How Johnny Cash’s Cover of Hurt Won Over Trent Reznor and Redefined the Song

A cautionary tale is more than just a story—it’s a warning wrapped in a lesson. Today's songs spotlight the consequences of risky choices, showing exactly what can go wrong when someone ignores the red flags, turning life’s hard lessons into unforgettable lyrics and melodies that serve as a brutal wake-up call. Up next, Harry Chapin's Cats in the Cradle, a song that is the measuring stick for every father in the world. If you can listen to this one and not feel like a total loser you are doing well. It’s a song that was written by a legendary singer’s wife…he didn’t give it much credence when she showed him but a short time later when his wife found out he’d been cheating for years, he lost his marriage and his son for a time. When he turned his life around the song became a reality… Then there’s Hurt, a song that was covered by all-time legend Johnny Cash, and when the original artist Trent Reznor heard it… He hated it. His song was far too personal for someone else to cover it… But then he saw the music video and he released the song was no longer his. The stories are next on Professor of Rock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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The ultimate rock music history podcast for fans of the greatest era of music. If you’ve ever wondered about the true stories behind your favorite songs, or wanted to hear directly from the legends who made them, Professor of Rock is your new go-to podcast. Hosted by music historian and superfan Adam Reader, this show brings the golden era of music back to life with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and deep dives into the songs that shaped our lives. This podcast uncovers how timeless tracks were made, the creative breakthroughs, the near-breakups, and the powerful moments that defined music history. Each episode is a masterclass in rock culture and nostalgia—whether it's a chart-topping ‘80s anthem, a one-hit wonder with a wild backstory, or a candid conversation with the legends themselves. Hear the Stories. Relive the Music. Only on Professor of Rock.