“[Cash] took the social consciousness of folk music, the gravity and humor of country music and the rebellion of rock ‘n’ roll, and told all us young guys that not only was it all right to tear up those lines and boundaries, but it was important.” – Bruce Springsteen
You have probably heard a lot about Johnny Cash lately due in part to the success of the movie about his life, Walk the Line. But, for all his success, there was a time when the legendary Johnny Cash didn’t even have a recording contract.
He was born John Ray Cash on February 26, 1932 and made his mark on not only country music, but rock and folk as well. For his contributions, he has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Hank Williams Sr. is the only other artist to be inducted in all three Hall of Fames. Johnny Cash was both humble and rebellious and it showed in his music. Songs like Folsom Prison Blues, his black attire, and rebelliousness led many to believe Johnny had actually been in prison. Johnny never did prison time, he was simply able to capture the despair men who did by drawing upon his own sorrowful experiences.
He started out with Elvis at Sun Studios in Memphis, but unlike Elvis, Johnny was able to take control of his demons (drugs and alcohol). However, he never gave up his rebellious spirit. Johnny Cash was with Columbia Records from 1958-1986. He was released in 1986 because his songs weren’t getting enough airplay on country radio. Country had changed, with names of younger artists like Garth Brooks and Clint Black taking the spotlight. In the early 1990s, Johnny was offered a contract from Rick Rubin. On the surface, it seemed an unlikely match as Rubin was known for producing hip-hop acts like the Beastie Boys and Run DMC. Nevertheless, there was just enough fire left in Johnny Cash to make his records with Rubin some of the best music he had ever recorded. 1994’s American Recordings album was done very minimally, recorded in Cash’s living room with only him and his guitar. Country television stations refused to play his first single, “Delia’s Gone” because it contained murder and violence. However, MTV decided to play it and a whole new generation of people were introduced to Johnny Cash, may of whom weren’t even born when he was making hits in the 1960s. American Recordings received a Grammy for Contemporary Folk Album of the Year in 1994 but was ignored by the country music industry. His next album, Unchained, featured the accompaniment of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Unchained received a Grammy for Best Country Album, but was again ignored by country music radio and the Nashville establishment. To show his appreciation, Johnny and Rick bought full-page ads in many music magazines thanking the country music industry for their loyalty and support. The ad showed a much younger Johnny extending his middle finger towards the camera.
Johnny Cash died in 2003 at the age of 71, but he left behind a great legacy of music that both young and old will enjoy for generations to come.