The “Man in Black,” has finally come around to Lake George! Tonight at 8 p.m. the “Spirit of Johnny Cash,” will be performing at the Roaring Brook Ranch. This band has everything you expect a Johnny Cash band to have: a 4 piece Cash Band, a June Carter Cash, and of course the man himself. The man that looks, sounds, talks and acts like Mr. Cash is Harold Ford. I was able to ask him a few questions about his band and channeling the spirit of Johnny Cash.
What is your favorite Cash song to play live?
Jackson. I enjoy the song but especially enjoy the fun I have with our June Carter, Laura Lucy. Her antics onstage are always lighthearted, spontaneous and amusing, as it was with June. Although I really like them all and am privileged to perform everything from Cash’s early hits right up to his last hits with Rick Rubin in the American series.
How many times do you and the Cash Band rehearse a month?
We all enjoy getting together as often as we can. It’s usually once a week plus our concert performances. Often it’s kind of a family style get together in our room at the house, where we all just have loads of fun playing.
When did you start “The Spirit Of Johnny Cash”?
Well, you could almost say “The Spirit Of Johnny Cash” started me first. The right things happened so fast without much effort on my part that one could wonder if it was pre-planned.
Consistent remarks from our fans on channeling the Spirit is how we got our name. This all resulted in a wild ride of shows through the US and Canada. But to answer your questions – I have been doing this for a little over three years.
When did you first begin noticing you looked like Johnny Cash?
I never thought much about it. But then random strangers on the street started walking up to me and asking: “Did anybody ever tell you you look like Johnny Cash?” After hearing this daily I started replying “You’re the first one today.” That was about three years ago.
When did you first start playing guitar?
At age 15 I had a burning determination to play acoustic guitar and accompany my songs. That is when I taught myself how to play. It was then that I started playing and singing all kinds of songs.
How many times did you see Johnny Cash live?
I never had the privilege of seeing Johnny Cash live. I enjoyed all the popular stars of that time as well as Cash and enjoyed all types of music.
Did you ever get to meet him?
Never had the privilege.
What did you do before being a tribute artist?
I worked as a logger for private contractors in the National Forests of western US.
Where do you hope to be in five years?
On stage number 5,000 – delivering the Spirit of Johnny Cash
Have you ever been attacked by an ostrich like Cash was in 1983?
Great questions, not an ostrich but a close encounter with a Grizzly!
