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Johnny Cash

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Born 26 February 1932. Died 12 September 2003.

Johnny Cash is a performance name for the person John R. Cash.

Photo of Johnny Cash Johnny Cash

Biography

Johnny Cash (February 26, 1932–September 12, 2003), born J. R. Cash, was an American singer-songwriter and one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Primarily a country music artist, his songs and sound spanned many other genres including rockabilly and rock and roll (especially early in his career), as well as blues, folk, and gospel.

Cash was known for his deep, distinctive bass-baritone voice, the "chicka-boom" freight train sound of his Tennessee Three backing band, his demeanor, and his dark clothing, which earned him the nickname "The Man in Black". He traditionally started his concerts with the introduction "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash".

Much of Cash's music, especially that of his later career, echoed themes of sorrow, moral tribulation and redemption. His signature songs include "I Walk the Line", "Folsom Prison Blues", "Ring of Fire", "Get Rhythm" and "Man in Black". He also recorded humorous songs, such as "One Piece at a Time" and "A Boy Named Sue", a duet with June Carter called "Jackson", as well as railroad songs such as "Hey Porter" and "Rock Island Line."

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BBC Reviews Really Simple Syndication

  1. The Legend of Johnny Cash, Volume II 2006

    The Legend of Johnny Cash, Volume II

    Reviewed by Tim Cunningham

    The album is littered with gems...
  2. American V: A Hundred Highways 2006

    American V: A Hundred Highways

    Reviewed by Chris Long

    This is an album of weary hope and of gentle regret, it mixes jet-black humour about...
  3. Ring of Fire - The Legend of Johnny Cash 2005

    Ring of Fire: The Legend of Johnny Cash

    Reviewed by Sue Keogh

    To tie in with the release of the eagerly anticipated Cash biopic, here comes the...
  4. Unearthed 2003

    Unearthed (disc 1: Who's Gonna Cry)

    Reviewed by Nick Reynolds

    Cash's rejects are better than most artists' greatest hits.
  5. The Man Comes Around 2002

    American IV: The Man Comes Around

    Reviewed by Nick Reynolds

    We should just be grateful that Cash is still around to make records as uplifting and...
  6. At San Quentin 2000

    At San Quentin

    Reviewed by Jon Lusk

    All in all, a superlative reissue.
  7. At Folsom Prison 1999

    At Folsom Prison

    Reviewed by Chris Jones

    These raw, honest performances made him a legend
  8. American Recordings 1994

    American Recordings

    Reviewed by Chris Jones

    Johnny Cash's final road to redemption and artistic fulfillment starts here...
  9. På Österåker 1973

    På Österåker

    Reviewed by Daryl Easlea

    His affection and sincerity throughout is undeniable.

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