“eerie physical and vocal resemblance to Johnny Cash . . . a casual conversation shows that this is not a Vegas-style actor; he breathes, speaks and goes to the store this way, the singing is almost the coup-de-grace and you are the beneficiary.”
- A. Gonick, Saratoga Today 2/26/10

Johnny Cash Tribute Artist Harold Ford

Harold Ford’s voice and physical resemblance to Johnny Cash are unmistakable, making him a natural as a Johnny Cash tribute artist. Harold Ford grew up in the foothills country between the Berkshire and Green Mountains bordering New York State. Raised on the old American pioneer songs, at the age of four, Harold began singing duets and harmonies with Sister Dorothy. Father accompanied them on the banjo and Mother followed along with the piano. Music and a pioneering love of America became an integral part of his existence.

As an adult, Harold spent many years driving the cross country roads and corridors of America, often with family in tow. Weaving his way north, south, east, west and settling in towns and villages along the way, Harold explored the back roads, country woods and the people of this great land. As a true American figure and artist himself, Harold Ford’s many experiences make him a storyteller in his own right and lend a deep identification to Johnny Cash’s music.

WEXT Radio Johnny Cash Tribute Artist Harold Ford interview with Dave Michaels

– May 19, 2010 transcript

Dave: 97.70 XT I’m Dave Michaels and there you go, The Man In Black here in spirit and boy this guy right here. This is Harold Ford and The Cash Band. Harold plays Johnny Cash and does a really really good job. Harold thanks for dropping by here today.

Harold: Well its fun. I’m glad to have the opportunity to do it.

Dave: Can you do that just one more time? Say “Hello I’m Johnny Cash”

Harold: “Hello I’m Johnny Cash”

Dave: Wow, he doesn’t have to push that, it just comes naturally. Sounds like you have been playing Johnny Cash all your life. A friend of yours a little over a year ago talked you into an open mic, is that true?

Harold: Yes, that’s true. Actually our business manager and my fiancé, she really had to get on me to go up there. I mean I said yes and I thought she would forget it and she didn’t so she got me again and I said okay okay and I thought she would forget it and she didn’t, so finally an open mic came and she said “you’re going.” So I said okay, so I did, then everything started to happen.

Dave: What was the reaction and why did you choose Johnny Cash?

Harold: I don’t think I did. I think she did. She said do a couple of those Johnny Cash songs.

Dave: What was the reaction that night?

Harold: Of the crowd? Uh, well I noticed they really got into it. I mean their hands were clapping and their feet were stomping and we had the people from downstairs come upstairs and I was thinking to myself “hey, this isn’t bad.”

Dave: Did you always get that reaction? You played guitar before you got a band together. You have always played music.

Harold: I have played for pleasure and for families. I always had a good reaction. But this seemed like a hand in a glove situation where I really got a lot more reaction than I thought I would get.

Dave: For those people at home; Harold you are not an impersonator. But you really do channel the spirit of Johnny Cash in everything he embodies from you know, his movements and gestures and his stage presence and boy you just sound just like him. It’s amazing.

Harold: Thank you

Dave: Johnny Cash was truly a legend and there are so many people out there who didn’t get a chance to see him in concert and you are the next closest thing. You really embody everything that Johnny was and when you have Lucy up there singing, it’s really just a great connection you two have.

Harold: Thank you.

Dave: Checking out your performance it is just like watching Johnny Cash and the Band play. Really great stuff you don’t want to miss these guys. Truly amazing. Well we wish you the very best in the future and thanks for coming on in.