Retro Insider - "Johnny Cash"

Now we're ready to discuss a man who is known around the world as the “Man in Black”.  He was a devout but troubled Christian, and was a biblical scholar, who described himself as the biggest sinner of them all.  His baritone voice is unmistakable, as is the distinctive sound of his backing band.  He was a living legend and his music lives on... that's right, we're talking about the life and career of the one J.R. (Johnny) Cash.

Cash was born in Arkansas on February 26, 1932. He was named J.R. as his parents could not agree on a name, only initials.  He was raised in Arkansas too.  Cash was introduced to gospel music at an early age and began writing songs with the help of his mother, and accepted Christ at the age of 12.  In 1954, Johnny and wife Vivian, moved to Nashville, TN.  Trying to get a record contract with gospel songs, he was told to go sin and write some songs, songs that could sell.  The secular songs did indeed catch on and the rest was history.

In December 1956, Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins had an impromptu studio jam session of mostly gospel songs, at Sun Studios in Memphis, TN.  The record is now called Million Dollar Quartet.  In the early 60’s, Cash toured with the Carter family.  He would eventually marry June Carter after proposing to her on stage at what was once called the London Gardens, in London, Ontario.  Cash began battling his addictions when his career began to take off in the early 60’s.  He drank heavily and became addicted to barbiturates and amphetamines.  Cash claimed to have tried every drug there was to try.  In 1965, he became the only person to ever be sued by the government for starting a forest fire when his truck caught fire.  Cash never served time in jail, but he nearly got busted for drugs in 1965.  He quit using drugs in 1968 when he passed out in the Nickajack Cave in Marion County, TN, trying to commit suicide.  He said God’s presence came to him and gave him the strength to get to his feet.  He then responded to an alter call in a small church in the Nashville area and rededicated his life to Christ in 1971.  He chose a small church so he would not be treated like a celebrity.

Cash headlined the 1972 Explo Christian rock festival (the Christian equivalent to Woodstock), an event that helped Contemporary Christian Music gain widespread exposure in the mainstream market.  He was somewhat of an enigma to Christian music as he always was more at home in the secular marketplace.
Cash had huge compassion for prisoners.  He performed in different prisons including Folsom and San Quentin.  Both concerts became infamous live albums.  In the 80's, he toured with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson and was known as The Highwaymen.
In 1997, Cash was diagnosed with autonomic neuropathy associated with diabetes.  The illness forced him to stop touring.  His wife June Carter Cash died in May of 2003, and his last public performance would be in July 2003.  He later died in September 2003.
Cash wrote over 1000 songs and released dozens of albums.  He was friendly with most U.S. presidents, and will always be remembered as one of the most influential musicians of all time.
For more info, visit www.johnnycash.com, or watch one of the most accurate portrayals of Cash’s life and career in the Oscar nominated movie, "Walk the Line".