Probably the closest relatives of Johnny Cash we know who also excel in the country music world are his wife, June Carter, and children Rosanne Cash and John Carter Cash. But did you know that he has a younger brother named Tommy Cash who also made his own name in Nashville music industry? How did this guy manage to do such despite living in his older brother’s shadow? Did he also make hits of his own and push it to the charts? And, where is Tommy Cash now?
Who is Tommy Cash?
Born in Dyess, Arkansas in 1940. Tommy is one of Johnny’s five siblings. He also displayed interest in music at a young age and even formed his own band in high school. He was enlisted in the army after graduating from high school. At that time, Johnny was in the Air Force. While in the Army, Tommy became a disc jockey for the American Forbes Radio Network. He focused on making music as soon as he completed his military service.
Tommy’s Musical Journey
It was in 1965 when he earned his first record. However, it took him four years before attaining his big career break with the release of his song “Six White Roses.” The song was a tribute to three notable figures who had been victims of assassination, namely John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert Kennedy.
Tommy went on to earn two more Top 10 hits in 1970. These were “One Song Away” and “Rise and Shine” which were written by Chet Akins. Did you know that Tommy also toured with legendary country singers such as Connie Smith and George Jones? Yes, he did. Despite the fact that his biggest hit never equaled the success reached by his brother’s most famous records such as “Ring of Fire” and “Folsom Prison Blues.”
Tommy’s Relationship with Brother Johnny
Johnny’s drug addiction and depression made his relationship with his brother Tommy challenging at times. But Tommy has proven his being a good Christian by never leaving his brother’s side. They even had performances together. Tommy also never forgets to honor his brother during concerts. In 2008, he released an album called Shades of Black which includes the tribute song to his brother, “My Brother Johnny Cash.”
For You
Present-day Life
Shop Johnny Cash
- The Essential Johnny CashVinylWith “I Walk the Line” and “Big River”See it on Amazon
- At Folsom PrisonVinylHis 1968 live album, recorded at Folsom State PrisonSee it on Amazon
- Cash: The AutobiographyBookHis autobiographySee it on Amazon
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Currently, Tommy is serving as a licensed realtor in Tennessee. He’s into selling “Music City.” He continues to record and tour while managing his brother’s legacy. In an interview with CMT back in 2005, Tommy shared some words about his brother and wife June’s compassion toward their fans.
“When John was in good health, he and June would go out to the gates and say hello to the fans and sometimes even get up on the tour buses out there.”
Tommy made a recent appearance as a guest on CMT’s Sun Records.
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