Mid 1940s--first sang professionally in high school on radio station KLCN (Blytheville, AK)

1950--began learning guitar while stationed in Germany in the USAF

Early 1950s--began writing songs more seriously

Mid 1950s--performed on KWEM (Memphis)

Mid 1950s--auditioned for Sun Records and signed a recording contract; cut first records "Cry Cry Cry" and "Hey Porter"

1955--first major concert appearance as a guest on Elvis Presley's show at Overton Park Shell in Memphis

1955--signed with Sun Records

1955--formed trio with Luther Perkins (guitar) and Marshall Grant (bass)

1956--appeared on "The Jackie Gleason Show"

1956--joined the Grand Ole Opry

1957--appeared on Louisiana Hayride

1957--first prison concert in Huntsville at Texas State Prison

1958--signed with Columbia Records

Late 1958-1959--moved to Los Angeles and landed his first movie role in "Five Minutes to Live"

1959--first overseas tour in April

1960--first nightclub bookings

1961--first worked with June Carter

1968--recorded "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison" which went on to sell 5-6 million copies

1969--recorded "Johnny Cash at San Quentin" which became the CMA's album of the year and sold 6 million copies

1969--the single "A Boy Named Sue" released; ended up selling 3 million copies

1969-1971--appeared on his own ABC television show taped at the Grand Ole Opry House

1969--won 5 CMA's in one night (only artist ever to do this)

1971-1972--shot the film "Gospel Road" in Israel

1985--song "Highwayman," featuring Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash (as The Highwaymen) went to #1;

1998-Grammy for "Unchained".