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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWhy Hate Groups Went After Johnny Cash In the 1960s
Johnny Cash - Born: Feb 26, 1932
Why Hate Groups Went After Johnny Cash In the 1960s
https://www.history.com/news/why-hate-groups-went-after-johnny-cash-in-the-1960s
Threatening pamphlets. Canceled shows. It was 1965, and embattled country music star Johnny Cash was facing a boycott in some parts of the Jim Crow South. But the reason was not his recent arrest for potential drug smugglingit was his appearance on the steps of a courthouse with a woman some thought was African-American.
Back in 1951, Cash was just an Air Force radio operator about to be sent overseas to intercept Soviet transmissions. That was about the time he met Vivian Liberto, a shy 17-year-old from San Antonio, at a skating rink.
After a courtship that included thousands of letters, they married in 1954. Soon after, Cash skyrocketed to fame as a rockabilly and country artist. His deft songwriting and deep voice soon gained him a fanbase, as did his outlaw-like image. Not only did he wear black to nearly all of his performances, but Cash pushed the stodgy boundaries of country music with his anti-authoritarian songs and on-stage attitude.
As he climbed to country stardom, Cash developed an addiction to prescription drugsand a passion for another married woman, June Carter. His marriage with Vivian was on the rocks when, on October 4, 1965 he was arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border after purchasing a large quantity of amphetamines and sedatives from a Mexican dealer. Customs agents found 475 Equanil tablets and 688 Dexedrine capsules stashed in his guitar case and threw him in jail. Cash spent a night in jail and, two months later, plead guilty to the possession of illegal drugs.
Arkansas Granny
(31,514 posts)They addressed this issue and found that there is African ancestry in her mother's family tree that no one was aware of.
It was a very interesting show. You might find a replay on your local PBS station.
DURHAM D
(32,609 posts)there was AA in her father's tree
When I was watching that episode and they got to the part about her mother my first thought was oops - Daddy Johnny probably does to.
I really enjoy Henry Gates and that series.
Mopar151
(9,980 posts)Glenn wrote it for Johnny, at the prompting of producer Rick Ross. Some of you may recognize it as the theme song from the movie "The Hangover". I think that it's the definitive "Badass Johnny Cash" song.
This version has an extra verse - best one, IMHO
Boomerproud
(7,951 posts)last Tuesday. Vivian Liberto had Sicilian ancestry. When they did Roseanne's DNA it turns out there is African blood on the Cash side. She thought that was cool.
Bradshaw3
(7,513 posts)On both sides it came from an ancestor about five or six generations back. It was an interesting show since Clint Black also had an African ancestor a few generations back. Of course we are all descendants from Africa going back far enough. I love Henry Louis Gates and his show.
Arkansas Granny
(31,514 posts)share common ancestors. Some have never considered that.
lpbk2713
(42,753 posts)He also pointed out it was a lot of baloney.
abqtommy
(14,118 posts)perfect. Whatever "perfect" means...
leftyladyfrommo
(18,868 posts)Spent time in jail. One time he was arrested for picking flowers.
One of his last songs was a cover of the Nine Inch Nails song Hurt. It's just plain haunting.
gldstwmn
(4,575 posts)a stage hand that offered June his hand as she and Johnny were coming down the stairs and off the stage. That did not go over well with Johnny.
I love his music and especially his work with Tom Petty and Rick Rubin.