“America” (from West Side Story) The New Single from the Grammy®️ Winning Guitar Trio, The String Revolution featuring 5x Grammy®️Nominated Sax player Lakecia Benjamin

An adventurous, genre-blending reimagining of the West Side Story classic. This powerful arrangement features Lakecia Benjamin on saxophone, Luis Conte on percussion, and Byron House on upright bass, with The String Revolution’s signature guitar arrangement artistry.

Recorded at Cash Cabin and Produced by John Carter Cash and Steve Schnur, engineered by Trey Call and Rafa Sardina, and mastered by Emerson Mancini, this track celebrates the diversity and dynamism of America through bold musical storytelling.

"America" taps into a diversity of music resources that evoke the mid-century melting pot with a modern flourish. Hoping this fresh take will win new fans."
-Paul Cavalconte, Radio Host- WFUV, WBGO, WQXR-New York

“This is GREAT!”
- Tom Morello, Guitarist, Rage Against the Machine

“Loved it!!! Great musicianship by all involved and a totally refreshing take on a classic song. Brings a smile to my face. Well done!!!”
-Emilio Castillo - Bandleader for Tower of Power  

The String Revolution won for “Best Arrangement Instrumental Acapella” for their collaboration with Tommy Emmanuel of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” The String Revolution was originally formed in 2015 by Randy Rhoads student Janet Robin who was influenced by her time in Lindsey Buckingham’s first solo band and it’s 5-member “guitar army.” Named in the “Top 50 Acoustic Guitarist bonus list” by Guitar Player Magazine, 2017, Janet has played live in bands with Meredith Brooks, Air Supply, as a member of Precious Metal…. The String Revolution also features award winning and Master of the Arts, Austrian guitarist Markus Illko, and Cuban multi-instrumentalist and guitarist Rober Luis.

Photo 1: Rober Luis & Lakecia Benjamin

Photo 2: Janet Robin and Markus Illko and engineer Rafa Sardina 

Photo 3: Janet upfront, L to R  Rafe, Lakecia, and Rober

“Folsom Prison Blues” by The Grammy® Nominated Band, The String Revolution & Tommy Emmanuel

The String Revolution and Tommy Emmanuel’s fans are cheering them on, because their instrumental arrangement of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” is nominated for a Grammy® Award for best arrangement (instrumental or acapella).

The Australian-born superstar guitarist posted on his social media this past Friday, “So honored to get a Grammy® nomination with The String Revolution!!”

The String Revolution’s Janet Robin, Markus Illko, and Rober Luis are thrilled as well. Janet says, “the true reward lies in the opportunity to share music with all of you. Music has the power to heal, inspire, and bring us together…. Thank you to fellow Grammy members for supporting our band The String Revolution, and for being a part of this incredible adventure.”

Grammy® winning producer (and Johnny Cash’s son) John Carter Cash heard The String Revolution’s demo and loved it.  He helped the band work on the arrangement with a special guest-- Grammy® nominated guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel. Then John produced it at Cash Cabin, in Hendersonville, TN, which was captured on video. Mixing was done by Grammy® winner Matthew Hyde and mastering by Grammy® winner Emerson Mancini in Los Angeles, CA.

Composed of three virtuoso guitarists, the Grammy® nominated band is renowned for electrifying performances, blending different genres and styles to create a unique and captivating sound.

The band includes former Randy Rhoads student Janet Robin (“Top 50 Acoustic Guitarist bonus list” by Guitar Player Magazine, 2017, Precious Metal, Lindsey Buckingham, Meredith Brooks, Air Supply….), award winning Austrian nylon-string guitarist Markus Illko (composer: ORF-Austria TV, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Tyler Perry’s “A Madea Christmas” and “Single Moms Club”) and Cuban multi-credited guitarist Rober Luis (Daymé Arocena, Colin Hay, Jackson Browne.)

They released their first EP “Stringborn” in 2016 to rave reviews and jam-packed shows, and their 2019 CD, “Red Drops,” The String Revolution’s cover version of “Billie Jean” reached the Top 10 Spotify LA Instrumental Charts and their songs on Spotify have reached over 4 million plays. They have been selling out several Los Angeles notable clubs such as Hotel Cafe, Boulevard Music, The Mint, and many music festivals as they continue to tour nationally and soon, internationally. In 2019, the band was invited to perform at The Grammy® Museum in The Clive Davis Theater for their prestigious American Express sponsored concert series.

In 2022, they teamed up with longtime Billy Idol guitarist Steve Stevens to record a unique acoustic version of the Ozzy Osbourne & Randy Rhoads classic, “Crazy Train.,” including a special animated video. The result garnered complimentary press and more excitement over the band, which led to music industry icon, Miles Copeland and his biz partner John Bevilacqua became their managers. That got The String Revolution signed with Jerry Ross’s Harmony Agency and the band has risen to touring to perform in PACs and state fairs.

With memorable songs, unique arrangements, and exceptional musicianship, the Grammy® nominated band, The String Revolution is no doubt a new force in the world of music and guitar performance. 

Folsom Prison Blues
Written by: Johnny Cash
Arranged by:
The String Revolution, Tommy Emmanuel & John Carter Cash
Produced by: John Carter Cash.
Additional Musicians:
MB Gordy: Percussion
Double Bass: Byron House

Engineered by: Trey Call
Engineer Assistant: Joseph Cash
Recorded at Cash Cabin, Hendersonville, Tennessee

Mixed by: Matthew Hyde, London, UK
Mastered by: Emerson Mancini, Larrabee Studios, Los Angeles, CA

Single Cover Art: Chris Eselgroth
Photos/Videos: Brooke Noyce