Johnny Cash

Bio

Born February 26, 1932 in Kingsland, Arkansas Born as John R. Cash

Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Advocate Nickname: the Man in Black Music innovatively mixed country, rock, blues,

and gospel

Musical Influences

Old folk songs Religious tunes and hymn ballads sung by his

mother The work songs he heard people singing out in

the fields throughout childhood. Country music that played on local radio

stations Hank Snow, Cowboy Copas, Gene Autry, Ernest

Tubb

Individual Style

Style Country and Western: white

American folk music Flexible blend of country,

rock n’ roll and folk music Excessive tenderness Noted for its stripped-down

sound Free-form guitar

Focus Remained true to the rich

storytelling tradition of country music

Lyrics embraced realism; unapologetically identified with the oppressed.

Social and political issues Simple but powerful songs

of elemental experiences

Career

Musical career began with him as the front man for Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two morphing into Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Three. Their sound was a

synthesis of blues and country-and-western music that eventually coined the term “rockabilly”

Toured as opening act for Elvis in 1955 prior to signing with Sun Records and releasing a string of hit singles in 1956

Career Wrote “Folsom Prison

Blues” while stationed in Germany in 1953. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

N5Ts4M3irWM

True fame arrived in 1956 when Cash wrote “I Walk The Line” ---Launched to number one and sold 2 million copies http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1P-

2QnEQQY

“Get Rhythm” is a 1950’s rockabilly song about optimism. First number one single on the country charts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Roug4qG7qC

Y

Listen for blending of country, bluegrass, blues, gospel and swing jazz. Strong vocal backed by simple melodies. String instruments

Singer

Deep, distinctive bass-baritone voice It commanded attention,

and contributed to the believability.

48 singles on the Billboard charts and 26 albums on the pop charts between 1955 and 1972.

More than 50 million records sold.

Appeared on numerous musical television shows such as the Grand Ole Opry and The Ed Sullivan Show.

“Johnny’s voice was so big, it made the world grow small.” –Bob Dylan

SongwriterReceived 23 GMI Awards

for writing countless American Classics

His songs speak of the human experience and the

people who work for the American Dream

Social ImpactEmbraced the radical social justice movements of the 60’s.

Protested Vietnam; played for the troops

Vocal champion for penal reform

Musical ImpactOccupies spots in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1992), Songwriter’s Hall of Fame (1989), and the Country Music

Hall of Fame (1980).

Country music icon around the globe

"Johnny Cash transcends all musical boundaries, and is one of the original outlaws." -Willie Nelson

“Johnny Cash helped show the world what happens when rural sensibilities and values mix musically with the urban environment. Over the years he demonstrated a broad musical perspective, never being afraid to record songs of social commentary.”

-Lyle Lovett

References

http://www.johnnycash.comhttp:// www

.biography.com/people/johnny-cash-9240610?page=4 http

://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/music/inside-complicated-faith-johnny-cash

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Roug4qG7qCY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN3JA_W8DCA