Johnny Cash
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Transcript of Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash
Bio
Born February 26, 1932 in Kingsland, Arkansas Born as John R. Cash
Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Advocate Nickname: the Man in Black Music innovatively mixed country, rock, blues,
and gospel
Musical Influences
Old folk songs Religious tunes and hymn ballads sung by his
mother The work songs he heard people singing out in
the fields throughout childhood. Country music that played on local radio
stations Hank Snow, Cowboy Copas, Gene Autry, Ernest
Tubb
Individual Style
Style Country and Western: white
American folk music Flexible blend of country,
rock n’ roll and folk music Excessive tenderness Noted for its stripped-down
sound Free-form guitar
Focus Remained true to the rich
storytelling tradition of country music
Lyrics embraced realism; unapologetically identified with the oppressed.
Social and political issues Simple but powerful songs
of elemental experiences
Career
Musical career began with him as the front man for Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two morphing into Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Three. Their sound was a
synthesis of blues and country-and-western music that eventually coined the term “rockabilly”
Toured as opening act for Elvis in 1955 prior to signing with Sun Records and releasing a string of hit singles in 1956
Career Wrote “Folsom Prison
Blues” while stationed in Germany in 1953. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
N5Ts4M3irWM
True fame arrived in 1956 when Cash wrote “I Walk The Line” ---Launched to number one and sold 2 million copies http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1P-
2QnEQQY
“Get Rhythm” is a 1950’s rockabilly song about optimism. First number one single on the country charts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Roug4qG7qC
Y
Listen for blending of country, bluegrass, blues, gospel and swing jazz. Strong vocal backed by simple melodies. String instruments
Singer
Deep, distinctive bass-baritone voice It commanded attention,
and contributed to the believability.
48 singles on the Billboard charts and 26 albums on the pop charts between 1955 and 1972.
More than 50 million records sold.
Appeared on numerous musical television shows such as the Grand Ole Opry and The Ed Sullivan Show.
“Johnny’s voice was so big, it made the world grow small.” –Bob Dylan
SongwriterReceived 23 GMI Awards
for writing countless American Classics
His songs speak of the human experience and the
people who work for the American Dream
Social ImpactEmbraced the radical social justice movements of the 60’s.
Protested Vietnam; played for the troops
Vocal champion for penal reform
Musical ImpactOccupies spots in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1992), Songwriter’s Hall of Fame (1989), and the Country Music
Hall of Fame (1980).
Country music icon around the globe
"Johnny Cash transcends all musical boundaries, and is one of the original outlaws." -Willie Nelson
“Johnny Cash helped show the world what happens when rural sensibilities and values mix musically with the urban environment. Over the years he demonstrated a broad musical perspective, never being afraid to record songs of social commentary.”
-Lyle Lovett
References
http://www.johnnycash.comhttp:// www
.biography.com/people/johnny-cash-9240610?page=4 http
://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/music/inside-complicated-faith-johnny-cash
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Roug4qG7qCY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN3JA_W8DCA