13 Photos That Prove Johnny Cash is Still a Music Legend

Johnny Cash joined legendary performers Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley for a jam session. The group called themselves “The Million Dollar Quartet.”

Johnny Cash was a star of the silver screen in addition to an iconic singer and songwriter. He made his big screen debut in 1960 in the film Five Minutes to Live.

Before Clive Davis became president of Columbia Records, he signed Johnny Cash to the label. Cash remained on the Columbia roster until 1986.

Upon returning from a trip to Mexico, Cash was arrested after U.S. Customs discovered pep pills and tranquilizers in his bag. His mug shot is one of several taken throughout the years, though Cash never served any time in prison despite numerous arrests.

Johnny Cash held his own opposite Academy Award-nominee Kirk Douglas in the Western film A Gunfight.

Cash often sang with June Carter—they were both natural performers and had a comfortable dynamic on stage together. The two were married until her passing in 2003.

Cash met with a number of presidents throughtout his lifetime, including President Richard Nixon, who invited him into the Oval Office in 1972.

Johnny Cash was awarded a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1976. Of course, June Carter and their son John Carter Cash were there to celebrate.

Cash often joined fellow music stars Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson to perform as the Highwaymen.

Johnny Cash was awarded the Grammy Legend Award in 1990, an appropriate honor given the magnitude of his contributions to music. His wife and children attended the ceremony alongside him.

Johnny Cash continued to perform throughout his entire career, and in 1994 he performed at South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas.

Johnny Cash’s artistry was recognized not only by his fans, but by the United States of America. In 2002 Cash was awarded the National Medal of Arts by the National Endowment of the Arts by George W. Bush.