The country music icon is releasing his version of the Johnny Cash classic.
Just in time in for Independence Day, Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie Daniels is ready to honor his country — and pay tribute to another country music great — by releasing his new recording of the Johnny Cash standard, “Ragged Old Flag.” It will be available for sale on July 4 via iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, and other digital platforms.
“Ragged Old Flag” was written by Cash for his 1974 album of the same title. The song hit No. 31 on the Billboard Country Singles chart during its original release, and still garners airplay during the summer months on Classic Country stations nationwide, particularly around the July 4 holiday.
For his new version, Daniels was joined on the track by Benghazi hero Mark “Oz” Geist, co-author of the book 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi that served as the basis for the 2016 movie directed by Michael Bay.
“These lyrics are just as timely today as they were when Johnny originally recorded them over four decades ago,” says Daniels. “The song demonstrates the passion and the love that we all should have for this country – and the freedoms that we enjoy with it.
“Of course, it is always a joy to record a song written by the great Johnny Cash. He was an American original, and someone that I consider myself humbled and honored to call friend. Good songs, such as his, continue to remain in style.”
Daniels turned 80 last fall — just a few weeks after his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame — but he shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to tour across the country, and will release his memoir, Never Look at the Empty Seats, Oct. 24.