Today (September 12) marks the sad anniversary of the death of country legend and American music icon Johnny Cash. Cash passed away in 2003 at age 71 from complications of diabetes.
The influential singer/songwriter’s death came about four months after the tragic passing of his wife, June Carter Cash. She died on May 15, 1973, after experiencing complications during heart valve replacement surgery.
[RELATED: Remembering Johnny Cash: 6 Pivotal Songs from the Country Icon’s Long and Lauded Career]
On July 5 of 2003, Johnny Cash gave his final public performance in Hiltons, Virginia, at the Carter Family Fold. The venue was co-founded by June’s cousin Janette Carter. Johnny played a 30-minute concert that featured seven songs, including several of his most famous tunes.
Cash’s very last song was a rendition of his 1964 hit “Understand Your Man,” which, he told the audience, he hadn’t performed live for 25 years. “Understand Your Man” topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart for six weeks in April and May of ’64. It also reached No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Cash’s Performance of “Understand Your Man”
At the concert, Cash strummed acoustic guitar and was accompanied by electric bassist Bobby Starnes and electric guitarist Jerry Hensley. Before launching into “Understand Your Man,” he told a funny anecdote involving Janette Carter, who was seated behind him onstage, and his late wife.
Johnny comments were in reference to the Carter Family Hold’s general rule that performers play acoustically at the venue.
“I know we’re making a lot of noise up here, especially Jerry with his electric guitar,” Cash noted. “But it’s OK, Jerry. Don’t worry. We’re not gonna throw you out. I won’t let ’em.”
He then recalled, “The first time I brought electrical instruments to the Fold, Janette Carter got on stage and said, ‘Well, I know that we don’t allow anybody to plug in when they’re here, but June said that Johnny Cash was already plugged in when she met him.’ That’s what my cousin Janette said.”
Due to his frail condition, Cash’s voice sound fairly weak throughout the performance, but his presence and good humor still shone through.
At the end of the song, Johnny thanked the audience and his accompanying musicians played an instrumental version of “I Walk the Line” as he was helped from the stage.
More About His Final Show
June Carter Cash died on May 15, 1993, less than two months before his last concert. During the show, he took the opportunity to recite an emotional tribute to his wife before singing his classic tune “Ring of Fire,” which June co-wrote Merle Kilgore.
“The spirit of June Carter overshadows me tonight with the love she had for me and the love I have for her,” Cash said. “We connect somewhere between here and heaven. She came down for a short visit, I guess, from heaven, to visit with me tonight to give me courage and inspiration, like she always has. She’s never been one for me, except courage and inspirational. I thank God for June Carter. I love her with all my heart.”
He then noted that he was going to perform a song she wrote that “she was extremely proud of,” before launching into “Ring of Fire.”
Other songs that Johnny performed at his final concert included “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line,” the Kris Kristofferrson-penned “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” the traditional tune “Angel Band,” and “Big River.”
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