richard
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The Man in Black RIP
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Sep 12 17:36 UTC 2003 |
Johnny Cash died today at the age of 71. The legendary "Man in Black",
he was to country music what Elvis Presley was to Rock and Roll. Its
greatest star. His was the most legendary, most distinctive of all
singing voices. It was often said that if God had a voice, many people
might imagine it would be the deep, soulful voice of Cash.
I've been listening to Johnny Cash's music all my life. He was a
national treasure. I remember when I was little, and I heard Johnny
Cash and Bob Dylan doing a duet of Dylan's "Girl from the North
Country", and being awestruck by his voice. Johnny's "Ring of Fire" is
one of my favorite songs.
Among his very best work were his last four albums, "American
Recordings I-IV", where Cash covered classic pop and standard songs.
Many of those songs are absolutely haunting, such as Johnny's cover
version of the Nine Inch Nails "Hurt" on his last album.
Some of Cash's very best albums were his live albums that he recorded
in prisons, in front of prisoners. Johnny Cash, who was born a
sharecropper's son, always had a bond with the working man and sympathy
for those who made mistakes. "Johnny Cash Live from Folsom Prison",
with Johnny singing in prison for the inmates, is one of the greatest
of all live albums. "Live from San Quentin" is really just as good.
Early in his career he wore white on stage, but he lost his religion
for a time and seriously abused drugs, and came to realize his music,
his art, was in fact an exploration of the dark side of his soul, not
just his love of God, but his conflict with God. Johnny Cash
became "The Man in Black", always dressed in black ever since, and he
became a legend.
Johnny Cash RIP, an american original. I treasure his albums.
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richard
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response 18 of 30:
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Sep 14 05:33 UTC 2003 |
Johnny Cash was a huge influence on the world of music. Johnny and
Hank Williams are the only two peope to have been inducted into both
the country and rock and roll hall of fames. Here are a few quotes
about the great Johnny Cash, from his peers in the industry:
I loved big John with all my heart. The citizens of the world have
lost one of their most enduring guiding lights. As a musical hero to
millions, a trailblazing artist, humanitarian, spiritual leader, social
commentator and most importantly, patriarch to one of the most varied
and colorful extended families imaginable, Johnny Cash will, like Will
Rogers, stand forever as a symbol of intelligence, creativity,
compassion and common sense. I m thinking Mount Rushmore.
Rodney Crowell (musician and ex-husband of Rosanne Cash)
Johnny Cash transcends all musical boundaries and is one of the
original outlaws.
Willie Nelson
I was in the prison band in San Quentin when I first saw Johnny Cash.
I was impressed with his ability to take 5,000 convicts and steal the
show away from a bunch of strippers. That s pretty hard to do.
Merle Haggard
God is not making any more.
Nick Lowe
I want to thank you for standing up for me way back when.
Bob Dylan
Locusts and honey ... not since John the Baptist has there been a
voice like that crying in the wilderness. The most male voice in
Christendom. Every man knows he is a sissy compared to Johnny Cash.
Bono
I heard him sing my song I Won t Back Down, and I just
thought, God, he must have written that, because it never rang so
true to me as when I heard him sing it.
Tom Petty
He s always there, the tallest figure in the circle of integrity, the
deepest voice when night comes down, and the bravest take on sanity in
the midst of wild confusion. Thank you, sir. The generations will be
listening.
Leonard Cohen
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Georgia Wrestling History - the Home of Peach State Pandemonium
Richard Sullivan: "Talkin' to Rich about modern wrestling is like
talking to Balki from Perfect Strangers."
Bono: "Every man knows he is a sissy compared to Johnny Cash.
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IP: Logged
half man half biscuit
Member
Member # 3363
posted 09-13-2003 04:24 PM
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I met Johnny Cash at the Mean fiddkler in Harlsden , back in the early
nineties when the arter family played there, and he made a surprise
appearance, along with Joe Brown, Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello. June
Carter was a really sweet person and Johnny Cash was reserved, very
Southern and a Gentleman. He introduced himself the same way as he did
on the live albums "Hello I'm Johnny Cash" and shook my hand while I
babbled and gushed.
Normally I try and avoid meeting people I admire because they can't
match up to what you expect. Johnny Cash, George Harrison, Joe Strummer
matched and surpassed expectations. I guess 71 isn't too young but
there are far too many arseholes still walking around while the good
guys aren't with us any more.
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That's the bag I'm in
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mjm4u
Member
Member # 2145
posted 09-13-2003 06:02 PM
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Does anyone remember "The Wanderer"?--it was on a U2 album (Zooropa?)
and Johnny was singing it--awesome song.
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And now, for the 3 people living in my house, and the millions watching
at home on Pay Per View ....
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GWHRich
Administrator
Member # 1374
posted 09-13-2003 07:23 PM
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Some more quotes from around the music industry, including one from
Trent Reznor, writer of Hurt:
"Not only has the world lost a legend, but we in country music have
lost one of our family. I know both Johnny and June will always be
looking down and watching over us all. The stars in heaven are just a
little brighter. Loretta Lynn
This is a very sad day for me as well as for millions of music fans
around the world. John was a very dear friend -- we had a long history
together. We both went through a lot of messes in the old days but
ended up realizing what was important in life and changed our ways. I
just went out and visited him a few weeks ago and he looked so good and
was busy recording new material. I know that the angels will sing today
and heaven is a better place with the addition of Johnny Cash. I'm sure
he is happier now that he is with his beloved June. George Jones
The world has lost a legend, and I have lost a friend. Johnny Cash was
the rare soul who could be both. Emmylou Harris
Johnny Cash has only passed into the greater light ... he will never,
ever die. He will only become more important in this industry as time
goes by. I'm sure he's happy today now that he s with June. Dolly
Parton
A man in black stepped through three pearly white gates today into the
waiting arms of his angel June Carter Cash. Mortal man may be saddened,
but heaven's singing. Ronnie Dunn, Brooks & Dunn
I have lost one of my best friends. It leaves a dark void in my life
that is blacker than any coat he ever wore. He is irreplaceable. Even
in death I have no doubt that Johnny Cash will continue to live on as
an inspiration to musicians and songwriters and all of America.
Marty Stuart
"To hear that Johnny was interested in doing my song was a defining
moment in my life's work. To hear the result really reminded me how
beautiful, touching and powerful music can be. The world has truly lost
one of the greats. My heart goes out to his family and friends."
Trent Reznor, Nine Inch Nails
"Johnny Cash was one of the most amazing people to grace the earth. His
talents as a songwriter and an artist speak for themselves. I'm
grateful to Rick Rubin for the opportunity to work him and Johnny on
American IV: The Man Comes Around. It was a true honor. To witness him
receive his first gold record in 30 years was one of the proudest
moments for all of us at Lost Highway. He and Rick made beautiful music
together. Johnny Cash was a beautiful person." Luke Lewis, president
of Lost Highway Records
"Johnny touched so many lives in this business. One of the greatest
learning experiences of my life was a four-hour cross-country plane
ride with Johnny and June. They showed me that it's possible to use
celebrity to do good in the world, and at the same time, to enjoy
life." -- Suzy Bogguss
I considered myself a friend, he considered me a fan -- he indulged
me. He showed me around his house, his ranch, his zoo, his faith, his
musicianship -- it was a lot to take in. He was more than wise. In a
garden full of weeds -- the oak tree. Bono, U2
It's really hard to put into words all the things I feel about Johnny
Cash. I learned to play guitar by learning about a hundred songs by
Johnny Cash, who was my hero as a songwriter. As a man, he was the rock
of our nation. Growing up, I remember watching him on The Johnny Cash
Show and seeing him play "John Henry" -- just being floored by that. He
was such a dynamic personality, a great leader, and he always stood for
the right things. So, how can you even begin to put into words a loss
like that? Kix Brooks, Brooks & Dunn
The day that we would lose Johnny Cash is a day which I think we have
all dreaded quietly and secretly until now, and sadly enough, that day
is here. I'm grateful to him for being a rebel and pushing boundaries
that have encouraged us to not only grow and live but thrive beyond the
confines of the 'norm'. He was our Beacon in Black and the Gentle Giant
of our most progressive musical generation. We will miss your long,
tall shadow. Much love to your family, Johnny. Deana Carter
I don't know if I can say this, but it's how I feel. ... To me, Johnny
Cash was the original bad ass in music. Not just country music, but all
music. Everybody strives to be universal, but he was the first one to
make it so ... to make it where everybody could see themselves in the
songs, in that music. When you can give people all that, their dignity,
their power, then you've really made a mark -- and that's the kind of
mark that will last beyond forever. Kenny Chesney
Growing up in Medicine Hat, everything seemed larger than life ... but
few things seemed larger than life than Johnny Cash. That voice, as
close to the voice of God as mortal man can get -- and it was a voice
that was only lifted for the right things, righteous causes, the people
no one wanted to recognize. Johnny Cash rocked hard. Harder than
anyone. But what really made him stand out, more than the backbeats,
the TV shows, the hit records, was how he stood up for the little
people, the way he believed in the right things. ... He was a beacon
for both musical and personal integrity, and he set a bar most of us
can only gaze at and dream of, which is the best inspiration of all.
Terri Clark
I feel music has lost one of its great heroes and the country has lost
one of its most authentic voices. I will miss knowing he is continuing
to express what everyone feels through his music, but I will mostly
miss the man. Sheryl Crow
It's a sad day in country music today. Johnny Cash's voice was
arguably one of the most recognizable and influential in country music.
It's devastating to lose two great country artists in the same year.
Johnny Cash and his wife June Carter Cash were truly a dynamic force in
shaping the music industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with their
family. Natalie Maines, Dixie Chicks
Johnny Cash was not only bigger than country music; he was bigger than
life. The world will never be the same without the man in black.
Andy Griggs
Johnny Cash broke all the rules and transcended musical barriers. His
attitude, his style and his music made him a true original. Who else
could knock on the doors of the pearly gates wearing black? Faith
Hill
From I Walk the Line to Hurt, Johnny Cash was a distinct and
original voice of American music and can't be replaced. Alan Jackson
His influence spread over many generations. I loved him as singer and
a writer. I remember years ago a big part of our repertoire was two of
my favorite Johnny Cash songs, 'I Walk the Line' and 'Ballad of a
Teenage Queen. Mick Jagger, the Rolling Stones
Johnny Cash has always seemed larger than life to me. He is a true
American hero, beloved the world over as much for his kindness and
compassion and championing of the underdog as for the power of his art.
He s been my inspiration, my faithful friend, my champion -- a constant
oasis of unconditional love and support. His fiercely independent and
free spirit, balanced with his love of family, children and his fellow
man, will stand as a shining example of the best of what it means to be
human. And he was damned funny, even in the darkest times.
I love you, John
In the cold and Holy darkness
You were always shining brighter than a star
God bless you, John
For the love and joy you ve given
And the living inspiration that you are. Kris Kristofferson
"It's a sad day in Tennessee, but a great day in heaven. The Man in
Black is now wearing white as he joins his wife June in the angel
band." Merle Kilgore, best-man to Johnny Cash at his wedding to June
Carter Cash and co-writer (with June) of the classic "Ring of Fire
Bigger then any musical genre was Johnny Cash. He was an American
music icon that set the standard for how to make music on your own
terms. We will miss him. Tim McGraw
Even though all of us try to wear black, there will only ever be one
Man in Black. I hate to see our outlaw heroes leave because they have
influenced country music so much. I don't know that anyone can stand on
the mountain like they have." Eddie Montgomery, Montgomery Gentry
"I think his love for his wife will be his greatest legacy. Everybody
will always talk about his music, but for me, the one thing that I will
always remember the most about Johnny Cash is how much he loved his
wife, and it was always known." Craig Morgan
"Both the Carter and Cash families have had such an impact on the Dirt
Band. To lose June earlier this year, it was such a loss. It's hard to
take all this in. ... I spoke to John Carter last week, and he said his
Dad was doing so great, I was even kinda looking forward to him being
at the CMA Awards, even if it was just sitting in the audience. So I
guess like so many people around the world today, we'll all be missing
Johnny Cash. It's a big hole ... and you can't even think about filling
it." -- Jeff Hanna, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
"The world has lost a great American friend. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
has been fortunate to have been told we have spanned a generation with
our music, but Mr. Cash has spanned generations as well as
international borders and brought everybody into his life. If anybody
wants to know what the heart of country music is about, just plug into
any part of Johnny Cash's recordings. The great love story that is
Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash will now continue again." -- John
McEuen, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Country music has never had a more powerful personality than Johnny
Cash. So much can be said about this incredible man. Rock, country and
gospel will be fighting to claim his music as their own -- and, in the
end, they all get to. He brought a Memphis rock n roll attitude to
country music and all things good about country to rock -- and married
both of these to gospel music at the same time. There will never be
anyone like him ever again. -- Brad Paisley
He was just one of those guys that didn't try to be cool, and that's
what made him so cool -- he was just himself. -- Charlie Robison
Generations come and go in country music. It is easy sometimes for the
heroes of this genre to be overlooked, but Johnny Cash could not be
forgotten. He was, he is, and always will be the epitome of country
music. I regret deeply that I have not nurtured a closer personal
friendship, but he certainly knew he had my respect." -- Kenny Rogers
"He was the most patriotic Christian I've ever known. A true American
he was." -- Billy Joe Shaver
It's an extremely sad day for all of us in the music community. Johnny
Cash had such a tremendous impact and influence on so many of us. I
don't know of any other artist who had such a wide appeal across every
music genre. As a friend, he will be sorely missed. As an influence, he
will continue to live on. -- Travis Tritt
Johnny Cash was one of the first concerts that I ever saw. I was 10. I
remember the spotlight beam just above my head cutting through the
smoke, hitting his guitar. It was at that moment that I realized my own
destiny. I'm as saddened as anyone, but I'm sure that there is a sense
of peace in knowing that he's now reunited with June. I guess that
makes his passing a bit easier. -- Keith Urban
"Johnny Cash was singled out -- a truly great artist. Unique and one of
a kind. He was a great American, and his music was the spirit of
America -- all that is good about this great country. No matter what
situation we find ourselves in playing music, we can never go wrong
playing a Johnny Cash song. We're going to miss him." -- Tony
Villanueva, the Derailers
"I can never remember a time when June Carter Cash and Johnny Cash were
apart. A vibrant memory I have of them was one where I got to work with
them at an Academy of Achievement dinner. These weekends were designed
to be an opportunity for specialists in the fields of arts and sciences
to speak to young people to inspire them to excel. That was very much
representative of June Carter and Johnny's life, inspiring us and
holding each other's hands along the way. The thing that's most on my
mind today was their companionship as well as the way June Carter
always took such great care of Johnny. It was the sweetest kind of
love. I would stare at them during this one particular weekend, so
awestruck by their tenderness towards one another. I am getting
married in November and something I will take with me as I walk down
the aisle is how inspired I feel by the love of June Carter and Johnny.
They were together for so many years. It was always Johnny and June
Carter, never one without the other. My heart is breaking today and yet
at peace to know how quickly he went to be with her. I just know with
all of my heart that they were never apart for very long and what a
sweet love they had together. Now they are together for all eternity." -
- Wynonna
"I'm just shocked and saddened and still finding myself stunned by the
news of his passing but am eternally grateful for ever having had the
opportunity to know him and to share a friendship with him. I will be
forever honored that John allowed me the privilege of his company." --
Dwight Yoakam
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