JOHNNY CASH
Johnny Cash (February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003) was a singer-songwriter, actor, and author, widely considered one of the most influential American musicians of the 20th century. Although primarily remembered as a country music icon, his genre-spanning songs and sound embraced rock and roll, rockabilly, blues, folk, and gospel. This crossover appeal won Cash the rare honor of multiple induction in the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame. (More from Wikipedia)
Sure, the accolades are rolling in hot and heavy now, with what would have been Johnny Cash’s 80th birthday passing earlier this year. However, like many of the genuine “classic country” artists, for years Cash couldn’t buy a spot on country radio for any of his new music. (Any number of long-time rock artists could make the same complaint). When one of the later albums, Unchained (1996) won a Grammy for Best Country Album, he and his record company ran an ad in Billboard magazine saying the following: “American Recordings and Johnny Cash would like to acknowledge the Nashville music establishment and country radio for your support.” The ad was accompanied by a truly fierce photograph of Cash flashing the middle finger. It was a lot more extreme than I remembered its being, so I decided not to include it in my article, though it is easy enough to find online if you are interested.
(September 2012)
* * *
