A Johnny Cash watercolor portrait was inevitable for me, as anyone who knows me and my musical taste could tell you. Johnny has been a musical presence throughout my life. Though I cannot truthfully claim to have appreciated him every step of the way, he has certainly always been there.
Some of my earliest memories are of seeing him perform on Hee Haw, or hearing him on the radio, long before I had any say in what station we listened to.
As I grew, I began to appreciate the power that can be found in his lyrics, his contagious signature sound, and his lack of concern for what others might judge him for.
When Rick Rubin produced and released American Recording in 1994, I remember thinking that it was a timely, fitting end to an amazing career.
Little did I know that he had so much more to share. It was actually the beginning of his brilliant final chapter. I so enjoyed watching and listening to Johnny’s take on material written by artists from other genres. He gave life to everything he sang.
His powerful voice, coupled with decades of experiences brought new gravity to already brilliant songs.
I thoroughly enjoy the last chapter in Johnny’s musical legacy. His honesty were like a constant presence in the back of a room that was otherwise filled with pretenders and imitators. I believe that his willingness to accept a different approach, with unconventional songs and a unique approach to production made all the difference.
One of my favorite quotes comes from the liner notes of Unchained. He quoted the lyrics of an old Bob McDill song he once recorded with Waylon Jennings, “Sometimes at night, when I hear the wind, I wish I was crazy again.”
I finished this Johnny Cash watercolor portrait as I listened to songs like Cut you Down, Rusty Cage, and Southern Accent. I felt truly moved as I worked on it. I hope you enjoy it.
Johnny Cash watercolor portrait
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