Johnny Cash: The Life

Having just marked the 10 year anniversary of Johnny Cash’s death this, his status as one of the greatest music legends continues to grow.  In Johnny Cash: The Life (Little, Brown; Oct. 29, 2013), veteran music journalist, Robert Hilburn writes the long-awaited, definitive biography on Cash.  It is the book Cash’s millions of fans have been waiting for, and it is the book that will lead a new generation to discover his incredible musical legacy.  Hilburn, one of the most widely read and respected pop music writers, was the music critic for the Los Angeles Times for more than three decades. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominating committee, he has reported extensively on music legends, including Bob Dylan, Elton John, Bruce Springrsteen, U2, Michael Jackson, and John Lennon.   Hilburn knew Cash well, reporting on him at many different points in his career from the legendary Folsom Prison concert in 1968—where he was the only music journalist attending—to his wrenching last days.  In Johnny Cash: The Life, Hilburn tells the complete story of Johnny Cash for the first time.  Hilburn treats Cash with the critical eye and historical scholarship that an artist of his stature deserves. Despite his enormous popularity, and cross-over appeal (with the rare honor of induction in the Country, Rock and Roll and Gospel Hall of Fames), Cash was an even more important and influential artist and a more complex, troubled person than even his biggest fans have realized yet. Hilburn shares a trove of never before seen material, straight from the singer’s inner circle of family and friends.  Please join us as we welcome Hilburn to the Clive Davis Theater to discuss the phenomenal career of Johnny Cash, as well as the development of the book, just days after its release.  After the discussion, moderated by GRAMMY Museum Executive Director Bob Santelli, Hilburn will sign copies of the book.