Around 1980, I met a guy who would become my best friend. Probably the best best friend I’ve ever had. He worked for a country radio station and asked me if I liked country music. I told him I had never really listened to it. Well, he converted me and today, I like country as much as I do rock & roll. Why do I even mention this in a popular music blog page? Well, today is Johnny Cash’s birthday (Feb 26). He would be 81 today if he had lived. And he is the subject of my next book.

Also, in 1992, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, so that makes him important to rock & roll as well as country. A great singer who had a difficult life. Happy Birthday, Johnny.

“Hurt” was one of the last songs Johnny recorded. It has over 44 million views on YouTube. A powerful, emotional song, I think it is one of his best: