-
Early life
Johnny Cash came from a poor family during the great depression. Forced to work at a young age, Johnny Cash live a very hard and devastation young life. When he was young his older brother Jack had an accident with a head saw and Johnny was there to witness it. Jack died a week later in the hospital. Cash often felt guilt for the incident and would express them through gospel music. At age 12, Cash began playing guitar and writing songs.(Mangold, James. "Walk the Line.") -
Military Service
Cash enlisted in the United States Air Force and was assigned to the 12th Radio Squadron Mobile of the U.S. Air Force Security Service at Landsberg, Germany as a Morse Code operator. There he created his first band, "The Landsberg Barbarians". He also was the first radio operator to pick up the news of the death of Joseph Stalin. During his service he acquired a distinctive scar on his face as a result of surgery to remove a cyst.("A Chance To Work With Johnny Cash Beyond The 'Grave'.") -
Recording and Touring
Cash worked up the courage to visit the Sun Records studio, hoping to get a recording contract. After auditioning for Sam Phillips, singing mostly gospel songs, Phillips told him that he didn't record gospel music any longer. It was then that Johnny played an original also known as “Walk the Line”, and soon they were recording and performing all over. "Walk the Line" became a hit and it was then that Cash's career took flight. ("Johnny Cash: 'You have to call me the way you see me'.") -
Marriages & Family
Cash met a skater during his military service and later got married but his affairs with June Carter a fellow tour member, and drug and alcohol abuse soon led to their divorce. He and June married and had one kid. Carter and Cash worked and toured together for about 35 years until June Carter's death in may 2003. This incident influenced many of Johnny's songs. ("Johnny Cash: 'You have to call me the way you see me'.") -
Outlaw Image and Death
Johnny formed a very dangerous and intense drug and alcohol abuse problem. He committed many crimes, in fact Cash was allegedly the first person ever to be sued by the U.S. for igniting a forest fire. Despite landing in jail seven times for misdemeanors, each stay lasted only a single night. His substance abuse problems played a huge role in his death, but it was a complication from his diabetes that took his life. ("A Chance To Work With Johnny Cash Beyond The 'Grave'.")
