by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Singer, songwriter, activist and Arkansas native Johnny Cash is now represented in the halls of the U.S. Capitol.

A statue of Cash, who was born in Kingsland, Ark., and spent his childhood in Dyess in the Arkansas Delta, was unveiled Tuesday (Sept. 24) in Emancipation Hall at the national capitol complex. Arkansas’ Congressional delegation and Gov. Sarah Sanders joined other dignitaries and artist Kevin Kresse of Little Rock in revealing the 8-foot tall sculpture.

Cash is the first musician in history to be included in the National Statuary Hall Collection and his statue is one of two honoring Arkansas icons. Civil rights pioneer Daisy Bates, whose sculpture was unveiled earlier this year, also represents the state.

Johnny Cash statue unveiled at U.S. Capitol

A statue of Arkansas-native Johnny Cash was unveiled Tuesday (Sept. 24) in the U.S. Capitol.

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 7180, legislation sponsored by Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) to designate the post office in Kingsland, Arkansas, as the “Kingsland ‘Johnny Cash’ Post Office.” Westerman released the following statement:

“The unanimous passage of this bill is a testament to the legacy Johnny Cash left behind through service to his country, his iconic music, and the deep impact he and his family have had on the Natural State.”

BACKGROUND:

On February 26, 1932, Johnny Cash was born in Kingsland, Arkansas.
From humble beginnings, Cash grew up working in cotton fields in Northeast Arkansas with his family.
His journey with performing started with high school assemblies and on KLCN, a local Arkansas classic radio station.
Cash joined the U.S. Air Force in 1950 and served in Germany for four years, where he wrote his hit classics, “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Hey Porter.”
Following his service, Cash settled in Memphis to pursue his music career but never forgot his roots in Arkansas.
Thirty years ago, in 1994, Johnny and his wife June, son John, and all his then-living siblings attended the Kingsland Post Office dedication. With nearly 3,000 people in attendance, they performed the song “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.” Cash closed by saying, “This has probably been the best day of my life. I love you, and I love Kingsland.”
This fall, a statue of Johnny Cash will be unveiled in the U.S. Capitol building.