Harold Ford Walks the Line

Written By: Arthur Gonick on November 6, 2009

"There's a silver lining
behind every cloud...
We'd get together in a family circle singing loud."

- 'Daddy Sang Bass' by Johnny Cash Sometimes you choose your fate. More often, it chooses you. And the key to it all is usually staring you right in the mirror.

Blessed with a remarkable baritone and a rugged resemblance to the "Man in Black," Postenkill native Harold Ford walked up the stairs one day about a year ago for a once-a-month open mic night at the 111 Restaurant in Greenwich, and played a couple of tunes that were written by Johnny Cash, the legendary American singer for whom many defined the second half of the 20th Century in American music.

Maureen Kinsella, Manager of 111's performance space was there: "I thought he was sensational. I asked Harold to do an entire evening of Johnny Cash." Audience reaction that night was similarly stunning, and the feedback from those musicians in the audience was encouraging. Some among them were a few of the best in the area, and they offered to help him form a band behind him.

You can see the results of all this on Saturday night, up close and personal in a remarkably intimate space above the 111 Restaurant in Greenwich, as Harold Ford and the "Spirit of Johnny Cash" band (composed of Don Warren - lead guitar, Mitch Throop - stand up bass, Peter Maine - drums, Les Wheeler - rhythm guitar and Dan McKee - second guitar) bring that family vibe back home.

A key performance element that makes the "family" complete is the addition of the remarkable Laura Lucy, who fills the 'June Carter' role with sweet harmonies on tunes like "Jackson" and a good-natured, yet entrancing presence.

But back to that night: everyone had heard the music before; many of Johnny Cash's songs are staples in the repertoires of popular bands in this and other markets throughout the world.
But few had heard this. It wasn't another 'fabulous fake;' or a stylized cover tribute. Nor, of course, was it the actual 'real deal.' Mr. Cash passed in 2003. It was something else altogether. Borderline spiritual.

"People were telling me I was channeling his spirit that night," Harold said. "Believe me, I feel fortunate and honored to get these kinds of compliments. But this is just me. I love the music."

It did, however, motivate him to go on, and cultivate a gift that maybe no one is able to fully understand, but a gift nonetheless to be cherished and tended to. A producer of the jukebox tribute show "Ring of Fire" heard about Harold and booked him for 5 shows, and his lead role in them was very well received. Harold decided to go for it. This led to the 'spirit' band's formation and subsequent debut about 2 months ago in the country music equivalent of Broadway's New Haven: The Carroll Theater in Chestertown. These North Country people know their heartland music, and 2 sellout shows got the attention of both regional and national booking agents.

It looks like some big houses might be in the future for Harold and the 'Spirit' Band - but fortunately not the types of 'big houses' Johnny sang about! Saturday night's show might be the most intimate venue they play for awhile.

A brief return to the place where it all began. That's giving back - Johnny might be proud of that sentiment.

Folsom Prison Blues on Youtube!

Watch our video of "Folsom Prison Blues" written by Johnny Cash and performed by Harold Ford & The Cash Band at The Carol Theater, Chestertown, NY.

Cash is Still King

Harold Interview by Doug Gruse of The Post Star

Click on the above Post Star link to read Harold's interview with Doug Gruse, feature editor at The Post Star.

Harold Ford and The Cash Band performed September 12th and 13th at the Carol Theater in Chestertown. Local crowds packed the venue for a chance to hear many renditions of classic Johnny Cash music.