On this episode of the Sofa King Podcast, we talk about the original Man In Black, music legend Johnny Cash. This pillar of multiple music genres wrote over 1000 songs in his career and won every music award and accolade that is possible. And through it all, he maintained his street cred and outlaw image, the tough talking poet of the downtrodden, the homeless, the poor, the prisoner. At times, he advocated on behalf of Native Americans, though it only stood to hurt his career, and he lived a musical life of legend that didn’t care what the trends, labels, or zeitgeist had to say.

Johnny Cash was born J.R. Cash in Arkansas back in 1932. He was the son of sharecroppers and was raised in a highly religious household. In spite of being dirt poor and dealing with the traumatic death of his brother, he grew to be a talented singer. He joined the army in 1950 and was allegedly an expert code breaker and radio operator, responsible for major intelligence gathered against the Soviets. More importantly, while serving, he bought his first guitar and took steps toward being the legendary man in black.

When he got back to the states, he started doing small gigs, and after he saw the success of Elvis who had recorded at Sun Studios, he stormed to the same studio and insisted they sing him. They did. And the rest was music history. He started his rise to the top, and in the midst of it, he found love, lost love, and found it again. He was a troubled man for years of his life, addicted to drugs and living a wild life, but ultimately, the love of June Carter Cash turned him around.

Unlike many music icons, he never had that slow period or the dark era that blemished his creativity. He kept producing and moving forward, recording legendary concerts at Folsom Prison, hosting his own variety television show, starring in movies and TV, and even being the mentor to musicians such as a young Bob Dylan. Johnny Cash may not be the top of the list for Brad and Dave, but he fully earned their respect, so give this one a download to find out why!

Making Fun of Elvis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfHBDVF1uCA