Twenty-one years ago, country music lost one of its all-time greats. On September 12, 2003,
Johnny Cash took his final breath on Earth at the age of 71. He is undoubtedly one of the most influential names in music. Artists across numerous genres have drawn inspiration from his sound, songwriting, and even his unbridled spirit. The Arkansas native, born into a family of sharecroppers, knew what it took to achieve his dreams. Once Cash was a young adult, he enlisted in the Air Force, serving as a radio intercept operator. After his service, Cash jumped from job to job until he broke into the music scene in the 1950s. When the founder of Sun Records discovered Cash, his life would change. Sam Phillips signed Cash to Sun Records in 1955, and throughout his time at this label, Cash would record some of his most famous songs, like “I Walk The Line” and “Folsom Prison Blues.” Johnny made his
Grand Ole Opry debut just a year after breaking big through the scene. That night in the historic Opry House in 1956, Cash also met his future wife, creating two significant events, one on top of the other. The two wed twelve years later and became one of the most well-known musical couples in country music. Cash kept up with his early success, solidifying him as a country music great. His keep-your-nose-to-the-grindstone mentality earned him 13 Grammy Awards, 9 CMA Awards, 4 ACM Awards, and countless other accolades. In the late 1990s, Cash was diagnosed with Shy-Drager syndrome, which is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease. While many artists would choose to retire at this point, Cash continued to put our music, including the incredible Rick Rubin-produced
American Recordings, a 6-album series featuring several Johnny Cash originals and many iconic covers. To this day, Johnny’s cover of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt” is regarded as one of his most iconic recordings. In fact, Cash won an MTV Video Music Award for the song only fifteen days before he passed.
"On this day in 2003, Johnny Cash's 'Hurt' won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography. The video, renowned for its raw portrayal of The Man In Black, captivated both country music fans and the wider music industry." https://www.instagram.com/p/C_Oo7COsQ3f/ In his final days, Johnny Cash continued to participate in interviews to discuss
American Recordings and reflect on his career as a whole. In his final interview, he was asked if he had any regrets about his career or missed opportunities, to which he responded that he was at peace with the life he had made for himself.
"I used to, but I don't. I forgave myself. When God forgave me, I figured I had better do it too, so it's all right now." As heartbreaking as it is to admit, Cash speaks in a fragile tone as though he knew his time would end shortly after. Johnny Cash left a mark on country music and the music industry that will never be washed away. Although 21 years have passed since he left this Earth, his legacy will live on for eternity. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1zRFnw4jOU
Local News
