Contents
Johnny Cash
The country singer behind I Walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues and the prison concert albums that made him the Man in Black.
I Walk the Line · At Folsom Prison
- Born
- 26 February 1932
- Birthplace
- United States
- Died
- 12 September 2003
More people
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash’s low voice and spare arrangements crossed country, folk, gospel and rock. His songs often followed outsiders, prisoners and people living with regret.
Early life
Arkansas childhood
Grew up in a farming family at Dyess during the Depression.
Before music
Served in the US Air Force, including a posting to West Germany.
Career
- 1955
Sun Records
Made his first recordings with the Tennessee Two.
- 1958
Columbia years
Moved to Columbia and expanded his recording career.
- 1968–1969
Prison concerts
Recorded live albums at Folsom and San Quentin.
- 1994
American Recordings
Began a late-career collaboration with producer Rick Rubin.
Selected work
I Walk the Line
A spare declaration of commitment became a signature song.
At Folsom Prison
Live album recorded before an incarcerated audience.
American IV: The Man Comes Around
Includes his interpretation of Hurt.
Beyond music
June Carter Cash
Married the singer and songwriter in 1968; they also performed together.
Prison reform
Spoke publicly about prison conditions and testified before a US Senate subcommittee.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Country Music Hall of Fame ↗Photo: CBS Television. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
