Book DescriptionsHe was the "Man in Black," a country music legend, and the quintessential American troubadour. He was an icon of rugged individualism who had been to hell and back, telling the tale as never before. In his unforgettable autobiography, Johnny Cash tells the truth about the highs and lows, the struggles and hard-won triumphs, and the people who shaped him.In his own words, Cash set the record straight -- and dispelled a few myths -- as he looked unsparingly at his remarkable from the joys of his boyhood in Dyess, Arkansas to superstardom in Nashville, Tennessee, the road of Cash's life has been anything but smooth. Cash writes of the thrill of playing with Elvis, the comfort of praying with Billy Graham; of his battles with addiction and of the devotion of his wife, June; of his gratitude for life, and of his thoughts on what the afterlife may bring. Here, too, are the friends of a lifetime, including Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, and Kris Kristofferson. As powerful and memorable as one of his classic songs, Cash is filled with the candor, wit, and wisdom of a man who truly "walked the line."
Johnny 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".
A masterclass by Mr. Cash. His prose made me feel like I'm sat listening to a grandparent tell me their story, I can tell this book is truly heartfelt and written to get a message across rather than make a couple extra dollars.
The book gets dark at times and I've had to put it down to process, but it's filled with the hope and love that's so evident in his music. I can't help feeling hopeful for myself when reading this, the man had demons much stronger than mine, and was able to beat them in the end and live a fulfilling life. I heavily recommend this book to everyone, especially Johnny Cash and country music fans.
It's been a great insight into his life, whether personal or commercial. I had no idea he was a member of the USAF or an assembly line worker, or that he was there when the queen of England got coronated that's wild 😭
P.s: an unexpected frequent occurrence in this book is recommendations of other artists and songs. Thanks for putting me on Howling Wolf, Steve Goodman and Waylon Jenning among other greats
I love Johnny Cash’s music so was excited when I found this book at our local Thrift Store. It was wild to read everything he went through with the drug addiction. How he met June Carter. I just loved reading this book