Johnny Cash Is Coming to Town was released in 1987 as Cash's first album on the Mercury Records label, following his departure from Columbia Records. The album was produced by Jack Clement, a longtime collaborator who had worked with Cash in the 1960s and 1970s.
The record marked a return to a more traditional country sound, with songs reflecting Cash's maturity and resilience. It includes original songs and covers, such as 'The Night Hank Williams Came to Town', which became a minor hit on the country charts.
Although not a major commercial success, the album was well received by critics and helped revitalize Cash's career in the 1980s, paving the way for his later collaborations with producers like Rick Rubin.