Johnny Cash was immortalized as the first professional musician with a statue in the U.S. Capitol.
At a Glance
- A statue of Johnny Cash was unveiled in the U.S. Capitol, making him the first musician to be honored there.
- The statue was created by Kevin Kresse, a sculptor from Little Rock, Arkansas.
- Cash’s statue depicts him with a guitar and a Bible, symbolizing his faith.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Cash’s legacy at the ceremony.
- The statue stands next to one of civil rights pioneer Daisy Bates, representing Arkansas’s contributions.
Johnny Cash’s Historic Recognition
Johnny Cash was honored as the first professional musician to receive a statue in the U.S. Capitol. The statue, designed by Little Rock sculptor Kevin Kresse, features Cash holding his iconic guitar and a Bible, reflecting his deep faith and musical legacy. The unveiling ceremony brought together key political figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, alongside Cash’s family and numerous guests.
Rosanne Cash, his daughter, spoke warmly about his character and respect for different paths to faith, describing him as a “living redemption story” who met darkness with love. The statue, now part of the Capitol’s National Statuary Hall Collection, also includes quotes from Cash’s songs and personal reflections, underlining the lasting impact of his music and message.
Johnny Cash is now the first musician to be honored with a statue in the United States Capitol. pic.twitter.com/2XpYgy7foI
— PBS News (@NewsHour) September 24, 2024
Symbolism and Legacy
Cash’s statue, positioned alongside that of civil rights activist Daisy Bates, acknowledges both his and Bates’ contributions to American cultural and social progress. Arkansas’s legislature voted in 2019 to replace statues of Uriah Rose and Senator James Clarke with those of Cash and Bates. This decision reflects a broader movement across various states to update their Capitol representations with figures who symbolize contemporary values and progress.
“Words cannot come close to expressing our pride to see my dad accorded such a singular privilege,” Rosanne Cash said.
“Johnny Cash is the perfect person to be honored in that way. He was a man who embodied the American spirit in a way that few could,” stated House Speaker Mike Johnson during the ceremony.
A Monumental Tribute
The statue not only honors Cash’s musical achievements, with over 90 million records sold worldwide, but also his humanitarian efforts. The inscription on the statue’s pedestal recognizes him as a “singer, songwriter, artist, and humanitarian,” echoing his diverse influence across genres and his dedication to addressing social issues through his music. Former Governor Asa Hutchinson supported the legislative change, highlighting the importance of representing Arkansas’s progressive history through figures like Cash and Bates.
“When so much in today’s world is fake, Johnny Cash was very real,” Sanders remarked at the ceremony.
The ceremony, culminating in a touching performance of “I Walk the Line” by the United States Air Force Band and a benediction by Dr. Mike Garrett, Cash’s nephew, symbolized the union of Cash’s musical legacy with the nation’s capital. The dedication of this statue is a testament to Johnny Cash’s enduring legacy as an emblem of the American spirit.
