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John's music has inspired many over the years. Check out the comments by clicking on the below link.

 

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Virtual Main Street

 

The first time I heard the\ intro to Rusty Cage, I knew it was him. .........We all say it and its actually true: JOHNNY CASH IS ONE-OF-A-KIND. There is no other artist like him. He was an "outlaw" long before Wayon and Willie coined the phrase (I dig Waylon and Willie too). He was an outlaw simply because he was himself. Johnny Cash does not need fireworks and incredible light shows as part of his act. All this guy has to do is say "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash."

-Larry Garrett

 

Johnny Cash is one of, if not the biggest influences on modern music. His songs are easily translated to rock and roll, and his style easily translates rock and roll songs. I was introduced to Johnny Cash only 5 or 6 years ago, and have since acquired 8 albums (2 "best of", his two newest, his box set, and one of his older albums). These CD's represent the best of my collection. His music has touched my life in so many ways, and Johnny, if you're reading this I want you to know how much your music means to me. One thing more I'd like to add, a few months ago my grandfather died. My grandmother asked me to make a mix of music to be played at the wake. A majority of the songs I chose were yours (some of Willie Nelson's songs interspersed). Listening to your music truly helped me and my family during that trying time. Thank you Johnny.

-Jack Hutchens

 

In July 1997 me and my girlfriend Ria went from The Netherlands to Germany to see Johnny performing in Hamburg. During the concert Johnny wanted to do the song 'bury me not'; he told the audience that he wasn't sure if he could remember the lyrics. During the song it went great, off course, so I raised my thumb towards to JC. To my big surprise he saw that and raised his thumb to me. I had the feelin' we really had contact, like people who know each other well. To me it was a great experience!!!!!!! I asked Ria like a thousand times if she'd seen it as well and she answered about a hundred times "yes, I saw it. Johnny did raise his thumb to you."

-Bert
 

 

 

Just wanted to stop by and say that I grew up on Johnny Cash and the first songs I ever sang as a child were "A Ramblin' Wreck From GA Tech", "Ode to Joy" and "Johnny Yuma". One of my best memories was driving across the US with my family in a station wagon... we wanted to see the West--- and sitting with my ear pressed to the speaker listening to Johnny Cash Encore-- "The Lady Came from Baltimore" is my all time favorite. I was six and it was 1981... I'll never forget that even then, Johnny Cash instilled in me a pride and love for my country. Each of his songs holds a special meaning for me... especially those off of "Encore"... Song of a Patriot.. I still cannot listen to that song without tears.. for it could have been written for my grandpa... and the "train song" as I used to call it... I swore that was written for me!! After all the kid is 6!!:) Anyway.. enough of my memories... but I thought I would add them to the pot!! I would also like to thank Mr. Cash for two things... 1) for sending a 7 year old little girl an autographed postcard in 1982 and 2) sending a 21 year old girl a copy of "Encore". I played mine too much and last year it went to tape heaven... I was frantic and called The House of Cash and they sent me the record... THANKS GUYS!!! Best wishes to all and especially to you Mr. Cash... some day I hope to see you in concert!\

Shelbie

 

 

How do you do ?!? + + ++ If I had a time machine, the first place I'd go would be prison. I'd dress like a Folsom inmate of old and beam myself right to the front row just in time to see and hear him say " Hello, I'm Johnny Cash " . That version of Folsom Prison Blues is most definitely my favorite song. + + ++ At many of my life's milestones, there would be one song or another of his that touched my heart most at the time, whether they be good times or bad. Jesus, of course, is the one who got me through the hardest of times. + + ++ I always seem to drift back to Folsom Prison, though. It's just the best song to listen to. I can hear the impact that it has on the inmates. It's the perfect example of real people relating to a real song sung by a real man. + + ++ Of course, after he closed the show with Greystone Chapel, I'd hit the "home" button on my time travel remote and head back home. Prison is definitely no place for .... . . a boy named Sue.

Sue

 

 

Johnny Cash has is probably the best in music. When the music scene is being flooded by weirdoes and the like we still have Johnny. His music is something I have always been able to relate to. Everything in his songs represents my personality in some way. He has been very inspirational to me as a person and I owe him everything for helping to shape my creativity, and strengthen my personal beliefs. Johnny Cash simply is music at it's best.

J.R. Gimbel

 
 

 

My brother whose name happens to be Johnny got me started when I was a little lad. He had one of those record players that you could stack 6 or more albums on it and he would play all your records. He played those records all night long even when I was sleeping. Well as I got older I grew interested and when I was 16 I really hit it hard cause that's when all your TV shows were on. I remember after church on Wednesday night I would rush home to record those shows. My mother who was on Welfare at the time would go out and babysit and when she got paid I would ask her for money so I could get this Johnny Cash record. She would say " You got this one already" and I would say "Not this one", Its different. Anyway I was on my way to the great collections and I like my brother would stack the records on the very same record player.

Two weeks after graduating I joined the Navy and like most sailors I fell in love with a Filipino girl and got married and had 2 kids the second born in "77" before Dallas show came about and I named him after me but I told my wife that I was going to name him J.R. . after Johnny Cash and to this day I still call him by that name.

Well needless to say the marriage didn't work out but the Navy still did and I retired 6 years ago and live in West Virginia. I'm with the Johnny Cash fan club and still got over 100 albums of John and I bought a Karoke and John and I sing together and he doesn't even know it. People are amazed how good we sing together and while I was overseas in the Philippines I was called upon the stage to sing his songs and the crowd just loved it. I recently had a 25 year class reunion and I sang Johns songs on the Karoke and they told me they didn't think I could sing. Well I guess I've said enough but I just wanted to say these things to John for a long time. I will continue to keep Johnny Cash in prayer. I don't idolize John cause that's a sin and I'm a Christian and he definitely wouldn't want that but I still listen to his songs and I will continue. When my kids hear anything about him they always relate him with me. Well John take care and "God Bless You" and thanks for all your music. I believe "God" did an excellent job with you. When he made you he threw the mold away cause you can't be duplicated.

Your friend and fan for always

Bob (Cash)

Seeweed45@aol.com

 

 

A Poem for John From Mike Dunnell

The following is a poem I wrote to JRC on his birthday. In Greek mythology the River Styk (Sticks) separates the land of the living from the land of the dead and Charon is the boatmen who rows people across.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

As Johnny Cash turns 66,

He spits into the River Styx.

 

In the dulcet tones of General Lee

but with the bite of Forrest's cavalry

 

He says, "Charon, row on, be gone

this Southern man is walkin' on."

 

Many a storm has screamed since '32.

On a wing and a prayer he made it through.

 

All is written on that craggy face.

All that saved him was God's grace.

 

Through five decades has has sung

but his songs never will be done.

 

Millions around the world need to hear

that whiskey bass that strangles fear.

 

Johnny Cash has mapped the human mind.

He knows where dwell the devils that afflict mankind.

 

Mike Dunnell

 

 

 
 

I have been a huge fan of Johnny Cash for all of my 16 years. And About one year ago my parents took me to my first JRC concert. And man when he walked on and said " Hello, I'm Johnny Cash" I went nuts. The show awesome. He makes Garth Brooks look likes he's in reverse. Johnny Cash will always be my hero, he always has been. And I can't think of a better man that I would like to be like!! So, Mr.Cash, Thanks a million for everything. Get well and God bless!

Ty Goodell

 

I first heard a song of him when I was about 10 years old. I think it was 'I walk the line'. It was his voice which caught me from the be- ginning. A little bit later I saw the 'ABC-Cash-Shows' on TV and got one of the best birthday presents ever - it was the J.C. Album 'Johnny Cash's Greatest Hits, Vol. 1" which I still have in my collection. Mean- while my collection consists of more than 200 albums, singles, CD's and music-cassettes - and it's still growing.

 

John's music helped me through a lot of hard times. The hardest time was when I had to spent two years in hospital, 9 months of which in intensi- ve care. I was in a coma and the doctors asked my mother to bring some MC's with my favorite music. She brought all the CASH-MC's I had and they placed the recorder beside my bed and played CASH the whole day long - and it worked. I woke up and the first song I remember I heard was 'The Greatest Cowboy Of Them All' which is still one of my favorites.

I met him and June backstage in Frankfurt/M. (GERMANY) after a concert in 1992 and had the chance to talk to them for the happiest half an hour in my life. Meanwhile I've almost regained my strength and was able to attend many CASH concerts in the past years. The last two I attended in April 1997 in Dusseldorf and in July 1997 in Hamburg - HE WAS ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS !

He is always in my prayers and I really wish nothing but the best for the future.

All my love,

Andrea Koch

 

 
Alien in Black

"Johnny Cash Rules !" is how the bumper sticker on the back of my space craft reads. Your planet looks nice today from up here. I'm passing over Tennessee right now. I see no twisters for a change. I hope you all are all right. It is very pleasing to hear that The Man in Black is feeling better. In the Universal Music Awards (UMA), Johnny Cash is the top nominee for Entertainer of the Century. He'll probably get one hundred percent of the vote from my home planet, BoomChicka in the Rock Island Galaxy. Goodbye to you all for now. As always, this has been a pleasant encounter.

Buster Case from Outer Space

 

 

Johnny,

You're not getting older,you're getting better. You've been number one with me for 20 years and always will be. You're an inspiration. We love you and will always stand by you. Your number one fan.

Phyllis Cobb

 

 

 
 

Praise the Lord for Johnny Cash!!!

Thomas Heater

 

 

I nearly drove my family crazy as a kid, playing my huge collection of Cash stuff. My mom asked just the other day what the appeal was, to a ten year old, of this character in black. You guys on the forum know. He's original, no b.s. talent, not prepackaged. He possesses the kind of personal charismatic power of few others. I snuck backstage when I was 12, startled him, and in dumbfounded silence, I shook his huge, rough hands. "These hands..." The hand on the liners for American Recordings. Tough but tender hands; cotton picker, guitar picker hands. John, your music has been one of the great joys of my life. Thanks. I love you.

Mitch Rath

 

 

Johnny...I thank the Lord above for giving you your talent..and I thank you for sharing it with us...you are and always will be...the greatest...

Jack Hartshorn...(Slow Elk)

 

On July 25th 1997 I had the great and joyful pleasure to see and hear Johnny Cash for the first time. It was on a festival in Sweden and the big audience was mostly young people. When Johnny came on to the stage, it was fantastic! It was such a kick to hear his deep, wonderful voice. When he and the band played "Big River" everyone (including me) went absolutely crazy! Thanks to both Johnny and June, for that special moment and all the other good times I've had with your music. You're the BEST!!

 

Sara

 

I have listened to Johnny for most of my life, while I do listen to other types of music, but I always have time for one more Cash song. I have probably 40 or so of his albums on record, it is a shame that more of his music is not released on cd. Many of his best songs are the ones that are not available unless you have a turn table. I have seen John and June In concert shortly before his illness, and it was the greatest experience of my life! I am 28 years old and the rest of the crowd averaged at about 50 years plus. I see my self as a rare breed, I don't dislike new country music, but I feel that the new music is too far from the roots of country music, if I want to listen to country music it is hard to turn on a radio to get it. I enjoy rock music, and I enjoy country, but this other stuff (Might as well be rock) so called country has no place as I see it. Just like JRC from his famous photo I too flip off country music radio. Whatever happened to the Statler Bros., or Oakridge Boys, I know they are still making albums?

Thank GOD for Johnny Cash he has made the

world a better place.

Scott Brenner

 

 

 He has given me hundreds of hours of joy and pleasure, I´ll pray to God that he´ll get along all right. Johnny Cash is not only a very good singer ; he carries the American heritage very beautifully.

Love from Denmark,

goddag@get2net.dk

 

 
Hi Guys,

My name is Ben Conkey and I have to tell ya'll that Johnny is the King , No.... Johnny is God! Jesus would be proud of his American son, making the Red,White & Blue proud. Long live country,long live America,long live Jesus,Long Live JOHNNY.

God Bless You.

Benjamin Harold Conkey

 
The first time I heard Johnny Cash, I was a little girl. I found an old Cash cassette of my dad's and popped it into the cassette player. After the first time through, I was hooked! Now I am 15 and an even bigger Cash fan, if that is possible. I've listened to his music, read his books, and prayed for him. I like Cash music because it is clean without being "goody-goody". His music can bring tears to my eyes ("Ragged Old Flag"), make me laugh ("One Piece at a Time"), and make me think ("Dear Mrs.").

Best wishes, Mr. Cash.

Karisa Clark

 

I've been a Johnny Cash fan since 1969, when "A Boy Named Sue" came on the radio. I bought the single in August, got the album for my 10th birthday in September, and have never forgotten either moment, nor the many great moments since as I acquired more and more Cash music.

 

 

 

I've been very lucky. I've seen the Man in Black in concert several times: 1972, 1976, 1980, 1982, 1986, 1991 (with the Highwaymen). That year, I met him face-to-face when he put his handprints on the "Rock Walk of Fame." I shook his hand, and he signed my copy of "Hot and Blue Guitar." It's perhaps the greatest moment of my life.

 

John's music inspired me to learn guitar - first to pick like Luther (and Bob Wootten), then to play rhythm like Johnny Cash himself. But I also owe him a great debt for two things: one, his inspirational story has kept me from even experimenting with mood-altering drugs. Second, to give thanks to God for talent. Whatever meager talent I do possess for playing and singing is mainly demonstrated in church. Without Him, I'd be nothing, and I can thank Johnny Cash and his music for that revelation.

 

 

Thank you, Johnny Cash. May God Bless you with as many years as you'd like, and may they again be healthy, creatively satisfying, and loving years.

Sincerely, Michael Hayde (Sept. 1998)

 

 

My earliest memory of my childhood, is listening to Ring of Fire when I was five years old. I fell in love with "JOHNNY CASH" right then and there. And although thirty years have passed since then, I still feel the same way about him!! He is the ABSOLUTE GREATEST!!! I have been to numerous concerts of his, and have been very fortunate to have met him many times. He was always very kind and nice to me. (As I knew he would be.) He has helped me get through many hard times in my life, and although he doesn't really know me, I would like to say "THANK YOU", and I will always LOVE you!!! I am praying that you get well again and will be back singing. I THANK "GOD" FOR "JOHNNYCASH"!!!!!

Kay Holten  

 

 

Trying to define the best work ever done by Johnny Cash is like trying to name your favorite child; you can't do it without getting jammed up. The truth is, Cash has exceeded the parameters of "stardom" into that realm occupied by a handful of American folk heroes. It's a very small handful who arrive at that rare level, and not because of lack of talent. Johnny Cash managed to twist the world on its axis without a lot of the arrogance and ego we see with younger artists today. He remembered his roots and didn't turn his back on them. He remained humble in spite of great success. That's the mark of a great man, all his other accomplishments aside.

Wishing only the best for Mr. Cash and his family.

Jim Chandler

 

 

 
Summary: Favorite Concert

 

Many years ago near San Antonio, Texas Johnny did a show in a country dancehall called the Golden Stallion. The show was for the benefit of the Aultistic Children. It must have been 22 or so years ago. My son who is now 30 was old enough to appreciate Johnny who let him sit right on the edge of the stage and then get to meet his band during intermission. He still counts this is one of his best memories. It was the best concert I ever saw. The crowd kept bringing him back and he must have stayed at least an extra hours. He and June were just great. I wonder if he remembers the show?

Bill Waechter

 

 

Our hearts are with you my friend. Please get well! You and my band met with the CFRA Happy Wanderers in Ottawa Canada in '57. You unselfishly sat and talked with us back stage and showed us how to make the Johnny Cash sound. By profession, I'm now an "older" computer skills instructor, but as an amateur country picker, I've been singing your songs since your first recording as Sun. Last year the band and I hosted a 40th anniversary country dance just West of Ottawa and I am not exaggerating... our country music was mixed for the crowd but they couldn't get enough of your stuff. We're talking a relatively little crowd or 300 people, but my God, I couldn't believe it myself! It wasn't me John... They were your people. They still remember well, and they love you. Personally, let me say, I'm proud to have shared that small moment in life with you.

 

Merrill K. Fisher

Markham, Ontario

Canada

 
 

I LOVE TO PLAY AND SING. TRIED IT PROFESSIONALLY FOR NEARLY 10 YEARS BEFORE GETTING MY HAIR CUT AND GETTNG A REAL JOB. ONE QUESTION I WAS ASKED FOR YEARS WAS JOHNNY A DISTANT RELATIVE? WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF OUR FAMILY TREES MAYBE HAVE ANY OF THE SAME BRANCHES?

THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT MUSIC AND INSPIRATION MAY GOD BLESS YOU JOHNNY!!!!!!!!!!!

THANKS

GARRY H. CASH

 
Just one word sums up what johnny cash means to me..............Soul

Tim Farrell

 

 
Dear Johnny:

Some of my first memories I can recall are those listening to your music on 8 track

while with my dad. Of all your songs....the one that sticks out in my mind is

"papa's a good man". It is my favorite of all your songs. I wish you'd record it

again onto CD. Because of you, I took an interest in music. I started playing

guitar when I was in the third grade ( I am now 29), and now I am honored to be

asked up to play and sing with some local groups every now and then. The first

song I learned to play was Folsom Prison Blues.. So as a tribute to you .. I play

and sing Folsom ... every chance I get. I promise you, I will always play your

music and let everyone know how you have impacted my life. I cant thank you

enough.

 

I started playing with a local bluegrass band on Sunday afternoons... I decided to

sing a "country" song... I elected to do "Folsom Prison Blues"... I couldn't believe

the reaction that I received from the crowd... The room was electric. I got chills

up my back. Now every Sunday.. I can't leave the building without doing a Johnny

Cash tune. The requests keep coming. You are so popular and I am pleased that I

can help bring your music to my friends and neighbors. I do Ring of Fire, Sunday

morning coming down, I walk the line, give my love to rose, I still miss someone,

Cocaine blues, Orange blossom special, ghost riders in the sky.... And of Course My

personal Favorite.. PAPA'S A GOOD MAN. My dream is to someday be able to

just shake your hand and say thank you. You don't know how much you mean to

me. You don't know how much your music has touched my heart.

 

When asleep I sometimes dream of "sitting on the porch pickin' my old guitar"..

with you.. Just the two of us. Just two friends enjoying time together, enjoying

music...... Good Country music... You and me and a couple of Martin Guitars...

its a nice dream and I will keep it with me for the rest of my life.

 

Thank you my friend For everything.

Jon Soyring

xcaliber@itol.com

 

 

Johnny Cash is a true inspiration to all

It's not often that a person gets to share with many why one person stands out more than others, but this is why Johnny cash is a true inspiration to many.

When I was a young girl f\growing up in Northern Illinois my mother, a true Johnny Cash fan if ever I knew one, would listen to his records over and over painstakingly writing down each and every word. It wasn't just because of his voice or even the words he sang, but more importantly because he did something few artists ever do. While many are caught up in the fame and the money he took five minutes of his time to sign a card that would be sent to my mother.

When my younger brother was born he had a heart defect that the doctors swore would require surgery. Through prayers, faith and healing the hole closed and my brother has gone on to live a healthy, happy life. I do not remember how the word got to the Cash's however the few minutes that he took to actually sign the simple card of hope and good wishes went beyond just the mail delivery system. To this day my mother keeps the simple piece of paper tucked away inside her Bible, the great joy and sense of caring that Johnny sent out with it however has left a lifelong impression not only upon my mother, but on me as well.

As the mother of three, married and serving in the USAF in Hawaii, I often find myself humming or signing songs that I learned over 20 years ago; or pondering over the words that are etched in my mind from his Holy Land video. It's artists like Johnny and June that set the example for future generations to come and I hope that by reflecting on their good, bad and other times that I will be able to learn and grow.

Mr. Cash if you ever read this please know that more than 20 years ago you did more than just sing a song. You lifted the spirits of a young mother who didn't know if her first born son would make it to his first birthday. As her duaghter and his sister I thank you. I know this may be stretching it, but a short note from you would be a true gift form God Our Father. May you continue to walk in His grace.

Julie Miller

 

 

Hello, I'm Johnny Cash.......

I have seen Bill Monroe and I have now seen Johnny Cash. What's left? What do I have to really look forward to in life? All is anticlimatic from here on out.

 

Johnny Cash perfomed tonight, Sept 25, 1996, at the Silver Bullet, a niteclub in Columbia, Missouri. The show started at about 8:40 pm and went until about 10:40.

 

It was raining when I got to the club and we were told that the doors would not open until 630 pm. I pull up at 6:00 and there is already a line. To avoid having to kill someone in order to get a decent seat, I jumped in line too.

 

While I was standing there getting rained on, the two nice elderly ladies behind me started talking. They asked me if I thought Johnny Cash was worth standing in line in the rain for. "Hell Yes!! Rain, sleet, snow, hurricanes, tornados, and a volcano if need be. We're talking Johnny Cash here!", I replied. One of the ladies then asked me if I would stand in the rain to see Garth. I told her not even in the sunshine and with free tickets. Not enough twang there for me.

 

While standing around waiting for the show I was looking around. A lot of cowboys. A lot of hair. Grandparents. Teenage kids. Ties and nice dresses. Mini skirts and torn levis. Made me grateful. Kids here to see Johnny Cash. America is not completely overun with linedancing sheep yet.

 

I got in and got me a seat not too far from the stage. At about 8:40pm the show started. The band started playing and Cash came in and went up on stage. Yes he looked old, Yes his face looked puffy. But what struck me was his facial expressions and his eyes. He looked like a wild man. I remember thinking "I hope he ain't on the pills and booze again", but he looked...well kind of dangerous. It made me flash back and wonder what this guy was like back in the 60's. He sang and played his ass off.

 

Part of the show was out of the Johnny Cash's Greatest Hits songbook. Then he played some of his new stuff. The Beck tune, Rowboat, was good, new to me, but good. But the Soundgarden song, Rusted Cage, made me realise why Cash is a legend. There can be only one. He's in the Country Music Hall of Fame. But ain't he also in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as well? I was mesmerised.

 

John Jr was off in Europe somewhere doing something. June got up and did her bit and suprised me. She was very entertaining. I figured it would be the old "He has a girlfriend who thinks she is a singer" bit. They been together for 34 years and she was great.

 

But Big John was the man. I sat back and closed my eyes and I was in nirvana. Life was good. For two hours tonite I was at peace. God was in his Heaven and Johnny Cash was on stage. Nothing could of bothered me during those two hours.

 

Sure sometimes he got a little off key, Sure, I was surrounded by drunk cowboys with glass beer bottles, but we are talking Johnny cash. I have been around the world twice. I've been shot at. I've been beat up. I've been in a knife fight without a knife. I've been thru the Bermuda Triangle. I've had sex with two women at the same time. I have done lots of different kinds of mood and mind altering substances, and don't remember much of 1977-1984. I've been arrested in spain, I've been thru four hurricanes, 2 riots, a volcano eruption, a war, and a major earthquake. I even married a redhead with the same birthday as my mama! But tonite, tonite i saw Johnny Cash. That kind of makes everything else pale in comparison. Johnny Cash is 74 years old. He has written a lot of great tunes in his career. But I am really looking forward to this new album. Tom Petty is on a few cuts, and the Heartbreakers were on most cuts. But don't be confused, This is a Johnny Cash album. I can't wait.

 

I felt like I was watching history tonight. A living breathing monument. As soon as he opened his mouth to sing, All I could think of was "Thank you God. Thank you for sending us Johnny Cash."

-Flybax
 

 

 

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