American musical icon Johnny Cash was born on February 26 in 1932. "The Man in Black," as he was known, wrote and performed music spanning rockabilly, country, gospel, blues, and folk genres (he's in the Rock and Roll, Country, and Gospel halls of fame). We're featuring two belated birthday songs from his early days recording at Sun Records: 1956's "I Walk The Line" (his first #1 hit and signature song) and 1958's "Guess Things Happen That Way." Hope you enjoy.
On this day in 2003, American legend Johnny Cash died of respiratory failure. The singer/ songwriter's music spanned multiple genres: country, rock and roll, rockabilly, blues, folk (Americana), and gospel. His life story is a trail of trauma, pain, joy, and accomplishment (much of it shared with his wife June Carter Cash). We chose one of his signature songs, "Folsom Prison Blues," a duet with Bob Dylan, "Girl from the North Country," and a song from late in life, "Hurt," in wholly inadequate tribute to someone who influenced countless musicians over the years.
