1932-
Country Musician

A Solid Reputation.

Since the 1950s country music had gained an increasing amount of respect in American culture, in contrast to its earlier status as "hillbilly music." One of the singers and songwriters responsible for this improvement was Johnny Cash, who solidified his position during the 1960s as one of the greatest country musicians.

The Sun Records Days.

Cash began his recording career in 1955 and was one of the pioneers of rockabilly, a combination of country music with rhythm and blues or rock 'n' roll, at Sun Records in Memphis. With his pared-down accompaniments, steady rhythms, and inimitable baritone on recordings such as "I Walk the Line" (1956), he quickly became a star, engaging in dozens of recordings and tour dates by the 1960s.

Ring of Fire.

In 1961 June Carter, a descendant of the legendary Carter family, joined Cash's tour group, and she and...