I'd personally like to thank TNT for the stage-front seats afforded to me for the Johnny Cash tribute, taped on Tuesday, April 6, 1999, at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom. I was nearly in arm's reach of Sheryl Crow during her opening number and if not for Keanu Reeves' head being in the way, I swear I could have reached out and touched her.

Crow opened the gala event performing a medley, with Willie Nelson, of the tunes "Jackson" and "Orange Blossom Special." Sheryl appears daintier and far prettier up close than in photos or film (although I never had a problem with her in these mediums either). Nelson, of course, was his usual monumental self, an excellent performer and as cool as a country breeze from his gray mane down to his timeworn shit-kickers.

The event, put together to honor Cash, aired on TNT April 18, 1999. Hosted by the always suave Jon Voight, the show included an impressive roster of performers including Kris Kristofferson, Chris Isaak, Wyclef Jean, Lyle Lovett, Emmylou Harris, Trisha Yearwood and others. Furthermore, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and U2 paid tribute to Cash via tape and satellite transmission.

Sheryl Crow

Chris Isaak appeared, after Crow and Nelson, dressed in white bolo tie against an otherwise all-black outfit. In fact, all performers, for the evening, dressed in black either to honor Cash (the Man in Black) or just because it's the thing to do in New York City. Isaak lent his smooth, haunting style to "I Guess Things Just Happen That Way" and "Get Rhythm" moments before John Carter Cash appeared to re-introduce Willie Nelson. Carter Cash, by the way, definitely gets the T-shirt of evening award – I don't know who was on the front of it, but she definitely was naked, as far as I could tell.

I must say it was a little strange attending the event. Since it was being taped for cable telecast, they left the house lights on for the duration, which meant you could not sneak a toke of this, or a poke of that – nor could you scratch your balls without raising an eyebrow or two. I can't really chronicle the minute details of the evening without losing the short attention span of the average NY Rock viewer (present company excluded, of course) so I think a quick rundown of the events might be appropriate at this juncture:

After Nelson's return (he performed "I Still Miss Someone"), and a collective performance by Nelson, Lyle Lovett and Kris "Don't Let the Bastards Get You Down" Kristofferson, a precious June Carter Cash appeared to sing her legendary "Ring of Fire," written of course about husband Johnny. "When I fell in love with Johnny," she said, "it was kinda scary because it was the early years, and he was kinda scary back then."

A somber but adept U2 soon materialized, via satellite, to sing "Don't Take Your Guns to Town," followed by performances by The Mavericks, Kristofferson, Trisha Yearwood, Lyle Lovett, Mary Stuart, Dave Matthews, and Brooks & Dunn. I'd never heard the latter act before but I understand that the duo is pretty dang popular in country circles (I concentrate on Polish Polka bands myself), and second only to Simon and Garfunkel in overall pop popularity (where have I been?). Nevertheless, B&D performed a mean enough version of "Ghostriders in the Sky" to make this journalist (I've always wanted to call myself that) stand up and take notice.

Wyclef Jean

Some highlights of the evening included Bruce Springsteen's soulful performance of "Give My Love to Rose" delivered to the Hammerstein via the marvel of modern technology, and Wylcef Jean's rap/country version of "Delia's Gone." Moreover, a rendition of "Flesh & Blood" by Emmylou Harris, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Sheryl Crow (on accordion!) was truly stunning. Harris's voice is gorgeous and, of course, so is she. Crow's performance on ye old squeezebox was equally impressive, although I wouldn't quit her day job as a rock star if I were her.

Toward the end of the festivities, Bob Dylan appeared via satellite. "I'm sorry I can't be there with you tonight, Johnny, but that's just the way it goes," said Dylan before launching into "Train of Love." Dylan looked happy to be included the festivities, enough so that he actually appeared to do a little soft-shoe during his performance. I can't say I've ever seen Dylan dance before. You live long enough, you see everything...

Finally the man himself, Johnny Cash, appeared. He looked good, all things considered, and was in excellent voice. "It's been 19 months since I've been on stage," he said. "Feels good, feels good." After a blistering performance of "Folsom Prison Blues" and "I Walk the Line," Cash turned to thank the contingency of stars standing behind him. I could feel tears beginning to well up in my eyes, which was pretty embarrassing since Michael Stipe, Rick Rubin and Carlene Carter were all within inches of me. Old Otto's always been a softie. What can I say, some things never change. Catch the show if you can. If you don't have a tear or two yourself, I guess you're a better man (or woman) than I.

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