J.R. Cash was born 1932 in Kingsland, Arkansas, one of seven children; the family grew up in abject poverty. When he was 12 years old, his brother Jack, who was two years older, died in a circular saw accident, which took a heavy toll on the younger John. It left its mark on him. And the songs he wrote. His mother recognised her son's talent early on: he was given his first guitar on his 10th birthday – which paved the way for his musical career. Cash was perhaps one of the most tragic figures in music history, but it is impossible to imagine it without him. Nobody shaped the country genre like him, combining the language of country, blues and gospel with the emerging vibes of rock & roll – and creating a completely unique sound.
His love story with June Carter is also unforgettable; the two were married for 35 years. Cash died of respiratory failure on 12 September 2003 at the age of 71 – just three months after his beloved June.
