Johnny Cash
ListenHey, Porter! · 1955
Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two — “Hey, Porter!,” from The Complete Sun Releases and Columbia Singles 1955–62.
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1955 · Sun Records
Hey, Porter! / Cry! Cry! Cry!
Johnny Cash arrived at Sun hoping to record gospel. His first single instead paired two songs of his own, introducing the spare sound of Cash and the Tennessee Two in 1955. [1] [2]
| Accession | OMMA-0051 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two |
| Release | 1955 · United States |
| Label | Sun Records · 221 |
| Format | 7-inch vinyl single · 45 rpm |
| Issue | Commercial issue · push-mark labels |
| Runouts | A: u-150-45 72 B: u-151-45 72 |
| Recorded grade | NM · generic sleeve |
Release history and significance
Sam Phillips later recalled urging the young singer to bring him something beyond gospel, joking that Cash should “go sin a little bit.” The exchange captures the practical challenge behind the debut: finding songs that would carry Cash’s distinctive voice onto commercial radio. [2]
“Hey, Porter!” and “Cry! Cry! Cry!” were issued as Sun 221. Both songs are credited to Cash. This 45 retains the label push marks and U-150/U-151 matrices associated with this early Sun edition. [1]
Market context
A Sun 221 copy with push marks sold for US$83 on 8 July 2011 after ten bids. The seller described glossy vinyl and nearly perfect labels, without assigning a formal grade. [3]
Physical Description
Black vinyl with yellow Sun labels. An off-centre label and pressing push marks are visible manufacturing features. The record is housed in a generic sleeve; no inserts accompany it.
Condition
The disc is graded NM, with strong gloss and no visible surface marks. The labels are clean, without spindle wear, writing or stickers.
Provenance
Purchased from eBay seller timepassages1776 on 1 November 2025.
Sources
- Discogs, Johnny Cash and Tennessee Two — Hey, Porter!, release 4895358. Sun 221 edition with push marks and matching runouts.
- NPR / Georgia Public Broadcasting, Sam Phillips retrospective, 5 January 2023. Phillips’ recollections from his 1993 interview with Bob Edwards.
- Popsike, archived eBay auction. US$83 result, 8 July 2011; push-mark copy.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.