E5201

Music Icons

Johnny Cash

"The Man in Black"

Collins Cover Announcement 

Johnny Cash

"The Man in Black"

This individually hand painted First Day Cover pays tribute to one of the most influential and popular musicians of the 20th Century. The broad-based appeal of Johnny Cash bestowed upon him the rare honor of induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame; the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. That's a lot of fame!

Cash was a singer, songwriter, actor and author who is primarily remembered as a country music icon. A closer look, however, will re-veal that his songs and sound included rock and-roll, blues, folk, gospel, and a mountain music sound known as rockabilly.

Johnny was known for his distinctive deep voice, his somber and humble demeanor, and his dark performance clothing which earned him the nickname, "the Man in Black." Much of his music had themes of sorrow, morality, or redemption. His best known songs include I Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Folsom Prison Blues, and Man in Black. His humorous pieces like A Boy Named Sue and One Piece at a Time were big hits. And his railroad numbers such as Rock Island Line and Hey, Porter were big favorites with his fans and train enthusiasts across the country.

When I work, I listen to a variety of music, and Johnny Cash is one of my favorites. Most times I think the lyrics, music, and Cash's vocal delivery capture the essence of America's roots with a whole lot of soul. For my cachet, I chose to deliver the image that Johnny himself portrayed and, I think, would have appreciated. Somber. Humble. Sincere. And — a Man in Black. Collins #E5201 —$14.00.