Johnny Cash was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author who was
considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Although he is
primarily remembered as a country music icon, his songs and sound spanned other
genres including rockabilly and rock and roll—especially early in his career—and
blues, folk, and gospel. This crossover appeal won Cash the rare honour of induction
in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Gospel
Music Hall of Fame.
Cash was known for his deep, distinctive bass-baritone voice, for the "boom-chicka
-boom" sound of his Tennessee Three backing band; for a rebelliousness, coupled
with an increasingly sombre and humble demeanour; for providing free concerts
inside prison walls; and for his dark performance clothing, which earned him the
nickname "The Man in Black". He traditionally began his concerts with the phrase
"Hello, I'm Johnny Cash.", followed by his standard "Folsom Prison Blues".
primarily remembered as a country music icon, his songs and sound spanned other
genres including rockabilly and rock and roll—especially early in his career—and
blues, folk, and gospel. This crossover appeal won Cash the rare honour of induction
in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Gospel
Music Hall of Fame.
Cash was known for his deep, distinctive bass-
inside prison walls; and for his dark performance clothing, which earned him the
nickname "The Man in Black". He traditionally began his concerts with the phrase
"Hello, I'm Johnny Cash.", followed by his standard "Folsom Prison Blues".