“I wore black because I liked it. I still do, and wearing it still means something to me. It's still my symbol of rebellion -- against a stagnant status quo, against our hypocritical houses of God, against people whose minds are closed to others' ideas.” Stated by Johnny Cash in his book Cash: The Autobiography, when asked why he was always seen wearing black. This is a quote that defines Johnny Cash, one of the most iconic musicians of the 20th century and one of the best-selling artists of all time. He was known as the Man in Black - for wearing black clothing during public appearances - which held a symbolic meaning for the poor and hungry in the country, and for prisoners in jail serving long past their sentence. Johnny Cash always had a resentment toward authority and the government, leaving him with a lifetime reputation of being an outlaw and a rebel. Before Johnny Cash became an iconic figure in country music, he served in the United States Air Force from 1950 or 1954 as a Radio Intercept Officer. He formed his first band while stationed in Landsberg, Germany, and bought his first guitar. After his service, he moved back to Texas, and then Tennessee to pursue his music career. He landed a record deal with Sun Records in Nashville, and recorded …show more content…
After demonstrating a connection with inmates and those imprisoned, Johnny Cash became a spokesman for prison reforms, and even lobbied for the release of several inmates. He went on to Capitol Hill to bring attention of the state of our prison systems, and created controversy over the conditions the prisoners were put in while incarcerated. Being on the other end of the legal system, it caused his image to be emphasized as a rebel. His celebrity influence helped change regulations and the conditions inside the prison system.