Johnny Cash would be so proud… and if you think anyone can casually take on Ring of Fire, this performance might prove you dead wrong. With just the first few notes, The Red Clay Strays transported the entire audience back to Johnny Cash’s golden age — but they were not simply replaying a country classic. Fresh from winning ACM Group of the Year, the band stepped onto the stage with something to prove and delivered a bold, fiery rendition that immediately had fans on the edge of their seats.

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Red Clay Strays’ “Ring of Fire” Cover Has Everyone Talking

red clay strays' brandon coleman
The Red Clay Strays cover “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM)

It’s a bold move to take on a Johnny Cash classic, but the Red Clay Strays have proved that they are up for the challenge.

The Alabama-based musicians have been praised for their dynamic, live performances and original sound, which combines southern rock, western honky tonk, and gospel. Earlier this year, they took home the award for Group of the Year at the ACM Awards.

As they travel the country for their Grateful Tour, named after their most recent album, the group has shown off their versatility as performers, treating the crowd to both original and cover songs. Recently, “Ring of Fire” has made its way into their setlist.

the red clay strays
Sevans Henderson, Drew Nix, Andrew Bishop, Brandon Coleman, John Hall and Zachary Rishel of The Red Clay Strays accept the award for Group of the Year at The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards held at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Rich Polk/Dick Clark Productions via Getty Images)

Johnny Cash released “Ring of Fire” in 1963 on his compilation album Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash. It was written by his future wife, June Carter, before they wed. June’s sister, Anita Carter, first recorded the song in 1962, but Johnny’s version took it to new heights.

Red Clay Strays Share Soulful Cover Of The Johnny Cash Hit, “Ring Of Fire,” & The Fans Went WILD | Whiskey Riff

“Ring of Fire” remains one of Johnny Cash’s greatest hits. It reigned at number one on the country charts for seven total weeks, and in 1999, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Lead singer Brandon Coleman made the classic his own, with the southern grit that the group has become known for. Having the chance to see the song performed live would be a treat, but for those of us who are not so lucky, the Red Clay Strays recently shared a video of the cover online.

Watch the Red Clay Strays perform Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” below!

Fans React To The Soulful Performance

Not long after the video was shared, the comments section filled with fan reactions. Many praised the band, adding that the “Man in Black” himself would be impressed with their delivery. They wrote:

“I’d listen to him sing the dictionary if he sang it this way….”

“I love the raw emotion, it gets down to my bones and I shiver”

“Johnny Cash would be proud”

“Incredible! This man just knocked it out of our stratosphere!”

“Johnny Cash would come back to life just to hear you do this! WOW!”