Johnny Cash
Hannah Shawver
Childhood
Johnny Cash was born in Kingsland, Arkansas to poor cotton farmers whose economic and personal struggles during the Depression shaped him as a person and inspired many of his songs. His early memories were dominated by gospel music and radio. Taught by his mother and childhood friend, Johnny began playing guitar and writing songs as a young boy. By the age of twelve he was performing songs on local radio. Johnny's nickname quickly became "Man in Black" due to his dark world view and thematic songs of country crossed with rock n' roll.
Obstacles
1. Very poor family - "almost died of starvation"
2. Older brother Jack died in a tragic accident while working a table saw in 1944
4. Air Force
3. While on musical rise, Johnny became addicted to drugs and alcohol
4. Divorce from his wife with whom he had 4 children
How...?
1. June Carter
2. Taught music by his mother and childhood friend
3. Humor
4. The Highwaymen
Achievements
1. Won 2 Grammy awards for 'Johnny Cash Live at Folsom Prison'
2. The Johnny Cash Show
3. Peak of popularity in 1970 with new hit singles and sky-rocketing record sales
4. Youngest inductee into Country Music Hall of Fame
5. Grammy Legend Award
6. Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992