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| Johnny Cash trivia |
Johnny Cash trivia, Country legend Johnny Cash passed away 10 years ago today. We're honoring "The Man in Black" with a look back at his decades-spanning career — from "Cry, Cry, Cry" to "Hurt." If you're a Cash fan, put our trivia tidbits to the test and prove that you "Understand Your Man."
Hometown boy makes good
Cash was the fourth of seven children raised by farming parents. The family's Depression Era home is being restored with the help of this university. Now his boyhood hometown is hoping his legacy will attract fans and music lovers.
Staff Sgt. Cash
Before fame found him, Cash served four years in the military. He headed here for training and struck up a romance with his soon-to-be wife (see photos). Then, the Air Force flew Cash overseas, where he formed his first band in his down time.
Johnny sings the 'Blues'
While Cash received great fanfare for holding a live performance for the inmates of Folsom Prison in 1968, his song "Folsom Prison Blues" was conceived long before then. He credited this film with being his inspiration.
Cash returns to civilian life
After his military service, Cash became a married man, settled down (where?) and took up an average day job. All the while, he harbored musical aspirations and studied ways to enter the biz.
Cash breaks into the business
Cash — flanked by his early backing band — approached the studio that gave Elvis his start. He auditioned by singing songs in the genre he knew best, but the head honcho sent him back to the drawing board. He rebounded with a few decent tracks that set the stage for fame.
Cash's clash with the law
Though he sang about, advocated and performed for prisoners, Cash was more an entertainer than an outlaw. He did, however, run afoul of the law in 1965 in this Southwest city. He spent a day in jail after officers arrested him on suspicion.
Johnny and June
When his first marriage folded, Cash took a second stroll down the aisle. This time, he paired with June Carter, a fellow musician and sometimes duet partner (watch clips) who hailed from a famous folk music family. June was credited with helping him confront his demons.
His return to the church
By the late '60s, Cash revived his interest in gospel music (listen here) and traveled abroad to work on a musical documentary that tells his version of the life of Jesus (watch clips).
A Boy Named Sue"
In 1969, Cash recorded this instant classic during a live performance (where?). The ballad of a rascal with an unfortunate name featured the singer's trademark rough and rugged storytelling, with a dose of humor. Watch him perform it.
From the stage to the screen
Having conquered the world of country music, Cash began to show his range. From 1969 to '71, he hosted his own TV variety show (watch clips). He later published a bestselling autobiography. Cash even gave Hollywood a shot.
Kid-friendly Cash
With four daughters (see photos) and a son, Cash knew his fair share about children. In 1975, he released an album just for kids. He guest-starred on "The Muppet Show," became a recurring guest on "Sesame Street" (watch clips) and was the inspiration for one of the show's puppets.
Following in Dad's footsteps
Johnny's oldest daughter, Rosanne, began recording music in the late '70s and had her first No. 1 hit in 1981. She proved she was a country star in her own right in '85, when she won a Grammy (for which track?). In 2006, she released a tribute to her mother, stepmother and iconic father, who all died within a two-year period.
Johnny's favorite dishes
Cash was known to have a hankering for fried okra, fudge cake and pickles. His longtime family caretaker released a cookbook featuring some of the singer's preferred dishes, including his mother's famous pie.
Johnny stages a comeback
By the mid-'80s, Cash had joined a "super group" (watch clips) that released three albums and toured throughout the decade. Afterward, his solo career hit a lull. It wasn't until he teamed up with an unlikely partner — known better for working with Run-D.M.C. and Beastie Boys — that he got back on track with 1994's "American Recordings."
The story of Johnny and June
Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon played Johnny and June on the big screen in "Walk the Line." The film won three Golden Globes, received a slew of Academy Award nominations and earned a Best Actress statuette for Witherspoon. But Hollywood wasn't alone in shining a light on the couple.
The Johnny Cash Museum
This summer, the Johnny Cash Museum opened its doors in a downtown Nashville space (why not his home, like Graceland?). Items on display include clothes Cash wore during performances, his platinum albums and old family photos. Visitors will also find a '50s artifact that he used as a stand-in for a drummer.
The Johnny Cash Music Festival
This August, Cash's younger brother, Tommy, emceed the third annual Johnny Cash Music Festival (where?). The tribute lineup included the Man in Black's singing sister, country singer Vince Gill and Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers. Proceeds went to help restore his boyhood home.
Johnny Cash 'Forever'
This summer, the U.S. Postal Service debuted a limited edition Johnny Cash 'Forever' postage stamp as part of its "Music Icon Series." Performers such as Randy Travis and the Oak Ridge Boys helped celebrate the unveiling at a Nashville event. The stamp's image was taken from the cover of a Billboard #1 Country album.
