Johnny Cash

Date of Birth: February 26, 1932

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: September 12, 2003

Biography

Johnny Cash, born J.R. Cash, was an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his deep, calm bass-baritone voice and his somber, often rebellious, and reflective musical style. Born on February 26, 1932, in Kingsland, Arkansas, Cash grew up during the Great Depression, which profoundly influenced his music. He began his music career in the 1950s, signing with Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. Known as “The Man in Black,” Cash’s music encompassed country, rock and roll, blues, folk, and gospel genres. His career took off with hits like “I Walk the Line,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Ring of Fire.” Cash’s music often touched on themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, resonating with a wide audience. He was also known for his advocacy of prison reform, performing live concerts at various prisons including the famous Folsom Prison concert. Cash struggled with addiction for much of his life but managed to revive his career multiple times, notably with the American Recordings series in the 1990s. He was married twice, first to Vivian Liberto and then to June Carter Cash, who was also a significant influence on his music and life. Johnny Cash passed away on September 12, 2003, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

5 Interesting Facts about Johnny Cash

1. Johnny Cash’s distinctive all-black stage wardrobe earned him the nickname “The Man in Black.”

2. He was one of the few musicians to have been inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.

3. Cash’s live performance at Folsom Prison in 1968 revitalized his career and is considered one of the greatest live recordings in music history.

4. He wrote his first hit, “Hey Porter,” while he was working as a radio intercept operator in the U.S. Air Force.

5. Johnny Cash was a close friend of several U.S. Presidents, including Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Johnny Cash

1. “You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it.”

2. “I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down, livin’ in the hopeless, hungry side of town.”

3. “Success is having to worry about every damn thing in the world, except money.”

4. “Life is rough so you gotta be tough.”

5. “I was wearing black clothes almost from the beginning. I feel comfortable in black. I felt like black looked good on stage, that it was a good backdrop for the music.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Johnny Cash’s net worth was estimated to be around $60 million.

Children

Johnny Cash had five children. With his first wife, Vivian Liberto, he had four daughters: Rosanne, Kathy, Cindy, and Tara. With his second wife, June Carter Cash, he had one son, John Carter Cash.