Johnny Cash Documentary Brings Life of ‘American Rebel’ to TV
The extraordinary life and unforgettable music of Johnny Cash will be explored in a brand-new documentary film. According to USA Today, CMT will premiere Johnny Cash: American Rebel on September 12th, coinciding with the 12th anniversary of the death of the Man in Black.
Cash’s nearly 50-year career will be explored through original interviews with family members John Carter Cash, Rosanne Cash and Carlene Carter, in addition to reflections from his contemporaries, including Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. Others featured in the film include Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, John Mellencamp and Rodney Crowell.
Born in Kingsland, Arkansas, in 1932, Cash began his singing career while stationed in the Air Force in Germany. After being honorably discharged, he relocated to Memphis, where he would begin recording for Sun Records. In 1955, he first hit the country charts with “Cry! Cry! Cry” and would soon have a huge crossover hit with “I Walk the Line.”
More than 1,500 songs would follow, including “A Boy Named Sue,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down” and one of his last hits, “Hurt,” which was accompanied by a poignant, award-winning music video. Cash also hosted an eclectic variety series which aired on ABC from 1969 to 1971. An author, actor and humanitarian whose personal life was beset with addiction, Cash was also a deeply spiritual man who would find his soul mate in June Carter. He married the comedian-actress-musician in 1968 and would pass away just four months after her in September 2003 at 71 years old.
Johnny Cash: American Rebel premieres September 12th at 9:00 p.m. ET on CMT.