Johnny Cash (1932-2003)

Johnny Cash began writing songs at age 12, and first recorded in 1955 with the Tennessee Two (guitarist Luther Perkins and bassist Marshall Grant). The trio recorded such classics as 'Folsom Prison Blues' and the million-selling 'I Walk The Line'.

In a ludicrously long music career, the "Man in Black" recorded with such legends as Bob Dylan, Jerry Lee Lewis, Waylon Jennings and Carl Perkins, as well as his own long-time wife June Carter Cash. His hits included 'Ring of Fire, 'A Thing Called Love' and 'One Piece At A Time'. In 1970, he performed at the White House for President Nixon.

Between these hits, Cash found time to host ABC's The Johnny Cash Show, act in a selection of movies and TV shows, and develop assorted drug and alcohol habits. In the late 1980s, with his health failing and sales drying up, Cash all but disappeared from the music world.

Recently Cash underwent a massive resurgence in popularity with a series of acoustic albums featuring covers of modern artists. Most notable was his version of Nine Inch Nails' 'Hurt', which was nominated for six MTV Video Music Awards (it won one, for best cinematography). Johnny Cash died on 12 September 2003.

Releases

• American V: A Hundred Highways - album, out 12/07/2006 on American Recordings. 1 review (read/post)
• The Unauthorised Documentary - dvd, out 13/03/2006 on Demon Vision. 1 review (read/post)
• Unchained - album, out 09/01/2006 on Universal Music. (post review)
• Hurt - single, out 21/04/2003 on Lost Highway. 1 review (read/post)

News

• 18/04/2007: The Weekly DiScussion: Covered in glory or retarded reinterpretations?
• 07/06/2006: Fifth and final American Recordings release sees light of day
• 08/05/2006: File under 'freakin' weird': Liverpool cover Cash
• 31/01/2006: Cash biopic up for five Oscars
• 11/11/2005: Kathy Cash unhappy with dad's bio-pic
• 28/09/2004: The Man In Black on Broadway
• 01/12/2003: Coldplay Had Planned Cash Collaboration
• 24/10/2003: Johnny Cash Collection Promises 64 Rare Tracks
• 10/10/2003: Bono and Co Line Up For Cash Tribute
• 12/09/2003: Johnny Cash: The Man In Black R.I.P.

Features

• 16/05/2008: The Weekly DiScussion: Songs About Kicking

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