Zack, it intrigues me how John R. Cash was famous in Europe. I would assume that country music would be more of a music that would appeal regionally to rural Canadians and Americans. You are right about country music of today- it is just warmed over, second rate pop. There never will be another Johnny Cash.
I was lucky enough to hear the great man in concert here in Sweden once. Together with the first lady of country, June.
Country has quite a solid following in Sweden, but the hype that surrounds Johnny Cash after his American Recordings, is unprecendented.
I would consider Johnny Cash' status in Sweden as big as any other rock star these days. The crossover appeal of his American Recordings was immense.
Myself, I enjoy both those and the traditional Cash songs.
One of my fave songs that John recorded, is Will the circle be unbroken, not even a country song, but a gospel.
YIP
Zack