June Carter Cash, More than the Wife of Johnny Cash

Today marks Johnny Cash‘s better half’s sixteenth death anniversary. June Carter Cash is more than Johnny’s wife. She had a wonderful voice that also made her known in the world of country music. In addition, June was a well-known songwriter. Let’s take a look at who June was as an artist.

June Carter Cash, The Artist

June was born on June 23, 1929, in Maces Spring, Virginia. She was born from a family who had been playing music since then. Hence at a young age, she already began performing. June’s career started by singing with her family. It was there that she built her career in country music. However, June was not only known for her remarkable talent as a singer. She was also born a comedian. June had her comedy show every time her family’s on tour. If you haven’t watched June crack some joke, well you better do, folks. She’s a natural-born comedian indeed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es3L_lijiYY&t=75s

Her Albums and Awards

Despite being known for the songs she recorded with Johnny, June had also released albums as a solo artist. Press On was her second solo album. She was able to win her first Grammy award. Included in this album of her’s was her version of “Ring of Fire.” June went on to release eight more albums, wherein six of which were posthumously released. Her album Wildwood Flower also won two Grammy awards in 2004.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbsU2UhWsJQ

“Ring of Fire,” a Song Co-written by June

“Ring of Fire” was a song co-written by June with Merle Kilgore. The song was inspired by her relationship with Johnny. This became a hit for both Johnny and June because it has been one of the famously known country songs of all time. The first recording of this song was by Anita Carter, June’s sister. When the song failed to succeed, Johnny took it and made his own arrangement. With the help of the Carter family as the backup vocals, Johnny’s rendition rose to the top of the country chart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It7107ELQvY

Duets with Johnny Cash

Most of the popular singles of June were duets with her husband. Some of them entered the top ten of the country chart (“It Ain’t Me Babe,” “Jackson,” and “If I were a Carpenter”).

Death

It was on May 15, 2003, when June took her last breath. She died at the age of 73 due to complications from heart valve replacement surgery. A few months after her death, her husband followed her. We can all agree that Johnny truly loved June until his very last breath.