In making this album, Cash was introduced to a whole new generation of music fans, who clamored for more. For almost a decade, Cash and Rubin would produce a series of albums which brought Cash together with such diverse performers as rocker Tom Petty and Bono of U2 (Turner). Through all of these projects, one common denominator existed- no matter how famous each of the newer artists may have been, they were all in awe of the Man in Black, and he was energized by the new challenges and popularity that he enjoyed. As the 1990s sped toward the new millennium, Cash faced another set of health problems, including diabetes and Parkinson's disease. The latter would eventually bring Cash's live performance days to an end, but he continued to record with Rubin nonetheless. Sadly, when June passed away in 2003, the physical demise of the Man in Black was swift and final.

Only a few months after June's death, Johnny joined her, passing away himself on September 12, 2003, leaving behind millions of saddened fans, children and grandchildren who loved him dearly, and a musical and cultural legacy, the likes of which may never be seen again.

Conclusion

Rather, what one must do in fairness is admit that Cash is an American icon whose influence on music continues to this day and whose legend continues to grow with each passing year. What Cash represented was not only an American success story, but also a man who befriended prophets and prisoners, struggled with his own demons, and proved that anything is possible.
Works Cited

Carnes, Mark, ed. Invisible Giants: Fifty Americans Who Shaped the Nation but Missed the History Books. New York: Oxford University Press, 2003.

Cash, John R. with Carr, Patrick. Cash the Autobiography. New York: Harper Collins, 1998.

Cash, Vivian. I Walked the Line: My Life with Johnny Cash. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2007.

Streissguth, Michael. Johnny Cash -- the Biography. Cambrige, MA: DaCapo Press, 2006.

Turner, Steve. The Man Called Cash- the Life, Love and Faith of an American Legend. Chicago: Nelson, 2007.

Johnny Cash