Johnny Cash in the 1950's by Dylan Starks

In 1954 a nobody in the music industry entered the recording studio to Sun Records and persisted on getting a recording session. This nobody was Johnny Cash. Little did the recording studio know, that Johnny Cash was about to become a major piece of the music scene emerging from Memphis, Tennessee. While his first recording “Hey Porter” failed to make the charts, he soon followed it with “Cry,Cry,Cry” which cracked the billboards top 20 and at its height was at 14. After made the charts for the first time he was able to string out multiple hit singles, “So Doggone Lonesome” and “Folsom Prison Blues” both made the top ten. “But Cash's fourth chart single proved to be his career song. "I Walk the Line" shot to Billboard's No. 1 position and remained on the record charts for an incredible 43 weeks, ultimately selling over 2 million copies.” (Bill Miller) “I Walk the Line” made Johnny Cash a house hold name and launched him to celebrity status. “The success and his association with Phillips allowed Cash to join an elite group of artist that included Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis—they were known as “The Million Dollar Quartet” (Johnny Cash 2). With the quartet Cash was touring the country and doing over 200 shows a year. In 1957 Cash released his debut album titled “Johnny Cash with his Hot and Blue Quitar” solidified his place in the music industry for years to come. Johnny switched labels in 1958 in hopes of more artistic freedom. The switch in labels can explain why later in Cash’s career would have gospel and blues influences.  Cash would go on to have success in the 60’s and continue to make music until his death in 2003. However it was his work in 50’s that would define his career and make him the legend.   

"Johnny Cash." 2012. The Biography Channel website. Nov 20 2012, 02:07           

Miller, Bill. "The Official Johnny Cash Website - JohnnyCash.Com." The Official Johnny Cash Website - JohnnyCash.Com. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2012.