Johnny Cash

February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003

Four words that changed American music forever:

“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.”

John Cash defied genre. Sure, he is most remembered as a rebel country artist who’s trademark black clothes earned him the nickname “The Man In Black.” But, throughout his iconic career, he crossed over into many other genres including rock, gospel, folk and blues, netting millions of diverse fans along the way. He is one of only two artists (that I know of) who are inductees in the Rock and Roll, Country Music and Gospel Halls of Fame (the other being some kid named Elvis.)  Johnny’s life ran the gambit of highs and lows. He struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol, infidelity and depression. On the flip side, he found a kindred in second wife, June Carter, re-embraced the Christian faith of his youth and enjoyed late career resurgences with both The Highwaymen – a supergroup of sorts with fellow “outlaws” Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson – and his final recording sessions with famed rock producer Rick Rubin.

June Carter Cash

June 23, 1929 – May 15, 2003

Valerie June Carter was destined to be a musician. Born in 1929 into a talented family of musicians, June quickly joined her parents, uncle, aunt, cousins and siblings onstage and a prosperous career was started. June was a multi-instrumentalist, singer, dancer and songwriter who toured the country with her family, often playing the onstage role of the comedic sister. She also trained as an actor under legendary acting coach, Lee Strasberg. As popular and famous as the Carter Family was in the country and Opry circles, it was her relationship to third husband, Johnny Cash, that skyrocketed June into the public eye.