Johnny Cash: The Biography - Softcover

Streissguth, Michael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0306815656 ISBN 13: 9780306815652

Publisher: Da Capo Press, 2007

Synopsis

To millions, he was the rebellious Man in Black, the unabashed patriot, the redeemed Christian-the king of country music. But Johnny Cash (1932-2003) was also an uncertain country boy whose dreams were born in the cotton fields of Arkansas and who struggled his entire life with a guilt-ridden childhood, addictions, and self-doubt. Johnny Cash: The Biography explores many often overlooked aspects of the legend’s life and career, uncovering the origins of his songwriting and trademark boom-chicka-boom rhythm and delving into the details of his personal life, including his drug dependency, which dogged him long after many thought he’d beaten it. Scrupulously researched, passionately told, Johnny Cash: The Biography is the unforgettable portrait of an enduring American icon.

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Review

"The strength of Michael Streissguth's biography is that instead of attempting to dig up any new revelations or recast Cash in yet another guise, he delves deeper into those we have already witnessed... The author's dedication to his subject is both clear and clear-sighted, and despite having been admitted to the inner sanctum of family and lifelong friends, he consistently refuses to let Cash off the hook." ****Time Out London "(A)n honest account that sets Cash's achievements in the context of his troubled life." The Independent "Michael Streissguth delves deep into what made the Man in Black tick with the excellent Johnny Cash: The Biography". Metro"

Synopsis

This is the definitive biography of music legend Johnny Cash by the leading authority on the star. This major new biography is a full and frank account of the late country legend Johnny Cash (1932-2003), an artist who ranks with Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra as one of the 20th century's major singers. Written by Michael Streissguth, a leading authority on the singer, and the author of "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison" and "Ring of Fire", it is the first full-length biography of Johnny Cash since Christopher Wren's was published more than 30 years ago. This biography is unauthorized - though written with the full backing of Cathy Cash (Cash's daughter from his first marriage) - and provides a far more rounded view of the singer than previous books such "A Man Called Cash", which stops short at the final stage of his life, and Cash's autobiography which has many gaps. Although a fan of Cash, Streissguth is not afraid to approach the less romantic side of his subject.

The book is propelled by Streissguth's unrivalled knowledge of his subject as well as thorough research, including interviews with individuals close to Cash throughout his life, visits to key locations (Arkansas, Memphis, Nashville), and examination of archives, such as those of Sony Music and the Country Music Foundation. "Johnny Cash: The Biography" is a must-read for new fans who have recently discovered the 'man in black' through the Oscar-nominated film Walk the Line, as well as those who have loved his music for years.

About this edition

• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0306815656
• ISBN 13: 9780306815652
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 370