“You sound so much like Cash, it's scary!” - Kris Kristofferson

"Cashin' In" a Tribute to the Legend of Johnny Cash

At 6'5" tall and slender, with that long black coat, dark hair piled high and an acoustic guitar slung over his shoulder, Steve Waddington is the definitive image of Johnny Cash in his prime! And when he steps up to the mic to sing, that big, rich, baritone voice leaves no doubt, this IS the Ultimate Johnny Cash Tribute! Steve not only sounds like Johnny Cash, he plays guitar just like Johnny did and delivers the songs with the same intense passion. It all comes together to make this the most authentic Johnny Cash tribute yet!

A career highlight came when Steve and his band were selected to be the musical entertainment for an awards show in Los Angeles, and Kris Kristofferson was an honoree, chosen to receive an award. He then joined the band onstage to perform a number of his hits and they sounded great together! Kris' wife, Lisa, said "it sounds amazing, like you've been playing with Kris forever!" Everyone...Kris, the band, the audience, and especially Steve (who's a huge Kristofferson fan) had a great time! Later, as they were hanging out backstage, Kris signed one of Steve's guitars! Steve still performs with it on occasion!  A cherished  memento of a magical night!

"You don't even have to LIKE country music to LOVE Johnny Cash. And we LOVE the way Steve sings Johnny Cash". --Wink and Sandy Martindale 

This show, “Cashin In”, excels at re-creating the sound of the Sun studio recordings, and adds elements of the bigger sound from the Johnny Cash TV shows. All the hits: "I Walk the Line", “Folsom Prison Blues”, “Ring of Fire”, “A Boy Named Sue”, “Sunday Morning Coming Down” plus his later Rick Rubin hits “Hurt”, “The Man Comes Around”, “Personal Jesus”.  And joined by Susan Ritter (schedule permitting) singing “June” on "Jackson" and others. An exciting, authentic tribute to the artistry of the legendary "Man in Black".

 

Speaking of Sun Records, Steve had the honor of representing Johnny Cash with his performance of the legend's iconic Sun recordings at a Tribute to Sun Records event in Long Beach that also included tributes to Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley. Produced by Jim Whirlow at The Grand Event Center to a sold out crowd!

And when the re-opened the long closed Palomino for a one-night-only benefit concert, “The Palomino Rides Again”, Steve was selected to represent Johnny Cash. the only tribute act on the show that included James Inveldt, Rosie Flores, Jim Lauderdale, The Nelson Twins, Ronnie Mack and many more.

Based in Los Angeles, Steve Waddington and his band of dedicated professional musicians travels Southern California and the Southwest to bring this elite performance to private parties, clubs, festivals, theaters, performing arts centers and corporate events. 

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  1. 1
    "I Guess Things Happen That Way" 1:55
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  2. 2
    "Folsom Prison Blues" 2:51
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  3. 3
    "Five Feet High and Rising" 1:45
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    "I Walk the Line" 2:50
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    "Tennessee Flat Top Box" 3:03
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Steve Waddington performing live as Johnny Cash in a classic 1950s Sun Records Tribute Show.

With Wink and Sandy Martindale and Susan Ritter

Johnny Cash Tribute Artist, Johnny Cash impersonator, Johnny Cash Singer,  Johnny Cash Sound-Alike...so many 'labels' that try to define what Steve does...but it should be noted that, first and foremost, Steve is a BIG Johnny Cash FAN!