On the evening of May 12 1997, 400 lucky people witnessed a rare meeting of two music legends, two guitars and an incomparable collection of songs and stories. A year later, that incredible evening is available for everyone to experience. The release of Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson's VH1 Storytellers album reaffirms their status as two of the most creative and compelling artists alive today.

Johnny Cash, certainly a legend in his own right, has sold more than 50 million albums in his forty year career. With 26 albums that have hit the pop charts, Johnny Cash has won virtually every award, including eight Grammy Awards. He is the only living entertainer to be awarded the Triple Crown, (inclusion in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Willie Nelson has played a vital role in post-rock and roll country music; and although Nelson is one of contemporary music's few genuine icons, the 63-year-old singer, songwriter, guitarist and actor remains a restlessly creative Outlaw soul. His career spans more than 35 years, 100 albums and literally countless miles on the road. Before becoming a star himself in the mid-70's, Nelson spent many years writing hit songs for Ray Price ("Night Life Ain't No Good Life"), Patsy Cline ("Crazy") and Billy Walker ("Funny How Time Slips Away") all of which are included in this marvelous recording.

On Storytellers, this pair of outlaws trade quips and anecdotes as they tell the back-stories to their classic songs, which is captivating both on video and audio. The brilliant simplicities that underlie these timeless classics is nicely revealed by these stripped down versions--which, for me, are better than any other renditions I've heard. "Don't Take Your Gun To Town," "You Were Always On My Mind," "Folsom Prison Blues," "On The Road Again," are only a sample of the treasures this record contains. It's definitely among the best albums of the year.

Both Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson have defied the rules by smashing the barriers and boundaries that divide musical genres. They are truly artists that bridge generations and have done much to paint the background for the music picture in the second half of the 20th century. Storytellers demonstrates their enormous contributions, re-invents old styles and sheds much needed light on what Country music is all about. The Man In Black vs. The Redheaded Stranger what more could you ask for?