San Quentin shows serve as poignant and culturally significant documents of these performances, and not only document the singer’s pioneering performances at these prisons, but they also define his lasting appeal to generations of music fans.

“Johnny Cash at Folsom and San Quentin: Photographs by Jim Marshall” will be published on July 24 by Reel Art Press and BMG Books. The exhibit is slated to run at the San Francisco Art Exchange from July 1 to August 8. An invitation-only opening reception on July 14 will feature a performance by a Johnny Cash tribute band. All photographs from the exhibit are available for sale, and anybody who purchases a photo will receive a copy of Jim Marshall’s book.

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SAN FRANCISCO, July 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ —  San Francisco Art Exchange