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Johnny Cash: The Life In Lyrics
The life of the Man in Black revealed by his lyrics and by rare photographs and ephemera, in a collectible edition featuring 125 of his most iconic songs, authorized by the Cash estate
Johnny Cash is one of the most beloved and influential country-music stars of all time, having composed more than six hundred songs and sold more than ninety million records. He received twenty-nine gold, platinum, and multiplatinum awards for his recordings and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
This is the first time Cash’s fifty years of songwriting have been collected anywhere; this book includes the lyrics to 125 songs and the stories behind them. Perhaps more than any other American artist, he spoke to the soul of the nation as well as to the triumphs and challenges of his own life. These pages explore Cash's range as a poet and storyteller, taking readers from his early life and first successes through periods of personal challenge, activism, and faith. The result is a profound understanding of Johnny Cash as a man and an artist, as well as the American story he helped shape.
An essential collectible that sheds new light on Cash’s life and work, this book includes rare visual material in addition to remembrances from Cash’s son, John Carter Cash, “family historian” Mark Stielper. Released for the twentieth anniversary of the legendary musician’s passing, it will be a landmark in music publishing
Johnny Cash is one of the most beloved and influential country-music stars of all time, having composed more than six hundred songs and sold more than ninety million records. He received twenty-nine gold, platinum, and multiplatinum awards for his recordings and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
This is the first time Cash’s fifty years of songwriting have been collected anywhere; this book includes the lyrics to 125 songs and the stories behind them. Perhaps more than any other American artist, he spoke to the soul of the nation as well as to the triumphs and challenges of his own life. These pages explore Cash's range as a poet and storyteller, taking readers from his early life and first successes through periods of personal challenge, activism, and faith. The result is a profound understanding of Johnny Cash as a man and an artist, as well as the American story he helped shape.
An essential collectible that sheds new light on Cash’s life and work, this book includes rare visual material in addition to remembrances from Cash’s son, John Carter Cash, “family historian” Mark Stielper. Released for the twentieth anniversary of the legendary musician’s passing, it will be a landmark in music publishing
384 pages, Hardcover
Published November 14, 2023
29 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Johnny Cash
243 books315 followersJohnny Cash, born J. R. Cash, also known as "The Man in Black", was a multiple Grammy Award-winning American country singer-songwriter. Cash is widely considered to be one of the most influential American musicians of the 20th century.
Cash was known for his deep, distinctive voice, his trademark dark clothing which earned him his nickname, the boom-chick-a-boom or "freight train" sound of his Tennessee Three backing band, and his demeanor. He rarely (if ever) wavered from introducing himself before performing, with the greeting, "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", "That Old Wheel" (a duet with Hank Williams Jr.), "Cocaine Blues", and "Man in Black". He also recorded several humorous songs, such as "One Piece at a Time", "The One on the Right Is on the Left", "Dirty Old Egg-Sucking Dog" a duet with June Carter, Jackson, and "A Boy Named Sue"; rock-and-roll numbers such as "Get Rhythm"; and various railroad songs, such as "Rock Island Line" and "Orange Blossom Special".
He sold over 90 million albums in his nearly fifty-year career and came to occupy a "commanding position in music history".
Cash was known for his deep, distinctive voice, his trademark dark clothing which earned him his nickname, the boom-chick-a-boom or "freight train" sound of his Tennessee Three backing band, and his demeanor. He rarely (if ever) wavered from introducing himself before performing, with the greeting, "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", "That Old Wheel" (a duet with Hank Williams Jr.), "Cocaine Blues", and "Man in Black". He also recorded several humorous songs, such as "One Piece at a Time", "The One on the Right Is on the Left", "Dirty Old Egg-Sucking Dog" a duet with June Carter, Jackson, and "A Boy Named Sue"; rock-and-roll numbers such as "Get Rhythm"; and various railroad songs, such as "Rock Island Line" and "Orange Blossom Special".
He sold over 90 million albums in his nearly fifty-year career and came to occupy a "commanding position in music history".
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 4, 2024
"[He remarked] 'Sometimes I am two people - Johnny is the nice one. Cash causes all the trouble. They fight' . . . All of this made for pain and brilliance. And the urge - the need - to express all that humanity inside him was overwhelming. [The persona] he gave most honor to was the songwriter." -- on page 294
While it won't replace - nor was it intended to - excellent tomes such as Robert Hilburn's Johnny Cash: The Life or Michael Stewart Foley's Citizen Cash for the biographical or sociological content, Johnny Cash: The Life in Lyrics is a nice quick read for the casual or die-hard fan of the 'Man in Black.' Interspersed with recollections by son John Carter Cash and hundreds of rare photographs, the lyrics to many (but not all, as he was responsible for a stupendous 600 tunes over the second half of the 20th century) of Cash's self-penned songs - from hits to rarities to unfairly labelled album filler throughout his fifty (!) years as a songwriter - are presented with occasional background segments on inspiration, location of writing, chart success, etc. While I agree with some other reviewers that this book may not present much new for the long-time Cash followers, it was still entertaining and will very likely make you want to pull his albums / CDs from the rack once again for another spin.
While it won't replace - nor was it intended to - excellent tomes such as Robert Hilburn's Johnny Cash: The Life or Michael Stewart Foley's Citizen Cash for the biographical or sociological content, Johnny Cash: The Life in Lyrics is a nice quick read for the casual or die-hard fan of the 'Man in Black.' Interspersed with recollections by son John Carter Cash and hundreds of rare photographs, the lyrics to many (but not all, as he was responsible for a stupendous 600 tunes over the second half of the 20th century) of Cash's self-penned songs - from hits to rarities to unfairly labelled album filler throughout his fifty (!) years as a songwriter - are presented with occasional background segments on inspiration, location of writing, chart success, etc. While I agree with some other reviewers that this book may not present much new for the long-time Cash followers, it was still entertaining and will very likely make you want to pull his albums / CDs from the rack once again for another spin.
March 3, 2024
Where's the music??? My favorite aspect of listening to biographies of musicians is the incorporated music that is usually included. Not a single one!
I have read several biographies on Cash and this one had nothing I didn't know already. I enjoyed the way they told his story through his own song lyrics and that his kids read the story, but it was not remarkable.
I have read several biographies on Cash and this one had nothing I didn't know already. I enjoyed the way they told his story through his own song lyrics and that his kids read the story, but it was not remarkable.
January 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, a look at Johnny Cash's life through the lyrics of the songs he wrote. There were some great pictures, artifacts and anecdotes in the book that I found incredibly interesting.
April 9, 2024
Unglaubliche sechzig Jahre umfassen die Musiker-Karriere von Johnny Cash. Der als Men In Black bezeichnete Sänger und Songschreiber führte ein äußerst erfolgreiches, privat aber auch schwieriges und emotionales Leben. Fast jedem wird zumindest sein Name ein Begriff sein und viele werden zumindest einzelne seiner Lieder kennen. Ich habe angefangen mich für seine Musik zu interessieren, als ich im Rahmen meiner Ausbildung den Kinofilm Walk The Line sah, indem Joaquin Phoenix ihn auf grandiose Weise mimt. Die Interpretationen seiner Songs haben mich begeistert und auch für sein Leben und den Beginn seiner Karriere begann ich mich zu interessieren. Unbedingt erwähnt werden muss an dieser Stelle natürlich Reese Witherspoon, die seine spätere Frau und große Liebe June Carter spielt und auch all ihre Lieder selbst singt.
Zum Leben des Johnny Cash selbst möchte ich keine allzu großen Worte verlieren, denn wer sich mit diesem Sammlerstück beschäftigt, wird aller Wahrscheinlichkeit nach ein Anhänger des Sängers sein und sollte dies nicht zutreffen, gibt es eine Reihe an Literatur und Filmen, die mehr von seinem Leben und seiner musikalischen Karriere berichten. Dieser ausführliche Sammelband kann als Biografie von Johnny Cash verstanden werden. Ich war überrascht von dem Umfang, der Größe und dem Gewicht des Buches, aber vor allem restlos entzückt. Es finden sich daran wunderschöne Fotografien von ihm und seiner wundervollen Frau June Carter, mit der er jahrzehntelang gemeinsam auf der Bühne stand und mit der er eine lange gemeinsame Geschichte verbindet. Zudem finden sich zahlreiche persönliche Worte des Sängers und eine Vielzahl seiner Songtexte.
Das tragische Leben von Johnny Cash, der frühe Unfalltod seines älteren Bruders Jack, seine spätere Alkohol- und Drogensucht sowie die schwierige Ehe mit seiner ersten Frau und das ebenso schlechte Verhältnis zu seinem Vater spielen eine große Rolle in seinem Werdegang. Dazu kommen seine einzigartigen Auftritte, beispielsweise im Gefängnis von Folsom. Mich hat Johnny Cash musikalisch aber auch persönlich geprägt und ich war schon beim ersten Durchblättern verliebt in dieses prachtvolle Schmuckstück, mit dem der btb-Verlag sich selbst übertroffen hat. Besonders die nie gezeigten Aufnahmen und das Mitwirken seines Sohnes John Carter Cash, machen den Band zu einem emotionalen Erlebnis.
Ich liebe die enthaltenen großformatigen Fotografien, die persönlichen Widmungen und die wunderschöne Gestaltung.Ein absolut empfehlenswertes Liebhaberstück, das seinen Preis mehr als wert ist.
Zum Leben des Johnny Cash selbst möchte ich keine allzu großen Worte verlieren, denn wer sich mit diesem Sammlerstück beschäftigt, wird aller Wahrscheinlichkeit nach ein Anhänger des Sängers sein und sollte dies nicht zutreffen, gibt es eine Reihe an Literatur und Filmen, die mehr von seinem Leben und seiner musikalischen Karriere berichten. Dieser ausführliche Sammelband kann als Biografie von Johnny Cash verstanden werden. Ich war überrascht von dem Umfang, der Größe und dem Gewicht des Buches, aber vor allem restlos entzückt. Es finden sich daran wunderschöne Fotografien von ihm und seiner wundervollen Frau June Carter, mit der er jahrzehntelang gemeinsam auf der Bühne stand und mit der er eine lange gemeinsame Geschichte verbindet. Zudem finden sich zahlreiche persönliche Worte des Sängers und eine Vielzahl seiner Songtexte.
Das tragische Leben von Johnny Cash, der frühe Unfalltod seines älteren Bruders Jack, seine spätere Alkohol- und Drogensucht sowie die schwierige Ehe mit seiner ersten Frau und das ebenso schlechte Verhältnis zu seinem Vater spielen eine große Rolle in seinem Werdegang. Dazu kommen seine einzigartigen Auftritte, beispielsweise im Gefängnis von Folsom. Mich hat Johnny Cash musikalisch aber auch persönlich geprägt und ich war schon beim ersten Durchblättern verliebt in dieses prachtvolle Schmuckstück, mit dem der btb-Verlag sich selbst übertroffen hat. Besonders die nie gezeigten Aufnahmen und das Mitwirken seines Sohnes John Carter Cash, machen den Band zu einem emotionalen Erlebnis.
Ich liebe die enthaltenen großformatigen Fotografien, die persönlichen Widmungen und die wunderschöne Gestaltung.Ein absolut empfehlenswertes Liebhaberstück, das seinen Preis mehr als wert ist.
October 20, 2023
Johnny Cash. The life in lyrics. Door: Johnny Cash, met Mark Stielper. Met persoonlijke bijdrages van: John Carter Cash.
Wat een boek! Een klepper van formaat: groot, zwaar (2,4 kg), dik (374 pagina’s), veel inhoud (125 songs uit 50 jaar muzikant zijn). Als je ook maar een klein beetje fan bent van Cash dan moét je dit prachtige werk in je bezit hebben. Forever Words (The Unknown Poems) was de moeite, dit boek overtreft dat nog eens.
Ik kende wel al wat liedjes van Cash toen ik naar Walk the line (de film) ging maar daarna was ik echt verkocht. Fan for life. Ik kocht niet enkel de soundtrack van de film, de American recordings volgden al snel. Daarna volgde al de rest. Ik zag verschillende docu’s over hem en nu is er dit boek.
Een parel boordevol (privé)foto’s, verhalen, brieven, handgeschreven songteksten én de verhalen erachter. Ongeveer chronologisch en per thema gebundeld. Wat maakt dat je uren, dagen, weken kan verdwalen tussen de pagina’s. En dat je jarenlang terug kan grijpen naar dit boek. Om een specifieke song op te zoek of gewoon even te genieten van de prachtige foto’s.
Wat een man, wat een muziek, wat een boek! Een mooie ode aan een getalenteerde, boeiende man, die alles in zijn leven met zijn hart bezielde. Iemand die we nooit zullen vergeten.
Wat een boek! Een klepper van formaat: groot, zwaar (2,4 kg), dik (374 pagina’s), veel inhoud (125 songs uit 50 jaar muzikant zijn). Als je ook maar een klein beetje fan bent van Cash dan moét je dit prachtige werk in je bezit hebben. Forever Words (The Unknown Poems) was de moeite, dit boek overtreft dat nog eens.
Ik kende wel al wat liedjes van Cash toen ik naar Walk the line (de film) ging maar daarna was ik echt verkocht. Fan for life. Ik kocht niet enkel de soundtrack van de film, de American recordings volgden al snel. Daarna volgde al de rest. Ik zag verschillende docu’s over hem en nu is er dit boek.
Een parel boordevol (privé)foto’s, verhalen, brieven, handgeschreven songteksten én de verhalen erachter. Ongeveer chronologisch en per thema gebundeld. Wat maakt dat je uren, dagen, weken kan verdwalen tussen de pagina’s. En dat je jarenlang terug kan grijpen naar dit boek. Om een specifieke song op te zoek of gewoon even te genieten van de prachtige foto’s.
Wat een man, wat een muziek, wat een boek! Een mooie ode aan een getalenteerde, boeiende man, die alles in zijn leven met zijn hart bezielde. Iemand die we nooit zullen vergeten.
July 11, 2024
I listened to a digital audio version of the book.
I thought the book was a regular biography of Johnny cash until I started listening to the book and then read the subtitle again. I am not to familiar with Johnny cash's songs. The only song I know the name of is I walk the line. I am sure I would have enjoyed the book even more if I was familiar with all the songs it talked about.
One thing that surprised me is that Johnny cash had siblings. I did not know he had siblings before listening to the book.
The other thing that I liked was that Johnny Cash never hated any man. His son said he belied in love. I though that was great. Then I thought I want to be like that.
Also I never knew that johnny cash had a wife before June carter cash.
I wish I was more familiar with Johnny cash songs however I still enjoyed hearing the lyrics of songs and learning the stories behind them.
After listening to Johnny cash: Life in lyrics I felt calm and peaceful.
John Cash: The life in lyrics is an interesting look at a music legend.
I thought the book was a regular biography of Johnny cash until I started listening to the book and then read the subtitle again. I am not to familiar with Johnny cash's songs. The only song I know the name of is I walk the line. I am sure I would have enjoyed the book even more if I was familiar with all the songs it talked about.
One thing that surprised me is that Johnny cash had siblings. I did not know he had siblings before listening to the book.
The other thing that I liked was that Johnny Cash never hated any man. His son said he belied in love. I though that was great. Then I thought I want to be like that.
Also I never knew that johnny cash had a wife before June carter cash.
I wish I was more familiar with Johnny cash songs however I still enjoyed hearing the lyrics of songs and learning the stories behind them.
After listening to Johnny cash: Life in lyrics I felt calm and peaceful.
John Cash: The life in lyrics is an interesting look at a music legend.
January 5, 2024
Published in 2023, this autobiography includes the most up-to-date information pertaining to the entertainer's life, career, and works in stark detail. It also contains the lyrics to 125 of the more than 600 songs recorded by him.
I was somewhat surprised to discover that some of the stories and incidents attributed to Mr. Cash were not true. That said; almost every aspect of his life - the good and not so good - is presented honestly and without embellishment, false modesty, or excuses. The reader gets to know Johnny Cash through his own eyes as well as the eyes of his son, John Carter, and one of his closest friends, Mark Stielper.
Few men or women will ever experience the number of rewarding successes and painful failures as the author reveals in describing his life.
I was somewhat surprised to discover that some of the stories and incidents attributed to Mr. Cash were not true. That said; almost every aspect of his life - the good and not so good - is presented honestly and without embellishment, false modesty, or excuses. The reader gets to know Johnny Cash through his own eyes as well as the eyes of his son, John Carter, and one of his closest friends, Mark Stielper.
Few men or women will ever experience the number of rewarding successes and painful failures as the author reveals in describing his life.
March 23, 2024
A wonderful book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading through Johnny Cash’s lyrics, and seeing things written in his own hand, the many photographs and memorabilia, and some commentary from his son, John Carter. This book would be a blessing to any true Johnny Cash fan. I thought it sort of glossed over the negative parts of his life, but I guess those stories are told and sensationalized often enough. I need to go back and find all the (many) songs that I don’t recall I’ve ever heard. There were probably more songs I haven’t heard in this book than ones that I have heard. This will be a book I will probably read again in the future.
February 4, 2024
I greatly enjoyed this audiobook. Especially since his son voiced parts of it. My only disappointment was that because I listened to it, I missed out on what I imagine to be wonderful photos in the physical book. This book is more about the lyrics of the songs he wrote (not the ones he didn't write) and how his life shaped those songs, and vice versa. Thanks to the input from his son, this was a nice peek into the life of a man who made so many contributions to the music industry as a whole.
April 2, 2025
I definitely like it, I don't love it, but it gave me a lot of insight into Johnny Cash's life. And it gives a lot of good context for a lot of the Man in Black's lyrics. It is a bit linear, which will help to track the timeline of the book since it can feel a bit removed from Johnny Cash's life. A solid book for anyone that is a Johnny Cash fan.
May 3, 2024
There will never be another Johnny Cash. Rebounding from his troubled past, and ending his life honorably, this book provides a testament to that reality. His son did the honorable thing in "honoring his mother and father". Peace.
July 20, 2024
via audiobook
For having seen a lot of Cash documentaries, movies, etc., there was new biographical information I had not heard before. Well read. My negative was that there were too many song lyrics read as spoken word. All excellent song, but not necessarily when read vs. sung.
For having seen a lot of Cash documentaries, movies, etc., there was new biographical information I had not heard before. Well read. My negative was that there were too many song lyrics read as spoken word. All excellent song, but not necessarily when read vs. sung.
January 24, 2024
As i read the book, i listened to each song as i went along. It really added to my enjoyment of the book. I was sorry to see it end! Timeless material that i will go back and revisit.
February 2, 2024
Stunningly presented and filled with amazing lyrics and stories... Any Cash fan must have
July 2, 2024
As is the title, this was a look at Johnny’s life through his songs. The inclusion and breakdown of the songs along with the biographical aspects fit nicely together. He’s always an interesting read
April 13, 2025
a beautiful life captured in poetry.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews