September 16, 2003

A Tribute to the Legacy of Johnny Cash in Word and Song

ENDERSONVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 15 — Johnny Cash, country music's Man in Black, was laid to rest in a jet-black coffin today, exactly four months after the death of his wife, June Carter Cash. In a two-hour private ceremony that was closed to the general public and television cameras at Mr. Cash's own church, the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, preachers, country stars, family members and former Vice President Al Gore paid tribute to Mr. Cash's music and legacy in word and song.

A public memorial service is planned for sometime later this week. Mr. Cash, who died on Friday in Nashville at 71, was depicted today as a man of genius but also of many contradictions, of unending compassion and of tremendous Christian faith.

"Johnny Cash was the champion of the voiceless, the underdogs and the downtrodden. He was also something of a holy terror, like Abraham Lincoln with a wild side," said the singer, songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson. "He represented the best of America."

At one point the microphone Mr. Kristofferson was speaking in cut out and then fed back. "Johnny, I know that was you," Mr. Kristofferson said with a grin, pointing to the heavens.

"I wasn't Johnny Cash's closest friend, but I can speak for millions he made feel like he was their closest friend," Mr. Gore said. "At long last, he is far from Folsom Prison, where he wants to stay."

The Rev. Dr. Billy Graham, at whose revival meetings Mr. Cash and his wife often performed, was unable to attend because he was in the Mayo Clinic, but he sent a message that was read by his son, Dr. Franklin Graham.

"Johnny was a legend. He was also a good man who struggled. He was also a deeply religious man," the elder Dr. Graham's message said. "I look forward to seeing Johnny and June in heaven one day."

A video tribute included Mr. Cash's duets with Bob Dylan in Nashville, and even a hilarious television clip of him introducing Elton John while wearing bizarre glasses and a feathered outfit that Mr. John might have worn himself. At several points during the service, the congregation applauded and laughed.

Mr. Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris all performed songs for the several hundred invited guests, which included family, music industry colleagues and reporters. Willie Nelson was one of the honorary pallbearers.

"Johnny Cash was the most dynamic person I've ever met," said his longtime manager, Lou Robin. Mr. Cash's daughter Rosanne said, "He was the stuff of dreams."