Johnny Cash sang like he meant business. June Carter came from
country music royalty. Together they became a country music
legend. The movie depicting the story of the early life and career of
Johnny Cash, will be shown at Odell Public Library at 307 S. Madison,
Morrison, IL. It will be shown on Wednesday, November 14, 2017,
at 2:00 p.m. The 2005 Academy Award nominated film stars
Reese Witherspoon as June Carter and Joaquin Phoenix as
Johnny Cash.
Johnny Cash came from a hard-working Arkansas family and grew up
listening to country music, especially the Carter Family. While
serving in the Air Force in Germany, her wrote his first song, “Folsom
Prison Blues”, and dreamed of becoming a recording artist.
However, his wife Vivian scoffed at his band and music.
Finally, he and his band auditioned in Memphis with the legendary
Sam Phillips. They were not good, but Sam was kind and asked
Johnny if he had anything of his own to play. Cash chose “Folsom
Prison Blues”. The song opened the door of his career.
June Carter learned to be funny on stage because she didn’t think
she had a good voice. However, she is not the goofy person offstage
but is thoughtful and sane. Carter, a pro since the age of 4, meets
Johnny Cash. She holds him at arm’s length because he’s married
and later because of booze and drugs. When June and the Carter
Family finally take a chance on Johnny, they all commit to both him
and his career.
As familiar as we all are with the music and sound of Johnny Cash,
Joaquin Phoenix is masterful not only in his character portrayal but as
a singer. He sounds, looks, and acts like Johnny Cash.
Reese Witherspoon also does her own vocal work most ably as June
Carter. Both actors won the 2005 Academy Award and rightly so.
This is an excellent movie that you will enjoy for both the story
and music.
