Johnny Cash, ‘At Folsom Prison’

John Cash’s At Folsom Prison was his first live album ever released. It also helped to relaunch Cash’s career, which stalled thanks to substance abuse. After releasing his hit song “Folsom Prison Blues,” Cash wanted to record a live performance at a prison. The idea was put on hold until 1967, but it became a reality with Columbia Records.

Backed by June Carter, Carl Perkins, and the Tennessee Three, Cash performed two shows at Folsom State Prison in California in January of 1968. The live album had 15 songs from the first show and two from the second. In addition, a 50th Anniversary Edition of the live album was released in 2018.

Nirvana, ‘MTV Unplugged in New York’

MTV Unplugged in New York is a live album by the beloved band Nirvana. There is no denying that Nirvana’s acoustic performances resonated with fans. But, this MTV Unplugged set was different from most. Instead of performing an entirely acoustic show, Nirvana used electric amplification and guitar effects to spice things up.

Additionally, the band played lesser-known material and more cover songs than many expected. The live album was recorded in November of 1993 and aired on television on December 16, 1993. The live album was released about a year later on November 1, 1994.