By Aubrey Watts
Journal staff
We all know Johnny Cash from his early years of drugs and wild times that were accompanied by the legendary success of the “Man in Black.†Success, which was seen in both the Rock n’ Roll and Country music genres for years to come. Although shunned from country music on and off throughout the years and never being accepted until later in his career, Johnny seemed to forever be a legend on both spectrums.
I fell in love with Johnny - better known as J. R. to his family - for his passion and his drive to make good music. After hearing some of his hit songs “Ring of Fire,†“Jackson” and “Walk the Line” I was hooked. Drawn into his tremendous voice and remarkably truthful lyrics I found myself on a mission. I spent a few short years researching him and reading every book wrote about him.
Diving in head first, I was going to figure out the real life story of Johnny Cash. I have recently come to one conclusion. Johnny wasn’t about being egotistical or following the mainstream of things. He was a compassionate man, a brilliant man. A man who was about the way a song hits the heart. The way the lyrics work in a song. He was all about the lyrics. ‘Humble’ I believe is the perfect, word for him.
After purchasing the “Unearthed†boxed set last year I found myself falling in love with John all over again. Paired with the amazing producer Rick Ruben, this set is purely brilliant. Raw with emotion and an acoustic guitar sets the stage for a lyrically driven piece of art.
There is something about the “American V†CD that hits me hard. Most of the songs being recorded with nothing more than a guitar in a living room gave Johnny an edge on this CD. As described by some, it is either a CD you get or you don’t get. I’ll admit the very first time I heard some of the songs I was a little puzzled. Then I stumbled upon the song “Rose of My Heart†A simple melody accompanied by a very truthful statement of love. Obviously sung with June in mind, it showed how much he really did care for her.
The first song of Johnny’s to ever bring me to tears it will forever have a place in my heart.
Not many artists can accomplish what John did. Not many seem to have that drive any longer due to mainstream standards. There are still some great artists out there, striving to accomplish a mere fraction of what great singers like Johnny did.
Have you ever found a love song by an artist you least expected? And better yet have you ever found an artist that enthralled you so much to learn everything you can about them?
