The Man Was Physically Spent, But Played Legendary Songs One Last Time

“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash,” is how the legendary Johnny Cash would commence his performances, often leading with his classic “Folsom Prison Blues” from 1955. His final public appearance preserved this tradition. Before we explore footage of that last show, let’s understand the context. Johnny Cash faced severe health challenges leading up to his final performance on July 5, 2003. By this time, Cash was notably frail, using a wheelchair, coping with facial paralysis, and grieving deeply.

In 1997, Cash was diagnosed with Shy–Drager syndrome, a rare condition later reclassified as autonomic neuropathy linked to diabetes. Despite his declining health and pneumonia-compromised lungs, Cash continued to work with producer Rick Rubin, creating acclaimed albums under Rubin’s American Recordings label. Additionally, the loss of his beloved wife, June Carter Cash, on May 15, 2003, at the age of 73, cast a profound shadow over his final concert, which occurred just two months after her passing.

Johnny Cash’s last show took place at the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, near Clinch Mountain. This venue held special significance for Cash, serving as a tribute to his late wife. June, the daughter of Maybelle Carter of The Carter Family, had been part of this musical legacy since childhood.

After the original Carter Family stopped recording in 1943, Maybelle and her daughters continued as The Carter Sisters & Mother Maybelle, joining The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in 1950. It was here that June Carter and Johnny Cash first met, both married to others at the time. The Carter Family Fold, part museum and part concert hall, is located on the Carter family’s original estate.

Let’s reminisce about Johnny and June at their peak:

“Jackson,” written by Billy Edd Wheeler and Jerry Leiber in 1963, was famously performed by Johnny Cash and June Carter in February 1967, leading to their marriage on March 1, 1968. The song reached No. 2 on the US Country charts and earned them a Grammy in 1968 for Best Country & Western Performance Duet, Trio, or Group.

Johnny Cash’s final act at the Carter Family Fold, despite battling laryngitis, stands as a testament to his indomitable spirit, vast musical contributions, and enduring love for June Carter Cash. His performance, though marred by illness, highlights his unwavering commitment and legacy.

A notable moment in the opening scenes shows John Carter Cash, the son of Johnny and June, assisting his father. John Carter Cash is a musician and producer in his own right. Johnny Cash passed away on September 12, 2003, just four months after June. Let’s pay tribute with one more song from the man in black: