The legendary singer-songwriter Johnny Cash has become the first musician to be honored with a statue in the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall Collection in Washington, D.C. This recognition came after a bill was signed to replace statues of two controversial figures in Arkansas history with those of Cash and civil rights icon Daisy Gaston Bates. The unveiling ceremony for the statue of Cash, sculpted by North Little Rock artist Kevin Kresse, was a joyous occasion with speeches from various individuals, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Cash’s great nephew Carey Cash who gave an invocation.
The event also featured reflections on Cash’s life and legacy, highlighting his humble beginnings in the Dyess Colony in Arkansas, tragic losses in his family, and his ability to connect with everyday Americans through his music. The speakers emphasized how Cash used his platform to give a voice to the marginalized and forgotten, singing about a diverse range of topics including factory line workers, troops, Native Americans, farmers, and prisoners.
The unveiling of the statue was a poignant moment, with Cash’s sister Joanne running her fingers over the sculpture in a touching gesture. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders shared personal memories of Cash’s influence on her musical family, while Rosanne Cash, Johnny’s daughter, reflected on how her father would have felt about this ultimate honor. Overall, the event celebrated Cash’s impact on American music and culture, showcasing his enduring legacy as a true American icon.
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Photo credit arktimes.com
