Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, and author. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide. His genre-spanning songs and sound embraced country, rock and roll, rockabilly, blues, folk, and gospel. This crossover appeal won Cash the rare honor of being inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.

Much of Cash's music contained themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, especially in the later stages of his career. He was known for his deep, calm bass-baritone voice, the distinctive sound of his Tennessee Three backing band, which included characteristic train-like chugging guitar rhythms, a rebelliousness combined with an increasingly somber and humble demeanor, free prison concerts, and a trademark all-black stage wardrobe, which earned him the nickname "The Man in Black".

Cash began his career in the 1950s with Sun Records. In the early 1960s, Cash left Sun for Columbia Records, where he recorded a number of concept albums. His career was revitalized in the 1990s, leading to popularity with a younger audience. He produced a series of albums produced by Rick Rubin, American Recordings (1994), Unchained (1996), American III: Solitary Man (2000), and American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002).

Cash's rebellious image and distinctive sound, combined with his somber and humble demeanor, made him one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. He recorded more than 1,500 songs and released 67 studio albums. Cash's music has influenced countless artists across genres.