Johnny Cash was many things during his lifetime. He was a country music icon, husband, father, songwriter, and the Man in Black. What many people might not know is that he was also a published author.
According to an article on CheatSheet.com, Cash published a non-fiction book entitled “Man in White” in 1986. The book was the result of Cash’s interest in the Christian Bible and the faith in general. It was deeply influenced by his faith.
The story “Man in White” tells is about the Apostle Paul and it takes place over a period of six years. The story starts with the apostle’s famous conversion on the road to Damascus. It is on that journey that Paul’s life changes for the better – or so the story goes. He becomes a follower of Jesus and an influential person in the history of the Christian faith.
Some of those who have read “Man in White” see Johnny Cash’s interest in Paul’s redemption as paralleling the Man in Black’s own, according to the article. After years of struggle, Cash eventually changed his life for the better.
According to the article, the musician’s book was positively received, particularly among religious commentators. Also, “it was definitely a point of pride for Cash that stands out as unique among his many accomplishments.”
Johnny Cash also wrote two autobiographies. The first, unsurprisingly titled “Man in Black,” was released in 1975. The other was published in 1997; it was called “Cash: The Autobiography.”
Johnny Cash Talks About Duality of Humankind
Johnny Cash changed a lot over his life. This change was definitely for the better. But, he never forgot that humans are frail and more than prone to make bad decisions. And, he often talked about his feelings on the subject. He also talked openly about his past and what he had overcome.
“Sometimes I am two people. Johnny is the nice one. Cash causes all the trouble. They fight,” the Man in Black once said.
One of the struggles Johnny Cash had was with substance abuse. Helping him calm down during his life was his love for June Carter. And, while he carried his struggles with him his entire life he never stopped fighting the good fight.
The Man in Black also often talked about his faith during his life.
“How well I have learned that there is no fence to sit on between heaven and hell. There is a deep, wide gulf, a chasm, and in that chasm is no place for any man,” Johnny Cash said.
Cash returned to Christianity. He was even a good friend of the popular evangelical pastor, Reverend Billy Graham. He also became an ordained minister and presided over the wedding of his daughter, Karen.
Johnny Cash died in 2003.
