Johnny Cash had his problems. Probably his most famous arrest occurred in El Paso, Texas, in October of 1965. Cash had crossed over the border into Juarez to buy cheap amphetamines, which he had become addicted to in the early 60s. News reports said that he was found with 668 Dexadrine and 475 Equanil tablets in his luggage. He received a suspended sentence and paid a small fine, but the image of Cash being led away in handcuffs was not a hit with Cash’s conservative audience, as edgy as it may seem to contemporary eyes.
Between the years 1959 to 1968, Cash was arrested seven times for public drunkenness, reckless driving, drug possession, and memorably, picking flowers. In the small town of Starkville, Mississippi, Cash was drunkenly exploring the town at 2 a.m. when he decided to pick some flowers in someone’s yard. Arrested by local police, he was not a penitent guest at the Starkville jail; he screamed and kicked at the cell door so hard that he broke his toe. He later wrote a song about his experience that became a highlight of his At San Quentin album.
So he had his run-ins with the law.
rwood
As have many in his business, but he saw the light, to borrow a phrase. June and his family had a lot to do with getting him turned around, they never gave up. Even Mother Maybelle Carter thought the world of him and would spend time when he was at his lowest instead of pulling back.
I guess you have to have that kind of pedigree to sing with authenticity.
I have a tshirt with the Cash flipping the bird. I keep it in the closet and sing Sunday Morning Coming Down when I see it.
Yes, I am aware that Chris wrote that song.
“Johnny Cash had his problems.”
He also had some dark moods.
When he was married to his first wife he would disappear into a cave near Memphis for days at a time. His daughter Roseanne said her mother would have to get family and friends to help talk him out of the cave.
Probably mental issues that contributed to and were made worse by his alcohol and drug use.
Once he married June he seemed to settle down.
I remember seeing a picture of him sitting in the church looking at June’s coffin. I had never seen anyone look so completely alone.
My favorite Cash/Carter song
Jackson
https://youtu.be/43qK1Lh2xH0