Introduction
On July 5, 2003, Johnny Cash delivered his final public performance at the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia. Despite battling significant health issues and mourning the recent loss of his wife, June Carter Cash, he took the stage for a poignant 30-minute set. Assisted from his wheelchair to a chair at the microphone, Cash greeted the audience with his iconic, “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash,” eliciting enthusiastic applause.
Accompanied by bassist Bobby Starnes and guitarist Jerry Hensley, Cash opened with classics like “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line,” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.” Before performing “Ring of Fire,” a song co-written by June Carter Cash about their early relationship, he paid tribute to his late wife
“The spirit of June Carter overshadows me tonight with the love she had for me and the love I have for her. We connect somewhere between here and Heaven. She came down for a short visit, I guess, from Heaven, to visit with me tonight, to give me courage and inspiration, like she always has.”
Cash continued with “Angel Band,” a gospel song June had requested for her funeral, followed by “Big River.” He concluded with “Understand Your Man,” a song he hadn’t performed live in 25 years, leaving the audience with a lasting memory of his enduring spirit and talent.
This final performance encapsulated Johnny Cash’s resilience and deep connection to his music and audience, even in the face of personal loss and declining health. He passed away nine weeks later, on September 12, 2003, at the age of 71.