Johnny Cash: The American Dream

It was once said by Elvis that, “he never expected to be someone important.” That same man sold over a billion records and won three Grammy Awards. Elvis Presley was an outstanding musician beginning in his early life, throughout his career, and up until his death.

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

Elvis Presley is one of the biggest names in rock and roll. Singer, musician and actor he was an American icon. He is best known as the King of Rock and Roll. His musical influence included the country and pop music of the time, the gospel music he sang in church and the black R&B music he listened to as a teenager (Comprehensive History of Elvis Presley’s Dynamic Life). Elvis has influenced American culture not only while he was living but also in today’s 21st century. It wasn’t easy for him to be accepted; in fact many adults and the older generations of his time were appalled by his performances and his music. In time though, people were able to accept him and he became well-known all over the world. Even after his death Americans are

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,

"He lived and he loved the songs that he wrote and the songs that he sang. He’s a man of great courage. He’s kind. He’s gentle and he has God-given talents. He chose a career he was hoping he could make a difference in. That career made a difference in

Hank Williams Jr always knew, even from the beginning, he was going to be just like his late father and be a country music singer.

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

Even though Hank was pushed/encourages to become a country music performer, he enjoys what he does. In result, he is one of the most well known “rock” country singer. He has several top hits and many awards. Some awards include 4 emmys, 10 #1 singles, 13 #1 albums, 20 gold albums, and 6 platinums. Also, he won a grammy award for best album/track “There’s a tear in My Beer”, which was released in 2002.

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

George Jones started from nothing and made his way to be a country music hall of famer. He is one of the best country music singers of all time. Between car accidents, fighting with his wife’s, money, alcoholism, and drug abuse all almost ended his career many times. George Jones, one of America's greatest country music stars of all time, he had a rough time with his alcohol and drugs, but still found a way to receive the Lifetime Grammy Award.

He came from a dirt-poor family from Mississippi and became a worldwide sensation who was loved by millions. He is, without a doubt, one of the most influential musicians of all time. His “overnight” rise to fame could not have been accomplished without persistence and passion. If Elvis was not passionate about what he was doing, he would not have been the major success that he was. Because of his talent and love for all different types of music and film, he was able to overcome the barrier of poverty and create numerous movies and become the King of Rock and

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.

Brantley Gilbert is a popular country music star. Mr. Gilbert has written/recorded seventy-one songs, and a total of 3 albums and received several awards. He is known for speaking his mind and being able to defend his family and friends. Brantley Gilbert is a successful artist, with a complicated past.

When historians look at history and at reasons why society changed many focus on conflicts like wars, civil rights, and poverty. However, there is so much more that over time changed America. One of the most influential subjects that helped this change was Elvis Presley. Through his music, which was influenced by black artists, he allowed white Americans to view a new group of performers. He tested social boundaries that helped him change American culture. His appearance and singing would end up changing the teenage world by introducing new trends in fashion and music. Presley was the reason why we have Rock-N-Roll. As a business and a singer, he brought America together into a new type of society; therefore he is a