Static Live Magazine February 2019

Johnny Cash - An American Legend
By Reluctant Genius
When one mentions words like iconic or legendary
in the music business the A-list is and will forever
be a very small one. Whether a band or a solo act,
truth be told there are probably only about 25 to
50 artists so far in history that truly outshine the
others. It’s sad to know that most of these artists
have reached their pinnacle because of the ability to
share feelings of anger or sorrow or pain that dwell
within their heart, or perhaps even the darker emotions
coming from the unchained demons within
their very soul. It’s funny how we crave the songs of
sorrow and sadness, wishing to cry and sing along
with them. Great art comes from great emotions,
good or bad
Considering all these scenarios, especially the dark
side, Johnny Cash would undoubtedly rank within
the top 5.
The first real punk rocker of his generation, Johnny
Cash challenged and changed everything about the
music industry. His reckless abandon and amazing
talent created a lifestyle that still seems “Rock Star”
to this day. It was a time when the blues had morphed
with southern gospel that started the creation
of country music. While many tried to copy others,
Cash trail-blazed a way of his own creation; not only
new music, but a new genre of music.
There of been several books and movies written or
filmed about this man’s life but his good and bad
never defined him and he will be always remembered
as one of a kind. Here’s just a brief history of
what Johnny Cash accomplished as a singer songwriter:
Johnny Cash, born J.R. Cash on February 26, 1932,
was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor,
and author. He died on September 12, 2003. Cash
is one of the most popular and best selling music
artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million
records worldwide. Although primarily remembered
as a country music icon, his genre-spanning songs
and sound embraced rock and roll, rockabilly, blues,
folk and gospel. This crossover appeal won Cash the
rare honor of being inducted into the Country Music,
Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.
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