The Man Was Weak And Physically Spent, But Sang Legendary Songs One Last Time
“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash,” was how the iconic Johnny Cash would begin his performances, often setting the stage with his classic “Folsom Prison Blues” from 1955. His final public appearance maintained this tradition. But before we dive into footage of that last show, let’s understand the backdrop. Johnny Cash was battling severe health issues leading up to his last performance on July 5, 2003. By that time, Cash was notably weakened, navigating life in a wheelchair, dealing with facial paralysis, and grieving deeply.
In 1997, Cash received a diagnosis of Shy–Drager syndrome, a rare disorder that was later reclassified as autonomic neuropathy related to diabetes. Despite deteriorating health and compromised lungs from pneumonia, Cash kept working with producer Rick Rubin, producing acclaimed albums under Rubin’s American Recordings label. Moreover, the loss of his beloved wife, June Carter Cash, on May 15, 2003, at the age of 73, cast a shadow over his final concert, occurring just two months after her passing.
Johnny Cash’s last show took place at the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, near Clinch Mountain. This venue held special significance for Cash as a sort of homage. June, his late wife, was the offspring of Maybelle Carter of The Carter Family, pioneers of country music alongside A.P. Carter and Sara Carter. June had been a part of this musical legacy since she was ten.
After the original Carter Family ceased recording in 1943, Maybelle and her daughters continued as The Carter Sisters & Mother Maybelle, joining The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in 1950. It was here that June Carter and Johnny Cash first crossed paths, both already married to others. The Carter Family Fold, part museum and part concert hall, stands on the Carter family’s original estate.
Let’s reminisce about Johnny and June at their peak:
“Jackson,” penned by Billy Edd Wheeler and Jerry Leiber in 1963, was brought to life by Johnny Cash and June Carter in February 1967, culminating in their marriage on March 1, 1968. The song climbed to No. 2 on the US Country charts and won them a Grammy in 1968 for Best Country & Western Performance Duet, Trio, or Group.
Johnny Cash’s final act at the Carter Family Fold, despite battling laryngitis, stands as a testament to his indomitable spirit, his vast musical contributions, and his enduring love for June Carter Cash. His performance, though marred by illness, showcases his unwavering commitment and legacy.
A notable moment in the opening scenes features John Carter Cash, the son of Johnny and June, assisting his father. John Carter Cash is a musician and producer in his own right. Johnny Cash passed away on September 12, 2003, a mere four months after June. Let’s pay tribute with one more song from the man in black:
