Johnny Cash and the Paradox of American Identity

Throughout his career, Johnny Cash has been depicted — and has depictedhimself — as a walking contradiction: social protestor and establishment patriot, drugged wildman and devout Christian crusader, rebel outlaw hillbilly thug and elderstatesman. Leigh H. Edwards explores the allure of this paradoxical image and itscultural significance. She argues that Cash embodies irresolvable contradictions ofAmerican identity that reflect foundational issues in the American experience, suchas the tensions between freedom and patriotism, individual rights and nationalism, the sacred and the profane. She illustrates how this model of ambivalence is a vitalparadigm for American popular music, and for American identity in general. Makinguse of sources such as Cash's autobiographies, lyrics, music, liner notes, andinterviews, Edwards pays equal attention to depictions of Cash by others, such asVivian Cash's publication of his letters to her, documentaries and music journalismabout him, Walk the Line, and fan club materials found in the archives at theCountry Music Foundation in Nashville, to create a full portrait of Cash and hissignificance as a cultural icon.