Today we remember music legend Johnny Cash on what would have been his 88th birthday. One of the best-selling music artists of all time, Cash’s music transcended multiple genres, affording him the rare honor of multiple inductions in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Image: Johnny Cash / Library of Congress
Cash was born J.R. Cash on February 26, 1932 in Kingsland, Arkansas to Ray Cash and Carrie Rivers. When enlisting in the United States Air Force, Cash changed his name to John R. Cash because he was not permitted to use initials as a first name. After signing with with Sun Records in 1955, he took Johnny Cash as his stage name.
The fourth of seven children, Cash began playing and writing songs at the age of 12. After signing with Sun Records, Cash released several singles but it wasn’t until the release of his 1956 hit “I Walk the Line” that Cash’s fame skyrocketed. During this time, he also frequently collaborated with singer and songwriter June Carter, who wrote one of Cash’s biggest hits, “Ring of Fire.” Cash and Carter eventually married in 1968 and remained married until Carter’s death on May 15, 2003. Cash died just four months later on September 12, 2003.
What’s your favorite Johnny Cash song?
Explore Johnny Cash’s family tree and share how you’re related to the Man in Black.
View Johnny Cash’s Geni Profile
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Source: Geni.com
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