The Carter Family's The Best of the Carter Family, released on Columbia Records (CL 2319) in 1965, compiles recordings from the early-to-mid 1960s sessions by the second-generation lineup: "Mother" Maybelle Carter with daughters Helen, Anita, and June. Tracks include "Ring of Fire" and "Big River"—reflecting the June Carter and Johnny Cash songwriting partnership—alongside folk revival staples and country-gospel standards. A.P. Carter had died in 1960; this compilation presents Maybelle and the daughters as the active, touring Carter Family unit of the Grand Ole Opry era. The release was aimed partly at the 1960s folk revival audience, who responded to the family's old-time harmony and gospel rooting even in its Columbia-produced, contemporary form.
Tracklist
- 1 Yesterday’s Gone alt version 2:04
- 2 Ring of Fire alt version 2:12
- 3 He Thinks I Still Care 2:44
- 4 Cotton Fields 2:26
- 5 Poor Old Heartsick Me 2:35
- 6 Wall to Wall Love 2:22
- 7 The Hammer Song 3:11
- 8 Troublesome Waters 3:04
- 9 Take Good Care of Him 2:31
- 10 Big River alt version 2:39
- 11 Michael Rowed the Boat Ashore 2:18
- 12 Four Strong Winds 2:44
