Ovation TV will celebrate the life and music of Johnny Cash on what would have been the legendary singer's 83rd birthday.
The arts network on Feb. 26 will feature a marathon of documentaries that focus on Cash’s life, his biggest hits, and the making of the iconic album "Folsom Prison Blues," plus the concert film of his subsequent jailhouse performance at San Quentin Prison.
Born in 1932, Cash is largely perceived as a country music star, but whose career encompasses multiple genres , as evidenced by his inductions in the Country Music, Rock n’ Roll, and Gospel Halls of Fames.
Here are Ovation's descriptions of the Cash fare on Feb. 26 (all times ET):
1 p.m. – Music Mavericks: Johnny Cash
Music Mavericks, a series that focuses on the most influential stars of modern music, shines the spotlight on “The Man in Black” and features behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and performances to tell the story of his exceptional life and career.
1:30 p.m. – Song by Song: Johnny Cash, “I Walk The Line”
Cash’s first Billboard hit was recorded at the legendary Sun Studios in Memphis. It stayed on the charts for 43 weeks and sold 2 million copies. This episode reveals Johnny’s early struggles to find his voice.
2 p.m. – Song by Song: Johnny Cash, “Ring of Fire”
One of the biggest hits of Cash’s career stayed at #1 for seven weeks. It was written by his future wife June Carter and first recorded by her sister Anita. Discover how a dream Cash had revealed a way for him to turn this love song into a huge hit.
2:30 p.m. – Song by Song: Johnny Cash, “Jackson”
Written by Broadway Legend Jerry Lieber, "Jackson" tells the story of a married couple trying to reignite their passion. The hit worked for Johnny and June. They were married one year after recording the song.
3 p.m. – Song by Song: Johnny Cash, “A Boy Named Sue”
Johnny Cash wasn’t sure about this quirky tune so he tested it on a "captive audience" during his concert at San Quentin prison. The inmates loved it so much the song was included on the live album.
3:30 p.m. – Song by Song: Johnny Cash, “Sunday Morning Coming Down”
The original hangover anthem was written and recorded by Kris Kristofferson in 1969. Kris reveals why Cash wanted to cover this song that was already a hit and how Johnny came to perform it during an episode of Columbo.
4 p.m. – Song by Song: Johnny Cash, “Hurt”
One of Cash's final and most unlikely hits, this painful ballad was written and first performed by superstar Trent Reznor. The Nine Inch Nails front man explains why he was reluctant to allow Johnny to record the song.
4:30 p.m. – Music Mavericks: Johnny Cash (repeat)
5 p.m. – Johnny Cash in San Quentin
This now-famous concert film features Johnny Cash’s ground-breaking performance for the inmates of San Quentin Prison. Cash performs “A Boy Named Sue,” “Blue Suede Shoes” and “I Walk the Line.” The concert, when released as an album, received many accolades and award nominations for Cash.
6 p.m. – Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison – This documentary film looks at the impact of Johnny Cash's legendary performance at Folsom Prison in California.
