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.30 responses total.
I too remember Johnny Cash from my youth. "A boy named Sue", "Folsom Prison", etc. Since I'm 1/2 Cash, we adopted him as an honorary relative. There was something strangely endearing about his gravelly voice. I won't say that he was country music's greatest star, but he certainly was an icon.
Farewell, Johnny. The first goth rock star, decades ahead of the trend.
Highwayman by Johnny Cash I was a highwayman. Along the coach roads I did ride With sword and pistol by my side Many a young maid lost her baubles to my trade Many a soldier shed his lifeblood on my blade The bastards hung me in the spring of twenty-five But I am still alive. I was a sailor. I was born upon the tide And with the sea I did abide. I sailed a schooner round the Horn to Mexico I went aloft and furled the mainsail in a blow And when the yards broke off they said that I got killed But I am living still. I was a dam builder across the river deep and wide Where steel and water did collide A place called Boulder on the wild Colorado I slipped and fell into the wet concrete below They buried me in that great tomb that knows no sound But I am still around..I'll always be around..and around and around and around and around I fly a starship across the Universe divide And when I reach the other side I'll find a place to rest my spirit if I can Perhaps I may become a highwayman again Or I may simply be a single drop of rain But I will remain And I'll be back again, and again and again and again and again...
Another one who made it to Hillbilly Heaven.
IIRC the Folson prison album was recently re-leased on CD (at least
the second re-release) with more material, more intersong patter, and
original bleeps removed (such as for Boy Named Sue).
Best comfort in your reward, Johny Cash.
RE: #4...."hillbilly heaven"? I'm sorry but that sounds classist and derogatory. Is your heaven different than those of people you call "hillbillys"?
Johnny Cash is my mother's favorite singer. She'll be returning from her vacation tomorrow. I wonder if she's heard the news yet. Johnny Cash was not the Elvis of country (that would be Hank Williams); he was more like the Rolling Stones. He endured. He kept singing, and people kept buying his albums. He was the best of the prison singers, but he never spent time in prison. I never knew that until today. My favorite Cash song: "I Walk The Line". He started with his cavernous voice, then it goes deeper for the 2nd voice... deeper yet for the 3rd... and then it goes *down*.
(According to his biography, _The Man in Black_, Mr. Cash wore black because "[it] was better for church." He started out singing in church, and just about always expected to be there again. According to the song, "The Man in Black", he wore black in mourning for the nation during the Viet Nam conflict. He started wearing other colours with the black, like white shirts, after the POWs came home.)
"Hillbilly" is simply descriptive nowadays, although the tone can range from condescending to neutral to affectionate depending on who's talking. It's like "yuppie," "trailer trash," "upper west sider" or even "grexer." (I suspect "nigger" might be on its way there, but it's too soon to tell if it'll make it. Grexers could take a lesson from African Americans by calling each other "grexer." "What are you carrying on about, grexer? You sound like a Republican.")
HAHAHA! Wassup Grexer? Grexer Puh-leez
("Peter sucked in his breath and his wrinkled brow showed deep furrows
but he kept his eyes straight ahead. He had never had the term "nigger"
applied to him by a white person in all his life. By other negroes, yes,
but never by a white person" (_Gone with the Wind_, p 474). Peter is a
former slave; a Yankee in Atlanta had just said, "Look at that old nigger
swell up like a toad.")
Fuh shexxle, mah grexxle.
My all-time favorite Johnny Cash song - "One Piece At A Time" (a novelty song about building a Cadillac over several years from stolen car parts).
"Hillbilly Heaven" is a classic country song that's a roll-call of legendary country singers. Forgotten who did it.
it sounds pretty forgettable.
"Hillbilly Heaven", ironically enough, was recorded by Tex Ritter, whose son John also died over the last few days.
Ring of fire is my favorite Cash sing.
I like "A Thing Called Love" and "Nearer My God to Thee" (which is NOT the well-known hymn, but does refer to it).
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 -------------------- 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- IP: Logged half man half biscuit Member Member # 3363 posted 09-13-2003 04:24 PM ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- 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. -------------------- That's the bag I'm in ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- IP: Logged mjm4u Member Member # 2145 posted 09-13-2003 06:02 PM ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Does anyone remember "The Wanderer"?--it was on a U2 album (Zooropa?) and Johnny was singing it--awesome song. -------------------- And now, for the 3 people living in my house, and the millions watching at home on Pay Per View .... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- IP: Logged GWHRich Administrator Member # 1374 posted 09-13-2003 07:23 PM ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- 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
very nice...
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From #6: > He was the best of the prison singers, but he never spent time in prison. > I never knew that until today. I would be happy to learn that myself, as I had gotten the impression that he *had* been in prison, or at least jail. My cursory attemmpts to find something definite on the web turned up entry. Can anyone provide a source, one way or the other?
re 5:
You can find lyrics to "Hillbilly Heaven" with a google
search. Another version, also recorded by Tex Ritter, had
Johnny Cash in the Big Tally Book.
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My favorite quote was from Kris Kristofferson, as I remember when Johnny Cash was given a Kennedy Center Honor, and Kristofferson was there, leading the tribute. It's when I realized that there was more to Kristofferson and when I realized that Johnny Cash was not a well man and to be more appreciative.
Jonny Cash was a drug abuser.
Re #21: I watched a bit of an old interview with Johnny Cash on 60 minutes last night. He said that he was never convicted of a felony, and so never spent time in prison; however he did spend time in various jails in the early 60s, for being drunk.
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waht richard said.
aruba - saw teh same show - he also said 'i blonged in jail' for the drunk-n-disorderly stuff (before june, i guess). and tod is about right, except that teh air force is less vicious. pardom me, i'll be back, i hva a few tears to dry ... again.
I went to the first Monthly Grind of the season in Ketchikan last night and the first one I've been around to attend. The Monthly Grind is one of the highlights of the town arts calendar each month from September to May (I think -- they don't do it in the summer.) Anyway.. on the third Saturday of each month they hold the Grind in the clan house of the Beaver Clan out in the Tlinqit village of Saxman a couple of miles south of Ketchikan proper. The clan house is a spectacular venue and there's room for a couple of hundred people to crowd in. Tickets are $5, though you get your $5 back if you bring a homemade dessert to share (coffee and desserts are included in the ticket price..) The show usually consists of five or six musical acts, mostly talented local amateurs, sometimes visiting semi-pros, and whatever other acts fit into the schedule. One of the performers last night was a woman from Ann Arbor who played the Celtic harp and told a story for her performance.. Anyway, it's apparently traditional to begin the Grind with a sing-along and last night in tribute to Johhny Cash they started the show with a crowd sing-along of "Ring of Fire." It was surprisingly moving..
You have several choices: