Cash ready to perform again

Tuesday marked Johnny Cash’s 70th birthday, and the legend says he’s ready to start performing again.

The Man in Black, who suffers from diabetic neuropathy and frequent troubles with pneumonia, has had a series of serious, near-fatal health scares over the last few years.

But, he says, “I’ve felt really good these last few months, better than I’ve felt in the last three years.”

Cash plans to celebrate his birthday with his family and friends at his Jamaica home. He is currently working on “American IV,” his fourth album with producer Rick Rubin, which is due out later this year. Like the other records in the “American” series, Cash will cover tunes from various artists, such as Sting, Roberta Flack, Paul Simon and John Lennon.

“I just look for the best songs that I can find, and record them in the simple, straightforward way that we do, you know?” he tells the Associated Press. “Unadorned, very little production.”

Cash has landed 130 charted hits and sold more than 50 million records since he debuted on Memphis’ Sun Records in the 1950s.

He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1980.

Jayhawks leaders reunite to write

Current Jayhawk Gary Louris and ex-band member Mark Olson got together recently to compose a few tunes for Olson’s upcoming solo album.

Originally, the songs were to be used on the soundtrack for an upcoming film; now, some will be picked up for Olson’s album.

Louris may use one, titled “Say You’ll Be Mine,” on his own solo project.

Olson left the band in 1995 to form the Original Harmony Ridge Creek Dippers with his wife, Victoria Williams, and Mike Russell.

Louris, along with the latest Jayhawks line-up, will begin work on a new album late this spring. Rick Rubin will produce the album.

The Minneapolis-based Jayhawks formed more than 15 years ago.

Louris and bassist Marc Perlman are the only constant members.

– News gathered by Bethany Kohoutek from the Associated Press and billboard.com