Back in my day of performing live music, we did just that: Performed live without the assistance of recorded background tracks as many performers, especially local artists, use today. Although it was around in some form, not many artists I knew used it – that was part of the excitement of playing live.

It not only helped hone your skills as a singer and musician, it gave you the opportunity to give any given song a new twist from its studio version. In fact, many artists gave their live versions a whole new life apart from the original recording.

Johnny Cash comes to mind, as he often does when thinking about innovation in country music. He recorded a session called Live at Folsom Prison in 1967 that is still a remarkable collection of live versions of previously recorded music.

These live performances are some of my favorite Cash recordings, even though the originals were great in their own right. But you could sense the excitement in his voice as well as in the crowd, in this collection.

For you folks with a little more Southern rock in your blood, you have to recognize Lynyrd Skynyrd’s version of “Free Bird.” This 13-minute live feast of a song came in 1976 on the band’s One More for the Road album, and has been most likely covered by every garage band that ever existed since.

Of course, you can’t mention live music without putting Garth Brooks at the head of the class. This master showman has the ability to turn every song he performs live into its own incredible version. The one that first comes to mind is “Friends in Low Places.”

This long version of the song has a distinct ending that appears on his double live album released in 1998. If you have heard it, then you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, it’s worth a search on the internet.

Oh, and how could I forget Waylon Live released in late 1976? This album was certainly one of my favorites and was one of Waylon Jennings’ most highly acclaimed recordings.

And while we’re talking about Jennings, I have to mention the many live recordings from Willie Nelson. My favorite is Willie and Family Live released in 1978, which contains some great assistance from Emmylou Harris and Johnny Paycheck. It was a No. 1 country album – and remains one of his best.

I could go on and on because there are so many live collections out there that are so good. And while digital studio recording is better than ever, there is something about truly live music that can often give new life to songs, and often makes legends of the performers.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of music. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.