Exhausted and enduring discomfort, he performed iconic songs for the final time
“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash,” was the signature opening line for the iconic Johnny Cash at his performances, and his final public appearance stayed true to this tradition. Reflecting on the footage of that closing show, it becomes vital to consider the circumstances. On July 5, 2003, despite facing formidable health obstacles, Cash graced the stage for the last time. At that point, he navigated life from a wheelchair, battling facial paralysis, and carrying the weight of profound grief. In 1997, he received a diagnosis of Shy–Drager syndrome, later linked to autonomic neuropathy due to diabetes. Even as his health deteriorated and his lungs weakened by pneumonia, Cash persisted in collaborating with producer Rick Rubin, delivering acclaimed albums under Rubin’s American Recordings label. The passing of his beloved wife, June Carter Cash, on May 15, 2003, just two months before his final concert, added to his sorrow.
Johnny Cash’s ultimate performance unfolded at the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, near Clinch Mountain. This venue held a special place in Cash’s heart as a nod to his wife June Carter Cash’s lineage. June, the daughter of Maybelle Carter, a member of The Carter Family, who were trailblazers in country music, had been immersed in this musical heritage since her youth.
The Carter Family Fold serves as both a museum and a concert hall, set on the Carter family’s original estate. Following the original Carter Family’s hiatus from recording in 1943, Maybelle and her daughters continued as The Carter Sisters & Mother Maybelle, eventually joining The Grand Ole Opry in 1950, where June crossed paths with Johnny Cash.
“Jackson,” penned by Billy Edd Wheeler and Jerry Leiber in 1963, became a renowned hit when performed by Johnny Cash and June Carter in 1967, culminating in their marital union on March 1, 1968. The song soared to No. 2 on the US Country charts and earned them a Grammy in 1968 for Best Country & Western Performance Duet, Trio, or Group.
Johnny Cash’s closing performance at the Carter Family Fold, despite battling laryngitis, underscored his unwavering spirit, enduring musical impact, and profound love for June Carter Cash. Despite his ailment, the show illuminated his steadfast dedication and musical legacy.
An emotive moment in the initial scenes showcased John Carter Cash, the son of Johnny and June, assisting his father. John Carter Cash, also a musician and producer, carries on the family’s musical tradition. Johnny Cash peacefully passed away on September 12, 2003, a mere four months after June. Let’s pay tribute to him with another song from the Man in Black.
