Nashville News Roundup - Week Ending 1-9-2015

Little Jimmy Dickens - Grand Ole Opry Archives

You can hear me live on two radio stations here in Kentucky for the Nashville News Roundup on Friday mornings.  I try to give you a little piece of news, some history, and a download of the week to check out.  Tune in at 8:15 am on WKFC and 9:20 AM on WFKY.

If you are a station that would like to broadcast this segment, feel free to contact me.

Remembering Little Jimmy Dickens

Yesterday, friends and family paid their respects to honor Little Jimmy Dickens, who passed away on January 2nd due to cardiac arrest from having a stroke on Christmas Day.  He will be remembered for his kindness towards others, as well as his comical wit.  He had a #1 hit song that also hit the pop charts with May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose.

"He was exactly the size we needed him to be," Brad Paisley said. "I, for one, don't want to live in a world of Big Jim Dickens. Let's celebrate the most remarkable life that anyone in this format has ever lived."

Check out The Tennessean newspaper's exclusive coverage of the celebration of life of Little Jimmy Dickens by clicking here.  

Charlie Daniels Shooting the Breeze

Charlie Daniels takes to The National Rifle Association's third season of NRA All Access on The Outdoor Channel to shed light on his die hard passion for guns and rifles, and why he's so committed to protecting America's right to bear arms. Highly noted for his multiple chart-topping hits and stand-out instrumental talent that has catapulted him into international stardom, it's no secret Daniels is also an enthusiastic outdoorsman and longtime friend of the NRA. Tune in this Friday, January 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET to watch

Awesome Possum Fact of the Week: On this date in 1960, Patsy Cline becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Handpicked Download of the Week: Craig Wayne Boyd - My Baby's Got a Smile On Her Face

Remembering Little Jimmy Dickens

My Grand Ole Opry Memory - Meeting Little Jimmy Dickens

Yesterday, not just country music, but the music community as a whole lost a legend.  It is without a doubt that a lot of folks can share their own story or two of Little Jimmy Dickens.  The Grand Ole Opry star passed away at the age of 94 years old.  I have been a fan of his for many years and was fortunate to have met him.

The first time I saw Little Jimmy Dickens, I was on the front row and center of the Grand Ole Opry House for an Opry performance in 2005.  I remember him looking down and waving at me.  Yep, I had to giggle because I'm sure he was waving at someone else, but for that moment I said "Little Jimmy just waved at me!"

Little Jimmy Dickens in 2005 at the Grand Ole Opry - By Jessica Blankenship

On down the years, while visiting Nashville, I always took time to do a tour of the Opry House and take a photo of his dressing room door.  In 2011, my pal, Sunny Sweeney, invited me to be her guest for one of her performances.  I told her I would come, but only if I got to meet Little Jimmy Dickens.  Needless to say, she made it happen.  Right after her performance, we walked the halls backstage and she knocked on his door politely.  Little Jimmy Dickens gave her a hug and she said that she wanted to introduce him to a friend of hers.  I stood there absolutely speechless and for once in my life (besides meeting Dolly Parton), I had no words.  I was like a kid standing there in amazement.

Meeting Little Jimmy Dickens backstage at the Grand Ole Opry

I finally blubbered, "In all my 30 years, my only new years resolution was to meet you.  And now that dream has come true and I don't know what to do!"  He cracked up and said "well bless your heart darlin'."  Yes, Little Jimmy Dickens called me darlin'. He gave me a hug and here I was trying to compose myself and not sound like an idiot.  He asked where I was from, how did I know Sunny, and a few other things.  I let him know that I was just so thrilled to meet him. Thankfully one of my buddies had my camera and took a few photos.

We said our goodbyes and I was still on cloud 9.  At another performance of Sunny Sweeney at the Opry, we thought we would catch him, but he was heading down the hallway leaving.  I remember standing there telling her that it looked like Little Jimmy Dickens took off his country music super hero outfit of rhinestones and is now off to face the world in his plain jacket, dress shirt, and jeans.

Little Jimmy Dickens - by Jessica Blankenship

I will never forget the time my mom told me about meeting Little Jimmy Dickens.  A while back, we had an "amusement park" type deal called Tombstone Junction, just past Cumberland Falls in Corbin, KY.  A lot of entertainers would perform, from Conway Twitty to Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash.  My mom was helping out a relative sell fruit and veggies at a roadside stand on the way to Tombstone Junction.  She said that a bus pulled up one afternoon and here comes Little Jimmy Dickens off the bus.  He ends up buying a watermelon off of her.  I still crack up thinking that my momma sold a watermelon to Little Jimmy Dickens.

We will all remember his jokes, his laughter, his stories, his music, but most of all, his kindness.  Little Jimmy Dickens outlived so many in the country music world - from Hank Williams to Patsy Cline to Waylon Jennings to Johnny Cash to George Jones.  In fact, Hank Williams, Sr. was the one that gave him the nickname of "Tater."  Little Jimmy's impact on the music community will be felt for a long time and will be dearly missed on the Grand Ole Opry.

Rest in peace Little Jimmy Dickens.  

Reflecting on 2014 in country music and other matters

Hank 3 - By Jessica Blankenship

I honestly cannot believe that it is towards the end of 2014.  It has been a good year to say the least, both professionally and personally.  I have slowed down when it comes to going to concerts (I was use to going to over 40).  I was chair of the Cruisin' On Main car show here in London, Kentucky, my hometown.  That was quite an adventure, but a fun one.  I also ended up with several trips to Nashville this year for various reasons.  I joked and said that I should take up songwriting or something while I'm down there.

Some of my personal highlights of 2014 include:

• Interviewing Marty Stuart over his country music historical collection.  I even joked and asked him how does he maintain such wonderful hair.  Read that interview here.
• Seeing Sturgill Simpson captivate a room of less than 30 people at the Zanzabar in Louisville in April.  Read my recap here. It wouldn't be a month later that he is up on stage at major festivals, garnering attention of critics and music fans who proclaim that he is what country music needs.  There isn't a late night tv show that he hasn't played on (I think - need to check).  It was neat getting to talk to him as I lived in Versailles and we had several mutual friends.
• Sitting on the front row of the Ryman Auditorium during the Grand Ole Opry.  I've sat at the Grand Ole Opry House many times for the Opry.  I have been to the Ryman for other shows, but never for the Opry.  My favorite vocal group, the Oak Ridge Boys, played that night, along with Chris Janson and Lynn Anderson.  What a memorable night.
• Speaking of the Oak Ridge Boys - what a complete honor for them to mention me and my writing during their performance at Renfro Valley.  They also took the time to recognize my pal, John Herndon and his mother who was in attendance.  Go see the Oak Ridge Boys - they are WONDERFUL to see live.
• Bucket List item fulfilled - interview Hank 3.  It was one of those conversations that I had to pinch myself.  We talked over the phone for an hour and then later on, I got to meet him at his concert at Mercury Ballroom in Louisville.  Hands down, the most humble performer in the music industry and one of the nicest.  His 4 hour concert is for the pure music fan that likes country and rock.
• Being invited back to do red carpet coverage of the Unbridled Eve Derby Eve Party
• Meeting Loretta Lynn at the Loretta Lynn Ranch. Read about that here.
• Attending the WSM 89th Birthday Bash at the Grand Ole Opry.
• Seeing my friend Craig Wayne Boyd on The Voice.  He has worked for many years for success and there are a lot of folks behind him no matter what happens.

Sadly, there were several that we lost in the music industry.  One of those was my friend, James Alan Shelton, who passed away from cancer.  He was a sideman for Ralph Stanley, as well as helped manage Ralph's stuff.  I met him over a decade ago as I was a college student doing research on Ralph.  We stayed in touch over the years.  He is definitely missed.

Last week, I posted an article on Examiner about the success of country music from Kentucky.  Be sure to check out that article here. 

It will be interesting to see what 2015 will bring.  I look forward to it. Stay tune for more adventures out on the road.  Many thanks for your support.  Be sure to "like" my page over at Facebook for more Kentucky music history facts and links.

Birthday of a Legend - Hank Williams

Hank Williams, Sr.

Born on this date in 1923 in Mt. Olive, Alabama, was the lonesome drifter, the one with soul, sorrow, and the one that many consider a legend.  Hank Williams, Sr. was born on September 17, 1923.  He would be considered to be one of the earliest country music stars back in the day.  To this day, his music lives on in the hearts of country music fans.

Hank Williams son, Hank Williams, Jr., otherwise known as Bocephus, carried on the family tradition.  His son, Hank Williams, III, or simply known as III or 3, shares a striking resemblance in both looks and vocals of his late grandfather.

Looking at the many works of Hank Williams, he was a poet, a songwriter, a writer of many simple words that yet, put together, brings out a new meaning of things in life.

Who would have thought that a young man would write songs like "I Saw the Light," as well as "Hey, Good Lookin," and "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive."

So much has been said and written about the legend.  He was let go from the Grand Ole Opry, but yet for years they would talk about him during tours and use his image.  Sadly, they updated their tours and Hank Williams is no longer mentioned in their videos or from the tour guides.  It is as if he never existed.

Hank Williams is, however, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.  The museum featured the entire Williams Family Legacy in a special exhibit a few years ago that was personally beyond amazing with all of the details of the entire Williams family.

Hank Williams has got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as well as membership into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Music Hall of Fame, Native American Music Hall of Fame, Recording Academy Grammy Hall of Fame (Lovesick Blues), and a Pulitzer Prize Board Citation.

Before all of the lights, smoke, and theatrics of concerts these days there was Hank Williams who could capture an audience by his vocals.  Sadly we lost the legend at the young age of 29 years old in 1953.  Imagine how many more songs would have been written without this huge loss in music.

Be sure to subscribe to read more of Jessica's personal stories, interviews, and photos in country music.  You can also check us out on Facebook.

Happy Birthday Possum

George Jones - Billboard Magazine

There is one thing about it - there will only be one George Jones.  On September 12, 1931, George Glen Jones was born in Saratoga, Texas.  So much has been written about the man, the myth, the legend that is of the country music singer over the years.  Last year, the distinctive vocals of Jones were silenced with his passing.  Check out my tribute on Examiner.com on George Jones here.

I have been fortunate to have seen George Jones play several times over the years while growing up.  

On Saturday, September 13th, the family of George Jones will be having a balloon release at his grave site at 1:00 p.m. Central Time.

Today, I plan on cranking up George Jones here in my office in celebration of his birthday.  From "Bartenders Blues" to "Golden Ring" to "I Don't Need Your Rocking Chair" to so many more songs, there is something for everyone.

Be sure to subscribe to read more of Jessica's personal stories, interviews, and photos in country music.  You can also check us out on Facebook.

Remembering country music legend Vern Gosdin

80 years ago today, Vern Gosdin was born in Woodland, Alabama. He would be known for his nickname "The Voice" as he had a distinguishable vocals when he sang.  You believed the sorrow that he sang and the lonesome soul.

Vern Gosdin grew up singing in church and would sing on the Birmingham station WVOK with his brothers.  He formed the Gosdin Brothers with his brother Rex.  They would hit the charts in the 60s before retiring in the 1970s.  His first top 10 hit would be "Yesterday's Gone" with the harmony vocals of Emmylou Harris.

Gosdin would make a comeback with hit songs, "Dream of Me," "Today My World Slipped Away," "If You're Gonna Do Me Wrong (Do It Right)," and "Way Down Deep."

At the age of 50 years old in 1984, Vern Gosdin would gain his first number one hit with "I Can Tell By the Way You Dance (You're Gonna Love Me Tonight)."  He gained more successful tunes with "Do You Believe Me Now," and "Set 'Em Up Joe."

In 1989, Vern Gosdin and Max D. Barnes won Song of the Year from the CMA for "Chiseled in Stone."

The Voice was silenced on April 28, 2009, at the age of 74, due to a stroke.  However, his music and legacy lives on among fans of traditional country music.

I do believe Vern Gosdin has earned his spot into the Country Music Hall of Fame.  I hope that one day that he will be featured among other legendary artists in the field of country music.

Funds needed for Grandpa Jones Historic Marker

Grandpa Jones - from The Tennessean

One of the most recognizable characters of Hee Haw and the Grand Ole Opry was Grandpa Jones.  The Kentucky native's real name was Louis Marshall Jones, but was well known as Grandpa Jones.  He was a banjo player and loved to play old time country music and ballads.

After being discharged from the Army during World War II, Grandpa Jones would move to Nashville and begin playing on the Grand Ole Opry.  He would marry Ramona Riggins in 1946.  He would be famous for his songs, "Mountain Dew," "Night Train to Memphis," and "T is For Texas."  He wrote "Eight more Miles to Louisville," which has become popular in bluegrass music.

Grandpa Jones would start appearing on Hee Haw, the popular television show that is still broadcasted in repeat on RFD-TV.  One of the many skits he did including the "Hey Grandpa, what's for supper?"

Grandpa Jones was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, as well as the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.  

In 1998, he suffered two strokes after performing a the Grand Ole Opry.  He would pass away on February 19, 1998 in Hermitage, Tennessee, at the age of 84.  He is buried in the Luton Memorial Methodist Church cemetery in Goodlettsville.

The Henderson County Historical and Genealogical Society have received approval from the Kentucky Historical Society to place a historic marker to honor Grandpa Jones at his western Kentucky birthplace in the Niagara community in Henderson County.  However, they are running short of their goal of $2500.  At this point, they have raised $700.

You can help by donating to the cause.  Donations can be sent to:

Henderson County Historical Society

PO BOX 303

Henderson, KY 42419

(502) 546-7778

Be sure to check out this great tribute that The Tennessean newspaper did on Grandpa Jones in 2013, what would have been his 100th birthday.

Alan Jackson 25th Anniversary Plans

This morning Alan Jackson announced that he is doing a major tour in 2015 for his 25th anniversary in country music.  The Country Music Hall of Fame will have a special Alan Jackson exhibit to open August 29th. They will also host the artist in residence program at the Country Music Hall of Fame on October 8 and October 22 at the Hall of Fame.

During the broadcast on his website, you could send out tweets and they would post them on the website, as well as there at the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Needless to say, I took advantage of it. You can see my tweetbombs on the screen behind Mike Duncan and the other guy. ;)

I have lost count how many times I've seen him in concert. From the KY State Fair to the Corbin Arena to Rupp Arena to a little all over.  I remember during "Where I Come From" they showed clips of around town and they had a clip of my ole truck with John Deere stickers all on the back rolling through Lexington. 

Out of all of the songs he's done, I have to say the tune that Erin Enderlin penned, "Monday Morning Church" is one of my favorites.  This is what country music is about.

Like what you read? Be sure to check me out on Facebook & Twitter.

Way Out Here with Josh Thompson

Josh Thompson at WFKY Froggy Field Party in 2010. Photo by Jessica Blankenship

The month of May I seem to want to shut off from the world ever since 2010.  It would be the month my nephews & niece would be forced to celebrate Mother's Day without their mom.  It would be the month she should be blowing out the candles of her birthday cake.  It would be the month I should be celebrating my wedding anniversary.  However, instead of being a month of celebrations, it would be a month of memories.  Some good, some bad.  In 2010, my sister in law passed away the first of June.  I would also get a divorce.  Last May, we lost my grandma.

Not only do we have the memories, we also have the songs that keep us going.  You know of songs in your personal life that take you back or help you get through the hard times.  Two songs come to mind.  First would be The Band Perry's "If I Die Young."  I remember my sister in law being the one to tell me about the song just a week before her passing.  I remember her saying that it was a powerful song that she knows will go to #1.  In May of 2011 a year later the Band Perry would be certified Platinum for that song.

The other song would be Josh Thompson's "Way Out Here."  It was the one song that while traveling with my nephews they would sing.  It described our family.

We won't take a dime if we ain't earned it

When it comes to weight brother we pull our own

If it's our backwoods way of livin' you're concerned with

You can leave us alone

We're about John Wayne, Johnny Cash and John Deere

Way out here

In July 2010, Josh Thompson would play at the WFKY Froggy Field Party.  I was honored to be able to sit down and have a conversation with Josh.  I had interviewed him before, but this time was different.  I rarely share my personal stories of a song with a songwriter.  But this time was different and I was able to thank him for that song.  It is one of those conversations and his kind words that made me a life long fan of his music.

Friday night, Josh Thompson will be playing at 4th Street Live in Louisville and I'll definitely be there.  Next week marks 4 years since we lost my sister in law. Thankfully we have good memories, as well as good music to help us get through the hard times.

Like what you read? Be sure to check me out on Facebook & Twitter.

Remember two country music singers today

Today has been a somber day when thinking of two country music singers gone way too early in their lives.  Today marks the 25th anniversary of the day that Keith Whitley died.  I wrote an article on Examiner.com in regards to his impact even today.  I find myself singing his songs all the time.  One of my bucket list items is to make a trip over to Sandy Hook, Kentucky, and see the small town nestled in the mountains of eastern Kentucky.

Here is my article on Examiner.

Today I also found out that they finally announced a jury trial date for Chris Ferrell.  He is the guy that murdered Wayne Mills, one of my friends that was killed last November.  The jury trial date is set for November 17, 2014, almost a year since Wayne Mills was murdered.  I just hope for justice to be served and comfort for Wayne's wife and son.  It will be an interesting trial to watch.  Stay tune and I will post whenever I hear updates on the case.

Both Keith Whitley and Wayne Mills left this world way too soon.  I can only imagine the honky tonk up in heaven playing their songs.  If anything - keep the music and memories alive for future generations to know about these two great singer-songwriters.

There's a Stranger in My House

Jo Walker Meader Former CMA executive director, Synciated Radio host Kix Brooks, CMHOF Members Mac Wiseman, Ronnie Milsap, Bobby Bare and Singer/Songwriter Hunter Hayes attend the 2014 Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductees Announcement at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on April 22, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

When you think of Ronnie Milsap, you cannot help but start singing "Smoky Mountain Rain," or perhaps "There's a Stranger in My House."  He was the definition of cool.  He was a crossover sensation and to this day, folks still love his music.  He is still performing to this day.  One thing even cooler, he never let his blindness take away from his wonderful performances.  Hunter Hayes, who is becoming very popular in country music, said that Ronnie Milsap was one of his idols.

Yesterday, Hunter got to announce that Ronnie Milsap will no longer be a stranger in the house of country music.  Ronnie Milsap was named as one of the inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame.  A lot of fans were pulling for this nomination and were elated to hear of the news.

Hank Cochran was also named as an inductee in the songwriter category.  It would take more than a few lines to describe the impact that Cochran has made into the music community.  Patsy Cline would shape the sound of country music with Cochran's hit songs 'I Fall to Pieces' and 'She's Got You.'  Ray Price would croon away on 'Make the World Go Away.'  Vern Gosdin would pick up the pace with 'This Ain't My First Rodeo.'  If there was a lying, cheating, country heartache song, it is a sure bet that Hank Cochran wrote it.

Mac Wiseman was named in the veteran's era category.  This was a shock for quite a few, but well deserving.  He would have a Kentucky connection, having played with Molly O'Day, as well as for Bill Monroe.  His first solo effort, 'Tis Sweet to be Remembered' helped me gain popularity with his solo career.  He would run the country division of Dot Records and helped co-found the Country Music Association.

Three legendary performers will now be able to call the Country Music Hall of Fame their home.  Click out my article on Examiner here with a little more insight of the ceremonies.

If you like what you read, head over to Facebook and Twitter to show me some love.

Handmade With Love

During a visit to Nashville a month ago, I stopped by shop of Manuel, the clothing designer who has outfitted a lot of folks from Johnny Cash to Dwight Yoakam to Porter Wagoner to Little Jimmy Dickens and more. If you have seen the Marty Stuart Show, you've seen his designs on Marty and his Fabulous Superlatives.  Zac Brown recently wore a really cool outfit of his on the CMA Awards when he played with Dave Mathews.  Many country music artists, as well as rock artists wear his designs.

Mr. Gnome Visits Manuel

I walked in and was just in amazement with the items throughout the store.  I had an idea in mind while I traveled to Nashville.  However, I didn't know if it was feasible and what it would cost.  I saw various scarves on display, but nothing came at me.

The young girl behind the counter and I struck up a conversation.  I told her that I was looking to do a special scarf.  I heard a voice through a curtain in the background and it was the man himself, Manuel.  He and his sons were working away on their sewing machines creating all kinds of beautiful creations.

I told him and the young girl the story behind why I wanted the scarf.  My sister in law, Karin, passed away 4 years ago this June.  I wanted to have something special, unique, and one of a kind in her memory.  What he designed and handmade is beyond the beauty of my imagination.

Today, the scarf was delivered to me.  As I opened up the package, I was in utter amazement at the craftsmanship and details.

The scarf is pure black silk with a butterfly, flowers, and rhinestones.

Karin loved the color pink, especially fuchsia pink...aka "Dolly Parton Pink" as we would call it.  She would wear that particular color of lipstick too.  She also loved butterflies, so needless to say, it was fitting to have a pink butterfly on one side of the scarf.

The other side has four flowers on a vine.  One of the flowers is pink, for my niece, and the other three are blue, for my 3 nephews.

There are also rhinestones embellished on both sides of the scarf.  Then I glanced up to the label and was in shock to see my name hand sewn on the label.  It is something I will cherish forever.

Be sure to head over to Manuel's website at www.manuelcouture.com.  You will see the other designs he has done, as well as celebrities he has outfitted over the years. 

One of a kind and unique.  Live. Laugh. Love.

Country music & Bluegrass music icons going postal

Today, the website for Tammy Wynette, the Queen of Country Music, revealed that she is one of several music icons that will be honored with an upcoming U.S. postage stamp.  Wynette joins the Father of Bluegrass Music, Bill Monroe, as well as Roy Orbison, Sam Cooke, and other music icons that are planned to have their own postage stamp.

Get the full details here.

Being a fan of both Tammy and Bill Monroe, this is exciting news.  I wish they had done the Monroe stamp back when it was his 100th birthday celebration.  Nevertheless, it is long overdue.

Johnny Cash - She Used to Love Me A Lot

There will never be a timeless voice like that of Johnny Cash.  Here is the music video for She Used To Love Me A Lot.  It is one of the haunting songs featured on the new album, "Out Among The Stars," available on March 25, 2014.

If you get the chance, make the trip to Nashville and see the Johnny Cash Museum.  I've written about my adventures of the museum here and here.

The Road to Waylon Jennings

A vagabond dreamer, a rhymer and singer of songs
Singing to no one and nowhere to really belong

I have been a fan of Waylon Jennings for quite some time.  There is something about his vocals, his swagger, his guitar playing, and the lyrics that makes anyone a fan of his.  This past week I was in Nashville for a few days and decided to do some exploring around town.

Then I remember the one place I've heard about, listened to it being sung in songs, and yet never knew where it was.  That place was Waylon Jennings Office and studio.  You might recall hearing about it during his song, "Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit Done Got Out of Hand."

We were wrapped up in our music, that's why we never saw,
The cars pull up, the boys get out and the room fill up with law.
They came pounding through the back door in the middle of the song.
They got me for possession of something that was gone, long gone.

Nestled along the manicured lawns of offices and houses along Music Row on 17th Avenue South, there it sits.  The simple off-white/tan brick home that once was the home of Waylon Jennings office and studio. Correction: According to Waylon's son, Buddy, this house was actually the home of Road Inc.  The grey house to the left in the photo below was the home of Waylon's studio & office.

Waylon Jennings Office...to the right - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

 On the left side of the house, hidden away somewhat is the infamous flying W Waylon emblem above a stain glass window.

 Photo by Jessica Blankenship

Waylon Jennings Emblem - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

Waylon Jennings Emblem - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

Waylon Jennings Emblem - Photo by Jessica Blankenship

As a Waylon fan, you can't help but smile thinking about all the great memories that those walls hold inside of them.  

A love like Johnny and June

This past Wednesday would have been Johnny Cash's birthday.  On March 1, 1968, Johnny married June Carter at the Methodist Church in Franklin, Kentucky. Carter's "Ring Of Fire" co-writer Merle Kilgore was best man.

While in Nashville this week, I took time to stop by the Johnny Cash Museum on Johnny Cash's birthday.  It is always a treat to go and visit the crew there while in town.  Something that I didn't know was that Johnny Cash was a member of the Future Farmers of America.  Having been a member of the FFA and American Farmer Degree recipient, I was giddy upon seeing his FFA Membership card in the museum.



Johnny Cash FFA Membership Card - Photo by Jessica Blankenship



As you walk down the memories, you also see quite a bit of memorabilia of Johnny Cash and the Cash Family.  I'll be sharing some of those photos in upcoming weeks, so stay tune for those stories.  For now, we shall all want a love like Johnny and June as no matter what, they stuck it out until death done them part.

Photos and Marriage License of Johnny Cash and June Carter - photo by Jessica Blankenship

Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash Marriage License - photo by Jessica Blankenship

Poem that Johnny Cash wrote the day of June's funeral - photo by Jessica Blankenship

Ever since the last time I visited the Johnny Cash Museum, I wanted to own a piece of memorabilia.  I was tickled to death to see this piece of jewelry made by Johnny's daughter, Tara Cash.  I always guard my heart after so much loss in the past.  Needless to say, it is an honor to have a piece of Cash history.