Which 1963 Cash album is a collection of songs about the American working man?

The 1963 Johnny Cash album that collects songs about the American working man is Blood, Sweat and Tears.

Released by Columbia on January 7, 1963, it was Cash’s 15th studio album. Its working-life themes include labor, hardship, travel, and endurance, giving the record a distinctly working-class American perspective. “The Legend of John Henry’s Hammer” turns the folk hero’s story into a driving Cash performance, while “Busted” portrays poverty and desperation.

The album was recorded in 1962 with Cash’s regular musical circle, including Luther Perkins, Marshall Grant, W.S. Holland, and members of the Carter Family. “Busted” became a country single, reaching No. 13 in 1963.

A common mix-up is the similarly titled Blood, Sweat & Tears album by the rock-jazz band. That unrelated record came out in 1968 and is associated with songs such as “Spinning Wheel.” Cash’s album predates it by five years and focuses on American working people rather than jazz-rock.