Son of John is kicking off 2025 with brand-new music after a 15-month hiatus.
Their latest single, “Jesus & Johnny Cash”, is a powerful, thought-provoking track that explores the universal theme of acceptance through the lens of two iconic figures.
A Song About Common Ground
At its core, “Jesus & Johnny Cash” is a song about understanding and empathy.
It suggests that whether you turn to faith or music for guidance, we’re all just human beings navigating life’s challenges.
Johnny P. Johnson, the elder half of Son of John, was inspired to write the song after hearing a CBC interview where someone described the two biggest influences in their life—Jesus and Johnny Cash—both of whom had the ability to bring people together.
“I needed to write a song about that then and there,” Johnny recalled.
Listen to Jesus & Johnny Cash
A New Chapter for Son of John
This single marks an evolution in Son of John’s sound.
Known for blending alternative country, folk, and roots influences, the British Columbia-based father-son duo refuses to be boxed into a single genre.
The track, produced by the acclaimed John Ellis (George Canyon, Doc Walker, Colin James), brings their signature harmonies to the forefront while leaning into a fuller, more polished country production.
A Special Father-Son Collaboration
While Johnny took the lead in writing the song, “Jesus & Johnny Cash” is also a rare co-write between him and his son, Javan Johnson. The two don’t often write songs together in the traditional sense—most of their collaborations happen organically in passing.
“My dad and I don’t write too many songs together … I think I only contributed a couple of words or added the tag or something like that, and dad was nice enough to give me a 25% cut of the writing credit. So, I’ll take it,” Javan joked. “We’re proud of this song, and for it to be a songwriting collaboration means a lot.”
The Meaning Behind the Music
The song was originally inspired by a tragic event where vulnerable people attempted to cross the border into Canada in -30°C weather.
Though the specific verse about that incident was cut, the overarching theme of “Jesus & Johnny Cash” remained the same: we never truly know what others are going through.
And no matter where people find their comfort—be it in faith or in the deep, soulful storytelling of Johnny Cash—what unites us is far greater than what divides us.
Logan Miller
As the founder of Front Porch Music, I believe that music has the ability to connect people. I love country music, and I love the country music industry as a whole. My goal is to help music fans find new artists to fall in love with.
