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The Man in Black

Date: Jan 02 2006

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

Johnny Cash was one of the preeminent country music stars in America. His career spanned nearly five decades, and he formed friendships with some of America’s most influential and popular musicians, including Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lewis and even Ozzy Osbourne.

Listen to Taylor and I talk about Johnny Cash.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Dave

Taylor

Dave: I really like The Man in Black. He’s probably my, next to Bob Dylan, one of my favorite musicians.

Taylor: He’s a good answer to any question you might have.

Dave: Yeah, you know, that’s a good way to put it. He kind of, he touches on every, kind of, human tragedy.

Taylor: Right. And if the song isn’t relevant, then the gravel in his voice will be.

Dave: Yeah. He just died a few years ago, right?

Taylor: Yeah, it was very recently.

Dave: The, um, the movie is out. Have you seen that?

Taylor: I’ve yet to see it, and I’ve heard that it, it’s very good. I have my own misgivings about Joaquin Phoenix...

Dave: Yeah.

Taylor: ...in acting roles.

Dave: Yeah.

Taylor: But, ah, he sure does look the part.

Dave: Yeah, he does. It’ll be interesting to see.

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Discussion

Johnny Cash’s nickname was The Man in Black. He was famous for performing in an all black outfit when most country western musicians were wearing colorful cowboy clothing.

He sang songs about the downtrodden, prisoners, and the common person. The wonderful thing about his music is that is it universal – no matter who you are, he has a song that will mean something to you.