Johnny Cash books illuminate 'an original'

By Peter Cooper
The Tennessean

Johnny Cash, the rumble-voiced "Man in Black," died last week from respiratory failure due to complications from diabetes. He was 71. Cash was regarded as an original in American music. Here are some books about his life.

• Written with longtime Cash chronicler Patrick Carr, "Cash: The Autobiography" (Harper San Francisco, $25) was published in 1997. This fascinating book should be the first stop for people seeking a greater appreciation of Cash.
• Colin Escott and Martin Hawkins' "Good Rockin' Tonight: Sun Records and the Birth of Rock 'n' Roll," (St. Martin's Press, $16.95) has a well-researched chapter on Cash, and the book's study of the little Memphis record label that could provides important context for understanding Cash's early career.
• Published in 1975, the "Man In Black" memoir has Cash telling the story of his wild years and of the redemptive power of grace (Zondervan, $6.95).
• June Carter Cash's "Among My Klediments" (Zondervan, $6) is hard to find, but well worth the search. It provides a window into her thoughts during Cash's "dark years" and during his recovery from addiction.
• "Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Reader," compiled by Michael Streissguth (Da Capo Press, $26) is now available in paperback. It collects previously published profiles, reviews and interviews with Cash.
• Peter Lewry and Lou Robin's "I've Been Everywhere: A Johnny Cash Chronicle" (Helter Skelter Publishing, $18.95) provides a thorough time line of all things Cash.