Johnny Cash Research Papers

Johnny Cash was an influential singer who transformed music by incorporating country, gospel, and blues into his work. Cash evolutionized the music industry and culture by popularity of an influential musician, and his contribution to advocacy for the American people, landing him multiple awards and a lifelong legacy. This biography presents the success and failures of Johnny Cash’s music career, and his profined legacy still impacting America.

Born in Kingsland, Arkansas on February 26, 1932, to Ray and Carrie Cash, along with 6 siblings; eventually, the Cash family moved to Dyess, Arkansas, where the family acquired a farm, growing various crops. Growing up, Johnny would assist with the farm, along with his family. At the age of 12, Carrie

Vivian Cash would file for divorce in 1966, and gain full custody of their daughters. As his addictions grew, Cash would continuously struggle and later overdose. June and Cash would cowrite “Ring of Fire” in 1963 and would marry in 1968. He would release his second album, At San Quentin, in 1963, which he recorded live at the San Quentin State Prison. The Johnny Cash Show, hosted by Johnny Cash from 1969-1971, would showcase a variety of musicians, such as Neil Young, Louis Armstrong, and many more. The show would always open with the Statler Brothers, with many other performances, and end with a gospel segment. In 1970, Carter and Cash’s only son would be born. Invited to the White House by President Nixon in 1970 for an “Evening of the White House” and a performance of 12 songs, Cash would disclose his political perspective on the Vietnam war and the justice system. The Cash family would be invited to the White House by many other presidents, including Carter, Reagan, and Bush. The Kennedy Center Honor award would be awarded to Johnny in 1996, and in 2002, would receive the National Medal of Arts from President George W. Bush. Cash would release “Man in Black” in 1971,

Even after his death, Johnny Cash’s legacy still endured with his music career lasting over 50 years, which has impacted the music industry and the style of music. His music career landed him 13 total grammy awards, a lifetime achievement in 1999, along with 9 country music award associations. Cash recorded more than 1,500 songs, and had appearances on 500 albums. In 2010, He would be inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame. The famous biographical film, Walk the line, showcased Johnny Cash’s success and failures in his career, starting Joaquin Phoneix and Reese Witherspoon, who would win an Oscar for best actress. The movie was critically acclaimed with many nominations, and success at the box office earning 186.6M. Even with the success of his career, Cash still participated in charities and supported those in need. Johnny Cash was an advocate for those in prison; he would perform many live shows for inmates, lifting up those who were incarcerated. In addition, he donated the royalties from his song “The Ballad of Annie Palmer”, to the SOS children’s village, a nonprofit organization that gave assistance to children in need, along with building shelters for those who needed a home. To commemorate Cash’s performance at Folsom Prison in 1968, the Johnny Cash trail was established in 2017. The trail, located in Folsom California, is a 2.5-mile