Seminal artist Johnny Cash is readying the release of American III, the much-anticipated follow-up to 1996's Unchained, according to a spokesperson for the artist.

The new set will drop on vinyl first, on Sept. 26, and be available in stores by Oct. 3. The CD will be released Oct. 17.

Several friends collaborate with Cash on this project, including Tom Petty (who guested on Unchained), Sheryl Crow (who performed at a 1999 Cash tribute), Merle Haggard and June Carter Cash.

Cash began this label tenure in 1994 with head Rick Rubin producing American Recordings, which includes gems such as "Let the Train Blow the Whistle" (RealAudio excerpt) and "The Beast in Me."

His second American release, Unchained, sparked controversy by winning the Grammy for Best Country Album. After the award, Cash appeared in an ad giving country radio and the Nashville establishment the middle-finger salute for their lack of support. While neither the album nor its singles were serviced to country radio, the ad still raised the hot-button issue of whether veteran country acts deserve more airplay.

Cash, a former appliance salesman, started his iconic career at the legendary launching pad Sun Records with hits such as "Cry, Cry, Cry" and "Hey Porter." The country and rock hall of famer went on to record the staples "Folsom Prison Blues," "Ring of Fire," "A Boy Named Sue" and more with his fearless blend of country, rock, gospel and social commentary.

In 1997, Cash was diagnosed with the degenerative nerve disorder Shy-Drager Syndrome, which has slowed the man but not quelled his fire.

The track listing for American III is: "I Won't Back Down," "Solitary Man," "Lucky Ole Sun," "One," "Nobody," "I See a Darkness," "The Mercy Seat," "Would You Lay With Me," "Field of Diamonds," "Country Trash," "Mary of the Wild Moor," "Before My Time," "I'm Leavin' Now" and "Wayfaring Stranger."