This is such a beautiful box set featuring Johnny's early Columbia work from 1959-62. Many of these songs on this set are so touching and I especially love the first CD featuring his two gospel LP's from 1959-1962. Johnny as you know was a very religious person and it's such a shame that Sam Phillips didn't allow Johnny to record any religious songs on the Sun label. Snow In His Hair is the best song from his first album Hymns By Johnny Cash and Were You There When They Crusifyed My Lord is the best song from his second gospel album Sings Precious Memories I believe it's called. Very beautiful songs and his classic 1960 album Now, There Was A Song is on this set. Highly recommended for all Cash fans! I am 19 years old and I have always loved Johnny's music.

If you truly consider yourself to be a Johnny Cash fan, you owe it to yourself to buy this box set. I had searched in vain for years to find a complete collection of his recordings at Sun and finally this is it. It also includes recordings from the early Columbia years. The very first disc includes some demo cuts Johnny made for Sun and words can't express the absolute delight I felt when first hearing these wonderful tracks. There is a version of Folsom Prison Blues that has a very different sound than what we're used to hearing from Johnny. You won't believe your ears, but you'll love it.

this has got to be by far the best of johnny cash..it brings very fond memories of loved ones who are not here anymore, but will always remain in my heart..when i play this cd, i remember all those precious memories..thank you

Cash's work from 1959-62 was not so well received by critics, but it stands among his most heartfelt with concept albums as strong as Now There Was A Song, The Sound Of J. C. and two hymn albums Hymns and Hymns From The Heart (and NOT Precious Memories - the Precious Memories album was from 1975 and his last official gospel outing for Columbia!!!!). He had problems with hoarseness due to pills and chain smoking, but sometimes this helps in a way he moves around the song. And you'll hear his great wit here on songs like Smiling Bill McCall. Rhyming "car" and "tomorrow" is pure South and it's been used on many records since then - Chet Atkins used it with similar effect on his There'll Be Some Changes Made.

Please excuse my previous review, it was actually a review of the 1954-1959 box set. I apologize for the confusion.

This box set is an excellent set also though and I highly recommend it for any fans of Johnny's early work during the Columbia years.