The Man in Black

“Anyone who really wants the truth ends up at Jesus.” – Johnny Cash

He was born on February 26, 1932, in Kingsland, Arkansas to a pair of poor cotton farmers. He died 71 years later, on September 12, 2003, in a hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. In between those dates, Johnny Cash impacted the world of country music like very few people before or after him, selling more than 90 million albums along the way.

Known as “The Man in Black” for his on-stage wardrobe, Cash is best known for mega-hits like Ring of Fire and I Walk the Line, as well as his comedic rendition of A Boy Named Sue. He toured with his second wife, June Carter Cash, for 35 years and their duet Jackson reached #2 on the Billboard Country Singles chart. Cash also toured successfully with The Highwaymen, a band he formed with Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson.

Adding to his outlaw image, Cash recorded two best-selling live albums from prison, including Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison (1968) and Johnny Cash at San Quentin (1969). His single, Folsom County Blues, topped the country music charts and won a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.

However, it wasn’t all glitz, glamor, and glory for Cash. Fame and fortune brought lots of temptations, and life on the road was a constant strain. As a result, Johnny turned to amphetamines and barbiturates and became addicted to both. Over the years, he spent three separate stints in rehab facilities, relapsing twice before finally kicking the habit. "I was taking the pills for a while,” Cash said in a 1977 interview, “and then the pills started taking me."

Despite his personal battles, two people never wavered in their faith in Johnny and their support of him: his wife June and the Lord Jesus Christ. Cash recorded a number of gospel albums and participated in numerous Billy Graham Crusades, As for June, who predeceased him by four months, Johnny had this to say on July 5, 2003, at his last public concert…

“The spirit of June Carter overshadows me tonight with the love she had for me and the love I have for her. We connect somewhere between here and Heaven. She came down for a short visit, I guess, from Heaven to visit with me tonight to give me courage and inspiration like she always has. She's never been one for me except courage and inspiration. I thank God for June Carter. I love her with all my heart.”

To the best of my knowledge, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley are the only people to be inducted into the Country Music, Gospel Music, and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame. Far more importantly, Johnny’s name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and today, he and June are reunited in heaven for all eternity.

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President