Johnny Cash's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Johnny Cash. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Johnny Cash, the "Man in Black," was a highly influential American singer-songwriter renowned for his distinctive bass-baritone voice and the signature train-like sound of his band, the Tennessee Three. His music often explored themes of sorrow, moral struggles, and redemption, particularly in his later work. Known for his rebellious persona juxtaposed with a somber humility, he famously performed free concerts in prisons. Cash's all-black attire became his trademark, solidifying his iconic status in music history.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1966: Adoption by Seneca Nation's Turtle Clan

In 1966, Johnny Cash was adopted by the Seneca Nation's Turtle Clan in recognition of his activism.

1967: Cash Arrested in Walker County, Georgia

In 1967, Johnny Cash was arrested in Walker County, Georgia, after police found him carrying prescription pills after a car accident. Sheriff Ralph Jones' warning helped him turn his life around. He later played a benefit concert in LaFayette, raising $75,000 for the high school.

1967: Cash and June Carter Win Grammy for "Jackson"

In 1967, Johnny Cash's duet with June Carter, "Jackson", won a Grammy Award.

1968: Cash Rediscovered Christian Faith and Sought Help for Addiction

In 1968, Johnny Cash rediscovered his Christian faith and took an "altar call" in Evangel Temple. While he was trying to get sober, June, Maybelle, and Ezra Carter moved into Cash's mansion for a month to help him get off drugs.

1968: Release of Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison Album

In 1968, the live recording of Johnny Cash's performance at Folsom Prison was released as the album "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison", which became a highly successful album.

1969: Release of Johnny Cash at San Quentin Album and International Hit Status

In 1969, the live album "Johnny Cash at San Quentin" was released, reaching the top of the Billboard charts and becoming an international hit. In 1969, Cash sold 6.5 million albums, outselling even The Beatles.

1971: Golden Globe Nomination

In 1971, the title song, "The Ballad of Little Fauss and Big Halsy", written by Carl Perkins for the film "Little Fauss and Big Halsy" and performed by Johnny Cash, was nominated for a Golden Globe award.

1977: Induction into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 1977, Johnny Cash was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

1980: Induction into Country Music Hall of Fame

In 1980, Johnny Cash became the Country Music Hall of Fame's youngest living inductee at age 48.

1983: Cash Enters Rehab at the Betty Ford Clinic

By 1983, Johnny Cash was deeply addicted again and entered rehab at the Betty Ford Clinic for treatment.

1988: Double Bypass Surgery

In 1988, Johnny Cash underwent double bypass surgery after Waylon Jennings suggested that Cash get his heart condition checked out.

1989: Cash Enters Cumberland Heights Treatment Center

In 1989, Johnny Cash entered Nashville's Cumberland Heights Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center.

1992: Cash Enters Loma Linda Behavioral Medicine Center for Final Rehab

In 1992, Johnny Cash started care at the Loma Linda Behavioral Medicine Center in Loma Linda, California, for his final rehabilitation treatment. His son followed him into the facility several months later.

1992: Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 1992, Johnny Cash was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

1994: Signing with American Recordings and Release of 'American Recordings'

In 1994, Johnny Cash signed with Rick Rubin's American Recordings label and released the album American Recordings, recorded in his living room with only his Martin Dreadnought guitar. The album won a Grammy.

1996: Kennedy Center Honors

In 1996, Johnny Cash received the Kennedy Center Honors.

1998: Grammy for 'Unchained'

In 1998, the album Unchained, a collaboration between Johnny Cash and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, won the Best Country Album Grammy.

1999: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

In 1999, Johnny Cash received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

2001: Awarded National Medal of Arts

In 2001, Johnny Cash was awarded the National Medal of Arts.

2003: "Hurt" Nominated for Six VMAs

In 2003, Johnny Cash's song "Hurt" was nominated for six VMAs at the MTV Video Music Awards, winning only Best Cinematography. He was the oldest artist ever nominated for an MTV Video Music Award.

2003: Rolling Stone's Recognition of Dual Hall of Fame Inductions

Marking his death in 2003, Rolling Stone stated Johnny Cash was the only artist other than Elvis Presley inducted as a performer into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2004: Ranking on Rolling Stone's List

In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Johnny Cash number 31 on their "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" list.

July 22, 2006: 'American V' Debuts at Number One

On July 22, 2006, the posthumously released album "American V: A Hundred Highways" by Johnny Cash debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200 album chart.

2007: Johnny Cash Flower Pickin' Festival

From November 2–4, 2007, the Johnny Cash Flower Pickin' Festival was held in Starkville, Mississippi, honoring Cash's life and music. It included a symbolic posthumous pardon for his 1965 arrest and was intended to become an annual event.

2010: Induction into GMA's Gospel Music Hall of Fame

In 2010, Johnny Cash was inducted into GMA's Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

2010: Ranking on Rolling Stone's List of Greatest Singers

In 2010, Rolling Stone ranked Johnny Cash number 21 on their "100 Greatest Singers" list.

2012: Inclusion in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums

In 2012, Rolling Stone ranked Johnny Cash's 1968 live album At Folsom Prison and his 1994 studio album American Recordings at No. 88 and No. 366, respectively, in its list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

June 5, 2013: Release of Forever Stamp Honoring Cash

On June 5, 2013, a limited-edition Forever stamp honoring Johnny Cash went on sale, featuring a promotional picture taken around the 1963 release of Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash.

2013: Induction into Memphis Music Hall of Fame

In 2013, Johnny Cash was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.

October 14, 2014: Unveiling of Phase 1 of Johnny Cash Trail

On October 14, 2014, the City of Folsom unveiled phase 1 of the Johnny Cash Trail to the public with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Rosanne Cash. The trail features public art pieces telling the story of Johnny Cash and his connection to Folsom Prison.

May 2, 2018: Boyhood Home Listed in National Register

On May 2, 2018, Johnny Cash's boyhood home in Dyess was listed in the National Register of Historic Places as "Farm No. 266, Johnny Cash Boyhood Home."

June 3, 2018: Arkansas Country Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award

The Arkansas Country Music Awards honored Johnny Cash's legacy with the Lifetime Achievement award on June 3, 2018. The ceremony was held that same date at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

April 2019: Statue of Cash to Be Placed in National Statuary Hall

In April 2019, it was announced that the state of Arkansas would place a statue of Johnny Cash in the National Statuary Hall to represent the modern history of Arkansas.