“If you didn’t know anything about Johnny Cash, you’ll definitely learn it here” — this was the slogan when one of the most remarkable music museums in the United States, the Johnny Cash Museum, opened its doors in April 2013. Despite its young age, the collection has already made it into the top 25 museums in the US and received over 3,000 top ratings from visitors, as well as rave reviews not only from ardent fans of the famous country singer, but also from “non-musical” tourists. Although admission tickets are quite expensive, there are always many visitors here: they look at Johnny’s stage costumes and his collection of guitars, read diary entries, and enjoy the continuous sound of country music performed by the “man in black.”
A separate display case contains a ring with a crucifix, which Cash, a devout Baptist, never took off.
Johnny Cash’s home became a place of pilgrimage for fans even during the singer’s lifetime. Johnny lived in his own mansion in Hendersonville, Tennessee, from 1968 until his death in 2003. According to the musician’s will, the house was sold after his death. It was purchased by Barry Gibb, one of the founders and permanent vocalist of the Bee Gees. However, during restoration work, a fire broke out in the house, and almost nothing remained of the mansion.
This unfortunate incident did not deter the country music community, which simply could not exist without a temple to its idol—and so, in 2013, the Johnny Cash Museum, created practically from scratch, appeared in Nashville, the capital of this musical genre. The building chosen for it has no connection to the singer, but the incredible breadth and value of the exhibition and its ultra-modern design more than compensate for this minor drawback.
A reminder of Cash’s real home is the original plaque that once adorned the driveway, with the laconic inscription “House of Cash.”
“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash” is the inscription that greets museum visitors at the entrance. Indeed, it seems that the master himself is guiding guests through the masterfully composed exhibition, so imbued is everything here with the spirit of country music and one of its most prominent representatives. The collection is housed in several rooms and is presented in chronological order.
The room dedicated to the beginning of Cash’s career displays his early stage costumes — classic three-piece suits with bow ties, brogues, and rare acoustic guitars. Here you can also see Johnny’s letters, autographed song lyrics and sheet music, posters from his first performances (often featuring stars of the era who were already at the height of their fame, such as Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, etc.) and photographs.
In the musician’s hall of fame, visitors can admire a magnificent collection of guitars, ranging from an acoustic Gibson signed by Cash himself to a personalized Telecaster, as well as instruments from particularly memorable performances. The abundance of extravagant stage costumes — from the signature black ones that earned Johnny the nickname “man in black” to the flamboyant multicolored ones — is complemented by shoes and accessories, including the famous cowboy boots with roosters and an impressive collection of hats. The extensive exhibition is complemented by his sculptural and painted portraits, a collection of Grammy Awards, and original vinyl records.
Johnny’s private life is illustrated by furniture and interior items from the singer’s home, including a red plush armchair, a family piano, and a carved sideboard. In a separate display case, you can see the crucifix ring that Cash, a devout Baptist, never took off.
The next room is dedicated to the films in which Johnny starred or for which he wrote music. Here, visitors will see costumes from the films, sheet music and drafts of song lyrics, as well as footage of the artist on TV screens.
The museum shop sells various memorabilia related to Johnny Cash, and the café located here offers delicious snacks accompanied by famous songs.
Admission is $21.95, $20.95 for seniors, and $17.95 for children under 15. Admission is free for children under 5.