John Carter Cash, the only son of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, has just released his new studio album “Pineapple John.” The record marks a defining creative moment for him — a vibrant, story-driven work that blends imagination, family legacy, and the sound of self-discovery.
A Story Between Sea and Soul
The album introduces the character Pineapple John, a wandering musician and dreamer who drifts across the ocean, carrying fragments of memory, loss, and redemption. John says the concept was inspired by his time in Jamaica, by childhood memories of traveling with his parents, and by his search for inner peace through music.
Across 15 tracks, the record plays like a musical odyssey — from the dreamy opening “Nekid Man (Pineapple John Prelude)” to the three-part finale “The Island Fair / Captain Jim’s Drunken Dream / Carry On.”
A Family Collaboration
Music runs deep in the Cash bloodline, and John made sure his family was part of the creative process:
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His son Jack Ezra co-wrote the title track “Pineapple John.”
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His son Joseph played mandolin, guitar, and keyboards throughout the album.
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His daughter Anna Belle (AB) contributed lyrics for “Beckoning Melody,” which John later set to music.
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His youngest daughter Grace, only eight years old, makes a sweet cameo on “The Hole in the Bottom of the Sea.”
Guitar legend Marty Stuart also joined in, lending his signature electric touch to “The Island Fair.”
Release Date and Formats
“Pineapple John” was released digitally on October 10, 2025 across all major streaming platforms.
A vinyl LP edition is scheduled to follow on October 17, 2025, available for approximately $41.99 USD.
Musical Direction and Meaning
Stylistically, the record is hard to label — part country, part calypso, with touches of reggae, soft rock, and the spiritual roots of the Carter family tradition. John himself describes it as “what might happen if Pink Floyd went sailing with Jimmy Buffett.”
Beyond genres, it is a deeply personal work — a process of healing and rediscovery after years of creative pause.
“I finally found my own voice,” John admits. “There’s as much Carter in me as there is AC/DC.”
Critical Response and Legacy
Early reactions describe Pineapple John as bold, whimsical, and heartfelt — an imaginative bridge between generations. For John Carter Cash, it’s more than just an album.
It’s a statement of identity — a son honoring the past while writing his own song for the future.