Johnny Cash

The Life

By: Robert Hilburn

Narrated by: Charles Pittard

Length: 21 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

The definitive, intimate, no-holds-barred biography of Johnny Cash.

People don't just listen to Johnny Cash - they believe in him.

Although part of his life has been told on film, there are many compelling layers to his story that have remained hidden - until now. Robert Hilburn tells the unvarnished truth about a musical icon whose personal life was far more troubled and his artistry much more profound than even his most devoted fans have realized. As music critic for the Los Angeles Times, Hilburn knew Cash well throughout his life - he was the only music journalist at the legendary Folsom Prison concert in 1968, and he interviewed him extensively just before Cash's death in 2003.

Drawing upon his personal experience with Cash and a trove of never-before seen material from the singer's inner circle, Hilburn gives us a compelling, human portrait of one of the most iconic figures in modern popular culture - not only a towering figure in country music, but also a seminal influence in rock.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2013 Robert Hilburn (P)2013 Hachette Audio

life changing book!

loved it. if you start this book, it will be like falling into a burning ring of fiery biographical awesomeness that you will not be able to escape from.

Histoic & Humbling.

Embodies one of Americas beloved Air Force Veterans life from past present and his undying legacy. John coped with and endured physical,spiritual,and other forms of pain. Hurt, fourty prescription medications prevented Cash from living an additional 7 years...

Grace Wins

I have been captivated by this listen! As a longtime Johnny Cash fan, it is incredible to learn so much detail about his story. I knew the gist, but not all of it. The author takes us through the story in a way that has sparked my curiosity. I've done a lot of side researching, googling images, and pausing to go to YouTube and listen to songs and full albums. This is a fascinating look into the world of recording studios and record labels; there's so much about the industry I never understood until this book. I love the details of Cash's relationship to other artists of several eras and with his own band mates.

Cash is a great example of how history is dotted with some spectacular humans who accomplish unbelievable feats of talent, artistry, and grit in their lifetime. In Johnny Cash's example, he kept the faith, despite many ups and downs, and produced untold amounts of cultural capital.

The performance is good, but there are some funny bits where you can tell the recording was spliced. He also pronounces words with t's in the middle in a very funny and precise way. Definitely not a big deal, but certainly idiosyncratic. I really liked when he read quotes of Johnny Cash - he truly captured Cash's real voice.

THE Man

loved the book. alot of stories i never knew. Johnny Cash is an American Icon.

Man in Black gets worthy biographer

What a good writer Robert Hilburn is. Hilburn, a writer whose work as a music journalist has enriched my understanding of modern music (Cornflakes with John Lennon is a good collection) here takes on the man esteemed as country music's greatest icon, Johnny Cash. This book far surpasses the film version of Cash's life which I was disappointed to learn was woefully inaccurate, and gives us a portrait of a man troubled with more demons than most of us are plagued with (many of which the film Walk the Line does here get accurately), who gloriously finished his career , which had become mired in mediocrity and dismal sales, with a string of powerful albums and a video, Hurt, that has to be seen to be appreciated for its greatness. Even if you are not a fan of country music in general or Cash in particular, this is a powerful examination of one of the greatest musical artists this country has produced. Cash's fixation on the themes of violence, romance, and God sometimes resulted in horrifying sameness in his music. But oh, when he was inspired...! Finally, as so much of greatness is as the result of the right timing and the right partners, it is only fair to note that some of Cash's greatest music came because of his teaming with Sam Philips at Sun Records and Rick Rubin with the great American Recordings series. You owe it to yourself to listen to this book. Hearing the power of the lyrics alone is worth it.

exellent

having read many Johnny cash biographys, this the best, most indept and expressive book, loved it!!!!

Honest & Forthright

As a professional musician, I can attest to the challenges of writing and performing music/art in the public eye. I found Robert Hilburn’s work truthful and telling about a complex and yes, troubled American folk hero. Johnny Cash was a constant traveler with a religious upbringing that both inspired and tortured him. He lived to communicate! And as a wandering performer with a moral compass, one is bound for glory... and heartbreak.

Great book!

I really enjoyed this book, while it is long (21 hours) it was very interesting. I highly recommend it.

Johnny Cash

This is a great book written by an exceptional author. I was very disappointed in the reader. Often he lacked energy and enthusiasm for the story.

Hello, Johnny Cash

I’ve read a few Cash biographies and one autobiography. I was apprehensive about reading another but I’m very glad I did. Some of the tales in this book briefly tainted my image of the man in black. Things I’d never heard or imagined. Cash was larger than life but he was still only a mortal and sinful man. The book is written with such depth and emotion that I found some parts hard to listen to. Extreme attention to detail and deep research fills the pages. Other than a few noticeable edits in the audio, the narration was pleasant enough. In the end, this is the best Cash bio I’ve read.