Johnny Cash, born February 26, 1932, as J. R. Cash, in Kingsland, Arkansas, to Ray (1897-1985) and Carrie (née Rivers) Cash (1904-1991), and raised in Dyess, Arkansas, was an American singer, songwriter, actor, author, and Biblical scholar, who was one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Although he is primarily remembered as a country music artist, his songs and sound spanned many other genres including rockabilly and rock and roll, especially early in his career, as well as blues, folk, and gospel. Late in his career, Cash covered songs by several rock artists.

Cash was known for his deep, distinctive bass-baritone voice, for his demeanor and for his dark clothing, which earned him the nickname, "The Man in Black." He traditionally started his concerts by saying, "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash."