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FOLSOM PRISON BLUES by Johnny Cash
I hear the train a comin’
It’s rolling round the bend
And I ain’t seen the sunshine since I don’t know when,
I’m stuck in Folsom prison, and time keeps draggin’ on
But that train keeps a rollin’ on down to San Antone..

It’s been over 10 years since Johnny Cash graced this earth, nearly 50 years since he performed two shows at Folsom State Prison for the release of his album “At Folsom Prison”, and 60 years since he wrote and recorded the hit song, “Folsom Prison Blues” on July 30, 1955.

The Big House Prison Museum on the grounds of Folsom Prison pays homage to Johnny Cash with an exhibit the public can see.  In fact, it seemed like a great fundraising idea to host a 135th anniversary party of the prison’s establishment (1880) with the Cash tribute band, The Walking Phoenixes, performing recently. But shortly before the shindig was to occur it got cancelled. The Big House Prison Museum may be singing the blues.  Cramped like the prison itself that at one time swelled to over 4,000 prisoners in a facility designed to hold less than half that sum, the Prison Museum has been located in a 900-square-foot building outside the East Gate since 1987. Last year Gov. Brown rejected a Senate bill to help the museum get a 50 year lease at the State penitentiary, part of the museum’s plans to expand into a bigger location.