Johnny Cash : An American Icon

Johnny Cash achieved many accolades in his long, influential life. Debatably the most noteworthy is how he is one of three artists, Elvis, Hank Williams, and Cash, who is a member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Becoming a member of both is not an easy feet for any artist. In order to do so one has to be the very best in each style of music. Cash at 48 became the youngest performer to ever be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (Danker). Kris Kristofferson put it the best way, “You felt like he should've had his face on Mount Rushmore” ( Kristofferson). This view was really how the American public viewed J.C. He was an American hero on par with Presidents or war heroes. He was given as

Artist like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Jimmie Rodgers, George Jones, Willie Nelson and many more were are crucial parts in shaping the genre of country music. Each one of these artists had their own spin on country music making it diverse but managed to keep country music as country music. Their influence can be felt today. Country music was born from artists that were able to write anything from heartache to happiness. Patsy Cline was also an important musician who was named the most influential email country artist of all time. Elvis Presley was one of the most iconic artists who mixed gospel, R&B, and country tunes and produced legendary music that will be around

Recorded on April 2, 1956, Johnny Cash’s first hit, “I Walk the Line,” features lyrics in which Cash wrote to explain his devotion to his first wife, Vivian Liberto. At least, that was the original intent. Vivian later divorced Cash due to his use of drugs and affairs he had with other women. With the separation, and the lack of faithfulness to both his wife and to the lyrics of this tune, the lyrics obviously do not hold up in Johnny’s case, however the song still serves to explain one’s unwavering love for another (Turner).

What can be said for the music artist Elvis Presley, other than he is most undoubtedly the reason that Rock and Roll survived past its start, and grew to the massive popularity that it still grasps onto to this day. Although he may have been born a simple white southerner, he masterfully intertwined country music with the raw emotion of gospel and blues in order to create his own breed of unmatchable music. By him taking two vastly different genres of music from two equally different cultures, he successfully managed to blur the prominent color line that divided all of America up until the 1950s. He did all of this while enthralling the youth of America and singlehandedly caused an idea of teenage rebellion that lasted far past his popularity,

Elvis Presley was a legend in rock and roll in life. He still is the king of rock and roll even in death. He was born on January 8 1935 in Mississippi in 1948 his family moved to Memphis Tennessee, where he graduated high school from Humes High School. He was attracted to music at a young age and began his music career in 1954 with Sun Records label in Memphis. In late 1955 his recording contract was bought by RCA Victor. By 1956 he was an international sensation. He starred in 33 films and did hundreds of shows and specials. This success would eventually lead him to an early death.

When songwriters begin to pen the lyrics of a song, I believe their ultimate goal is to transcend time in hopes of reaching listeners for generations to come. J.R. Cash, professionally known as Johnny Cash, wrote a song that did just that. “Ragged Old Flag” is a patriotic song that speaks to every generation. Written in 1974, “Ragged Old Flag” was meant to tell the story of our country. Johnny Cash recorded “Ragged Old Flag” live at the House of Cash. Cash wanted the song to be recorded live because it was raw, untouched, and unapologetically real. The basis of this analysis is to show how patriotism spans generations, but also why a song such as, “Ragged Old Flag” is an important part of patriotism in the United States of America.

There have been many stars throughout the years in country music. Two of the most iconic are Alan Jackson and George Strait. Alan Jackson hit his peak in the late 90s and early 2000s. He has not been as productive as of 2015, but he is still creating some music. George Strait was most productive in the mid to early 90s and like Alan he is at the end of his career. Country music was dramatically affected by these two and they both did it with class. They always made music that was family friendly and anyone could listen to it.

The grand ole opry has proven that there is something always successful found in original country music. The grand ole opry not only shows just how amazing country music is and how it has affected people in such a positive way, but it has also set off career paths for many stars. The history of the Grand Ole Opry is also very inspiring because we see the business had some tough times, but they still managed to persevere and bring us the biggest and best test show they could. And that is why his variety show that started off as a small radio broadcasting station has turned into such a modern

Although you could say I am partly biased due to the fact that he was born and raised in the great state of Arkansas. Nonetheless, his music is loved by people all over the country for several reasons. For example, probably the biggest reason why people loved Johnny Cash is because of his humble personality which caused all of his songs to feel very down to earth which related to a multitude of people from all classes. From experiencing many struggles in his own life, Cash was able to translate his own emotions and thoughts into lyrics with rhythmic beats that attracted the average individual who shared the same feelings. Even though I am not able to see him in concert since he passed away, listening to his live recorded songs makes me realize that the rock and roll icon still lives through the music he poured his life

For generations, singers and songwriters of country music have been working to evoke emotions in listeners by performing and writing songs that the listeners will be able to relate to. Country music traditionally reveals stories of life, love, death, and values, all of which can be seen in the works of great singers and songwriters like George Strait, Alabama, Brooks & Dunn, and Alan Jackson. One artist in particular, Garth Brooks, forever left his stamp on country music and on the hearts of his millions of listeners with his hit songs, “The Beaches of Cheyenne”, “Callin’ Baton Rouge”, and “The River”. “The Beaches of Cheyenne” has a storyline containing themes of life, death, love, and regret. The themes of this song branch out much

As a kid Elvis Presley attended the Assembly of God Church with his parents, where gospel music became an important influence in his life. On his eleventh birthday he received his first guitar from his mom in 1946, he had his first taste of musical success a few years later when he won a talent show at Humes High School in Memphis. He graduated from High school in 1953, he worked a number of jobs while pursuing his musical dream. “That’s

George did not make music for fortune or fame. He made music imply because he had a passion for it. Alan Jackson paid tribute to George Jones at his funeral, which took place at the Grand Ole Opry. George paved the way for country singers like Alan. Country music has evolved a lot over the years, but Alan is one of the few country singers who sticks to the original sound of country music.

Randall Hank Williams, the son of Audrey Williams and famous country music star Hank Williams, was born on May 26, 1949 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Then, when he was only three years old, his father died. His father affected his career from the start— he made his music debut at eight years old, and sang his father’s songs. However, after becoming unhappy with his life because it was not the style of music he wanted to sing, Bocephus found his own country style and became even more successful than his father. Hank Williams Jr.’s music has made an impact on society. His impact doesn’t really focus on his hometown— though it probably brings it some attention. Instead, his impact is wherever people listen to country music— people enjoy the music

Max Fraser explains that “when Nashville was anointed the capital of country music, a true American icon was born” (Fraser15-16).

Music was what made Garth Brooks famous. When Garth Brooks first started his music career he produced his very first music album, unfortunately it was only a mild success even though it was his first album, he still had numerous albums to go (Garth Brooks Biography…). Garth Brooks sold over 1 million albums during his music industry and is still climbing (Garth Brooks Biography…). During Garth's college years, he started to sing in local bars around his dorm (Garth Brooks Biography…). Music was Garth’s path in becoming a country music superstar (Garth Brooks Biography…). As a country music superstar, Garth has a total of 91 awards won but he was nominated