Country Legend Johnny Cash To Be Honored With Statue in the US Capitol

While the voice behind hit songs like “I Walk the Line”, “Ring of Fire”, and “Folsom Prison Blues”, Johnny Cash not only showcased his musical talent but solidified himself as a country legend. Throughout his time on stage, the singer sold over 90 million albums and gained a spot in the Country Music and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Embracing genres like rock, blues, folk, country, and gospel, the hitmaker released dozens of albums. Sadly, Cash passed away in 2003 at 71 years old. Born in Kingsland, Arkansas, it appears the state wants to honor the country singer with his very own statue. 

Celebrating the states that make up America, the National Statuary Hall Collection features two statues from each state. Wanting to honor Cash, former Governor Asa Hutchinson proposed that the country singer replace the statue of James P. Clarke. Although Clarke was once the governor of Arkansas and eventually became a US Senator, the politician’s history involved supporting white supremacy. Wanting to get rid of the statue, Cash will take the spot with a ceremony taking place on September 24.

[RELATED: On This Day in 1955, Johnny Cash Recorded His Signature Song “Folsom Prison Blues” for the First Time at Sun Studios in Memphis]

Johnny Cash Discussed Ongoing Cycle Of Drug Use

Although a top name in country music, Johnny Cash discussed his ongoing struggles with drugs numerous times throughout his career. Back in 1985, the singer appeared on Late Night with David Letterman. What was meant to be a lighthearted conversation took a turn when Letterman recalled how Cash was in the hospital. 

While not knowing if the audience wanted to hear his struggles, Cash eventually opened up, revealing, “I started taking them in 1958, amphetamines and barbiturates. To get up and to come down, you know. I controlled it pretty well for a while, like you can do. But just like the alcoholic drinks from the bottle, finally, the bottle starts drinking out of him. But the pills started to take me. In 1967 with the help of June, my faith, my religion, and willpower I managed to stop for a long long time.”

Revealing the cycle of drug use, Cash added, “But it was a broken bone that got me back to taking medication again, pain medication. And then it would make me nervous and then I’d take something to go to sleep, then something to get up in the morning. It was a cycle.” 

Eventually able to get sober, Cash left behind a legacy that continues to entertain fans as his contributions to country music helped shape the future of the genre.

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