First published 2013
Robert Hilburn presents an unvarnished portrait of Johnny Cash, tracing his journey from the early days at Sun Records alongside Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis through his creative resurgence at age 69 with the moving "Hurt" video. As music critic for the Los Angeles Times, Hilburn brings unique access to his subject. He attended the legendary Folsom Prison concert in 1968 and conducted final interviews with both Cash and June Carter shortly before their deaths. Drawing from previously unseen materials from Cash's inner circle, Hilburn reveals the extreme peaks and valleys of a man torn between deep faith and devastating addiction. The author shows how Cash consistently aimed to uplift audiences through his music despite personal struggles. This biography captures both the musical giant who influenced country and rock genres and the complex human being behind the iconic image.
Genres: biography, 20th-century, american, music, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: biography, redemption
Setting: Folsom Prison, Los Angeles
Period: 1960s, 2000s
679 pages · Hardcover · Little, Brown and Company
Content warnings: addiction, substance-abuse