Johnny Cash's story is one of rag's to riches with pain in between. He rose from a poverty-striken childhood to being one of the twentieth century's more popular composers, with over 150 charting hits.

After a spell in the army and as an electrical appliance salesman, Cash signed with Sam Phillips' Sun Records, joining Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Cash quickly made a name for himself with songs such as 'Folsom Prison Blues', 'I Walk the Line' and 'Guess Things Happen That Way'. Cash's career took off until the mid 1960s, when drug problems almost ended his career. They certainly lead to the end of his first marriage.

Cash discovered the bible in in the late 1960s. It was religion, as well as his second wife June Carter, which helped him regain control of his life.

Everything fell together with the 'Cash Live at Folsom Prison' album, from which 'A Boy Named Sue' was a top 20 hit in the United Kingdom. The album ultimately won him two Grammys.

Like many musicians, Cash harbored a desire to get into acting and television. While still releasing albums, he appeared in 'A Gunfight', 'The Pride Of Jesse Hallam', 'Little House On The Prairie' and 'Dr Quinn - Medicine Woman'.

Cash regained prominence in the 1990s with a 1992 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. One year later, Cash contributed vocals to 'The Wanderer' from U2's 'Zooropa' album. He also released the widely-acclaimed 'American Recordings' and 'Unchained' in the mid-1990s.

Most recently, Johnny Cash was one of the performers on 'Timeless', a Hank Williams tribute, which was named best country albumin the 2002 Grammy Awards. It features such acts as Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Beck and Emmylou Harris.

Despite recent health problems, Cash shows no sign of slowing down. He's currently hard at work with Rick Rubin on an album tentatively titled 'American Four'.

Recommended links: Johnny Cash

Cash @ Rolling Stone

The Man In Black

Die Tryin': Johnny Cash