**Johnny Cash – Rainbow (1985): Complete Album Guide**

Released in 1985, Rainbow is the 70th studio album by iconic American country music artist Johnny Cash. Issued by Columbia Records, it would become Cash’s last solo studio album for the label before he moved on to Mercury Records later that year. (Rainbow arrives at the tail end of an era for Cash — capturing his sound in the mid‑1980s with a blend of originals, covers, and thoughtful material from fellow songwriters.)

Though it did not produce major hit singles, Rainbow remains notable for its eclectic mix of songs — featuring everything from classic country storytelling to reinterpretations of well‑known compositions.

📀 Album Overview

Album Title: Rainbow
Artist: Johnny Cash
Released: October 28, 1985 (USA)
Label: Columbia Records
Genre: Country
Producer: Chips Moman
Recorded: October 1984–July 1985 at Moman’s Recording & Woodland Sound Studios (Nashville, TN)
Length: Approximately 28:40

As the final album of his long tenure with Columbia, Rainbow reflects a period of transition and experimentation for Cash — representing both his storytelling roots and his willingness to explore contemporary songwriting and production.

🎵 Tracklist

Here’s the official tracklist from Rainbow (1985):

I’m Leaving Now
Here Comes That Rainbow Again
They’re All the Same
Easy Street
Have You Ever Seen the Rain?
You Beat All I Ever Saw
Unwed Fathers
Love Me Like You Used To
Casey’s Last Ride
Borderline (A Musical Whodunit)

This album brings together a mix of original songs, covers, and thoughtful interpretations — from classic country voices to selections by fellow songwriters like Kris Kristofferson.

🎸 Album Credits & Personnel

Rainbow features a stellar roster of musicians and collaborators from the Nashville scene, adding depth and texture to Cash’s vocals and guitar work:

Lead Artist:

Johnny Cash – lead vocals, guitar

Session Musicians:

Reggie Young, Chips Moman, J.R. Cobb, Jerry Shook, Barry Bailey – guitar
Marty Stuart – mandolin, guitar
Bobby Emmons, Bobby Wood, Paul Davis – keyboards
Mike Leech, Jimmy Tittle – bass
Gene Chrisman, Jerry Carrigan – drums
Wayne Jackson, Jack Hale Jr. – horns

Backing Vocals / Contributors:

June Carter Cash, Waylon Jennings, Paul Davis, Toni Wine, Chips Moman, Marty Stuart, Bobby Wood, J.R. Cobb – backing vocals

Production & Technical Credits:

Producer & Engineer: Chips Moman
Engineers: David Cherry, Chips Moman
Mastered by: Denny Purcell
Art Direction: Virginia Team
Design: Jeff Morris
Photography: Ron Keith, Scott Bonner

With a mix of seasoned session players and top Nashville talent, Rainbow is lushly arranged while still centering Cash’s iconic vocal presence.

🎉 Fun Facts & Trivia

🎶 Last Columbia Solo Studio Album:
Rainbow marks Johnny Cash’s final solo studio release on Columbia Records after a decades‑long relationship with the label. Following this album, Cash would later sign with Mercury Records as Columbia’s interest in his output waned.

🎤 Signature Covers:
One of the standout tracks is a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Have You Ever Seen the Rain?, originally by John Fogerty from the 1970 album Pendulum.

🌈 Kris Kristofferson Connection:
Here Comes That Rainbow Again was written by Kris Kristofferson — and Cash would later revisit collaborations connected to Kristofferson through The Highwaymen and other projects.

🎵 Future Re‑Recordings:
The opening track I’m Leaving Now would be re‑recorded by Cash 15 years later for his acclaimed American III: Solitary Man album.

👩‍🎤 Backing Vocal Highlights:
The album features backing vocals from fellow country stars including June Carter Cash and Waylon Jennings, adding rich harmonies behind Cash’s lead vocals.

Johnny Cash Full Discography

Download Johnny Cash Albums from Amazon

More Albums:

Johnny Cash - Johnny Cash With His Hot And Blue Guitar! (1957)

Johnny Cash - Johnny Cash Sings The Songs That Made Him Famous (1958)

Johnny Cash - The Fabulous Johnny Cash (1958)

Johnny Cash - Songs of Our Soil (1959)

Johnny Cash - Ride This Train (1960)

Johnny Cash - Blood, Sweat and Tears (1963)

Johnny Cash - Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian (1964)

Johnny Cash - The Holy Land (1969)

Johnny Cash - The Johnny Cash Children's Album (1975)