During his nearly 50 years in country music, Johnny Cash proved to be one of the most prolific recording artists of his time. He brought equipment everywhere -- often to prisons -- to capture unique sounds and tensions on tape. Those rarities and long since forgotten live albums are just part of what's included in the new 'The Complete Columbia Album Collection' box set.

Over 59 albums on 63 CDs fill one big treasure chest of Cash music. It begins with his debut, 'The Fabulous Johnny Cash,' and ends with 'Highwayman 2,' which was released in 1990. Thirty five of the albums are being released to disc for the very first time, including live albums recorded in Prague, London and New York. In one recording from a prison in Sweden, fans will be surprised to learn that the Man in Black speaks the native language.

"Johnny always connected to the down-trodden and he had a deep feeling for the prisoners and the injustices of the penal system in the United States," box set producer Steve Berkowitz says in the above video, exclusive to Taste of Country. "He wanted to bring joy to these folks and he also wanted to try to bring their story out to the rest of the world."

Another two-disc album of singles that didn't make albums is included (over 50 songs), plus guest performances by Bob Dylan, the Carter Family, June Carter Cash and Willie Nelson. One will also find two movie soundtracks, for 'I Walk the Line' and 'Little Fauss and Big Halsy.' For more information and to order this box set (retail price: $278.99) visit JohnnyCashOnline.com.

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