Legacy of the Man in Black - Johnny Cash

There is no simple way to describe the enormous contribution that the Man in Black, Johnny Cash, gave to the world through his music, his spirit, his grit and determination for almost fifty years.  He was without a doubt one of the greatest singers/songwriters and pioneers of not only the birth of rock & roll but the explosion of country music onto the world landscape.  Consider the many accomplishments of Johnny Cash and there is no question that he will rank as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.  For five decades we were entertained by the Man in Black, a symbol that he wore until the end to represent the plight of the working man.

With the passing of Johnny Cash in September of 2003, we lost not only a true legend but a man so large in life, that he became a music category all unto himself.  No other artist in the history of recorded music had crossed so many boundaries, influenced so many or stayed in the public spotlight for so long yet remained humble but with conviction until the end.

As happens with the passing of a man of Cash's stature, we learn more about the person we all knew but had taken for granted or simply forgotten as yesterdays hero.  The television, press and radio coverage of Johnny's death was overwhelming in its depth and volume.  Johnny Cash was once again heard on country radio stations that had not played his songs in years, back where he so deserved to be.  His music will live on forever and his legacy, if possible, will continue to grow.