Johnny Cash was mainly known for his singing career, his most famous songs were country. During his concerts and while on tour, Cash became involved in doing dangerous substances. He abused barbiturates, amphetamines, and alcohol. This caused him to have to cancel shows and he even lost his first wife due to his habits.

Johnny Cash first became addicted to barbiturates in the early 1960’s

This caused his life to spiral out of control

According to Cash he, “Tried every drug there was to try”

Johnny became dependent on drugs and started using them constantly which caused destructive behavior.

http://www.tryi.com/drugsearch/druginfo/images/BAR.jpg

A spiritual epiphany occurred in the Nickajack Cave in 1968

Johnny Cash had this epiphany after attempting suicide in the cave while under the heavy influence of drugs

After the event Cash became a Christian and although he admitted to be “the biggest sinner of all” he still wanted to get better and stay sober.

Barbiturates are extremely addictive substances so although Johnny Cash quit in 1968, he relapsed into the world of drugs in 1983

The reasoning for the repeat of dependency was because doctors gave cash painkillers after a very serious abdominal injury caused by an ostrich from his farm kicking him.

He was able to quit again and from then on, Cash swore to never do drugs again.

This vow was not easy because Cash had to undergo a double bypass surgery but he refused to take painkillers

This caused Johnny to have a near-death experience, he claims to have gone to heaven during this time. He also admits he was not happy to have to come back to Earth.

Born February 26, 1932

First Marriage to Vivian Liberto1954

Started Drug Usage

Early 1960’s

Divorce 1966

Second Marriage to June Carter

March 1, 1968

Spiritual Epiphany

(Quits Drugs)1968

Relapse

1983

No more painkillers (even

after surgery)

1988

DeathSeptemb

er 12, 2003

J.R. “Johnny” Cash died on September 12, 2003 from diabetes complications.

These complications lead to respiratory failure

He had been hospitalized at the Baptist Hospital in Nashville.

Cash died just four months after his wife (June Carter). She had sung with Johnny in many concerts and she told him to keep going after she died.

While Johnny Cash did continue his career after his death he still died soon after her, he had been hoping to see both his older brother (who died in a mill saw accident) and June in Heaven.

Hopefully he got his wish. As far as we know, Johnny Cash died a

sober man.

Video