Legendary Musician to Receive Rare Honor on Capitol Hill

Legendary Musician to Received Rare Honor on Capitol Hill

The halls of Congress are about to get a whole lot cooler. Johnny Cash, the original outlaw of country music, is set to take his place among the marble busts and bronze statues of our nation’s Capitol. It’s about time we had a little rebellious spirit injected into those stodgy corridors of power. But let’s cut to the chase and give you the lowdown on this monumental event.

A New Face for Arkansas

Johnny Cash’s statue, along with that of civil rights leader Daisy Bates, will represent Arkansas in the National Statuary Hall. This decision, made by the Arkansas General Assembly in 2019, marks a significant shift in the state’s representation at the Capitol.

The new statues will replace those of Uriah Milton Rose and James P. Clarke, two figures with problematic pasts. This change reflects a broader national conversation about who we choose to memorialize in our public spaces.

The Man Behind the Statue

Kevin Kresse, a sculptor from Little Rock, was tasked with capturing the essence of the Man in Black in bronze. The statue depicts Cash with his signature guitar and a Bible, embodying both his musical legacy and his faith.

Cash, born in 1932 in Kingsland, Arkansas, left an indelible mark on American music. With more than 90 million records sold and inductions into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, his legacy is undeniable. Cash passed away in 2003 at the age of 71.

A Symbol of Love Over Hate

The Cash family has expressed pride in this honor, emphasizing Johnny’s message of love over hate. This sentiment resonates deeply, especially in our current political climate.

“One of the quotes that the [Cash] family gave me was something that he told his kids. It’s about the fact that we all have the ability to make a choice in this life between choosing love or choosing hate. And he says, ‘I choose love.’” – Kevin Kresse

The unveiling of Cash’s statue is set for September 24 at 11 a.m. in the National Statuary Hall. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who spoke for the downtrodden and challenged the status quo throughout his career.

As we prepare to welcome Johnny Cash to the U.S. Capitol, it’s worth reflecting on the power of music to unite and inspire. Cash’s presence in these hallowed halls will serve as a reminder of our nation’s diverse voices and the enduring spirit of American creativity.

Sources:

  1. Johnny Cash Statue Coming To U.S. Capitol
  2. The US Capitol Is Getting a Statue of Johnny Cash
  3. Johnny Cash Is Getting a Larger-Than-Life Statue on Capitol Hill
  4. Johnny Cash Is Getting a Statue at the U.S. Capitol
  5. Johnny Cash Statue to Replace Racist Politician in US Capitol
  6. Johnny Cash Statue Coming to U.S. Capitol

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Johnny Cash – God’s Gonna Cut You Down (Official Music Video)

Next month, the Man in Black will be immortalized in bronze:

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