Johnny Cash was just a milestone kind of guy. Whether it’s an anniversary for a chart-topping song or an award-winning music video, there are conveniently so many days to look back and celebrate the “Ring of Fire” singer.
Today, 23 years ago, Cash won the Songwriters Lifetime Achievement Award.
This is one of Cash’s most prestigious awards during his lifetime. This award is given out by the Grammys to mark the person who has had a tremendous impact on their lifetime. The artist created outstanding artistic renditions that have inspired and paved the way for others.
In 1999, Cash, as well as Smokey Robinson, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, and Mel Tormé, were all given the award. It was right around the time he was doing his farewell concert.
Cash had been creating music right until his death in 2003, only a few months after his wife had passed on. In fact, in 2003 he had created “Hurt” which the video won an MTV and a Grammy award.
Cash, The Renaissance Man
In the late ’90s, as he was given the lifetime achievement award, he had been working with the group he helped create. This was the Highwayman which included Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. They released three albums between 1985 and 1995.
Cash had experienced so many changes and new waves during his time as an artist. Cash struggled with addiction in the mid- ’60s due partially to a hectic work schedule. He teamed up with his forever singing partner June Carter. Many say after this he had experienced a “renaissance” as an artist in the late ’60s.
According to the Academy of Achievement, Over the course of his career, he had 11 Grammys, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as well as the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame.
Songs like “Hurt” demonstrate just the kind of ability to create raw and real songs that are deeply personal.
For a list of the kind of awards legendary performer and singer/songwriter, Johnny Cash got, visit here.
