Why Famous: During Johnny Cash's long and influential music career he was mainly known as a country music artist but his work also encompassed other styles including gospel, rockabilly and blues. Raised by poor cotton farmers during the depression, themes of their struggles were often incorporated into his work.
Cash came to fame in the mid 1950s with Sun Records along with Elvis Presley. He later moved to Colombia records recording such hits as "Don't Take Your Guns to Town" and "Folsom Prison Blues". During the 1960s Cash fought increasing battles with addiction, which were to feature throughout his life. He was helped in this fight by June Carter who became his wife in 1968.
Cash had his own TV show 'The Johnny Cash Show' (1969-71) and in the 1980s was part of the successful group The Highwaymen. In the 1994 Cash returned to huge acclaim recording American Recordings and winning a Grammy. Through his career Cash became known as 'The man in black' due to his usual dark clothing while performing.
1955-06-21 Johnny Cash debuts Top 10 country song "Cry! Cry! Cry!"