Thank you so much, Jana! Great point you make about risk taking when you are in trouble. Desperation is the mother of innovation….or something like that 😄
This story isn’t just about Johnny Cash—it’s about the transformative power of embracing your audience exactly where they are. Cash didn’t just perform; he connected, defied expectations, and brought passion to those who were often forgotten.
It’s a reminder that the boldest moves—those fueled by authenticity and risk—are often the ones that resonate the deepest.
For entrepreneurs, leaders, and creators:
Are you willing to embrace your most passionate audience, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone?
@Mack Collier how can we take the lessons from Cash’s Folsom Prison performance and apply them to modern marketing?
Thank you Alexandra, and wonderful comment and appreciate the Restack as well. The main lesson I took from this story is how Johnny was rewarded for connecting with his most passionate fans. And also how his label and management viewed going to a prison as being risky, and they thought an album recorded in a studio would be the safe bet. Johnny saw it as actually being the risky move, while recording live with some of his biggest fans as being the smarter and safer move.
More than anything, I think it illustrates to marketers the value of engaging directly with your most loyal customers. They view themselves as owners of your brand, and as such will work hard to grow your brand for you. What do you think?
Absolutely, Mack. You’ve nailed it—Johnny’s ability to see the real ‘safe bet’ in connecting with his most passionate fans is a masterclass in authenticity and bold decision-making. It’s such a powerful reminder that the path to true loyalty often lies in stepping away from conventional wisdom.
I love how you emphasized the value of turning loyal customers into brand advocates. When we view them not just as followers but as co-creators, we shift from building a brand to fostering a movement. That kind of deep connection doesn’t just grow trust—it amplifies purpose.
Cash’s story reminds us that the greatest rewards often come from embracing the unexpected and leaning into the relationships that matter most. Thank you for framing it so perfectly—it’s a lesson every marketer should carry with them!
Great article! It's so well written, Mac. I’ve been waiting for this one for a month. Great lesson!
I’d add a second lesson: don’t be afraid to take risks, especially when your career is in troubles
Thank you so much, Jana! Great point you make about risk taking when you are in trouble. Desperation is the mother of innovation….or something like that 😄
Desperation and following your gut, I think 🤣
This story isn’t just about Johnny Cash—it’s about the transformative power of embracing your audience exactly where they are. Cash didn’t just perform; he connected, defied expectations, and brought passion to those who were often forgotten.
It’s a reminder that the boldest moves—those fueled by authenticity and risk—are often the ones that resonate the deepest.
For entrepreneurs, leaders, and creators:
Are you willing to embrace your most passionate audience, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone?
@Mack Collier how can we take the lessons from Cash’s Folsom Prison performance and apply them to modern marketing?
Thank you Alexandra, and wonderful comment and appreciate the Restack as well. The main lesson I took from this story is how Johnny was rewarded for connecting with his most passionate fans. And also how his label and management viewed going to a prison as being risky, and they thought an album recorded in a studio would be the safe bet. Johnny saw it as actually being the risky move, while recording live with some of his biggest fans as being the smarter and safer move.
More than anything, I think it illustrates to marketers the value of engaging directly with your most loyal customers. They view themselves as owners of your brand, and as such will work hard to grow your brand for you. What do you think?
Absolutely, Mack. You’ve nailed it—Johnny’s ability to see the real ‘safe bet’ in connecting with his most passionate fans is a masterclass in authenticity and bold decision-making. It’s such a powerful reminder that the path to true loyalty often lies in stepping away from conventional wisdom.
I love how you emphasized the value of turning loyal customers into brand advocates. When we view them not just as followers but as co-creators, we shift from building a brand to fostering a movement. That kind of deep connection doesn’t just grow trust—it amplifies purpose.
Cash’s story reminds us that the greatest rewards often come from embracing the unexpected and leaning into the relationships that matter most. Thank you for framing it so perfectly—it’s a lesson every marketer should carry with them!
Interesting piece Mack! Another example of how important it is to focus on the audience/customers before anything else. ✨
Thank you Hege! Love the people that love you. Just makes so much sense!