• Johnny Cash was born J.R. Cash in Arkansas in 1932. When he enlisted with the U.S. Air Force, he was forced to take a first name and chose John. Cash began writing music at age 12, and once he was discharged from military service his performing career began.

• Cash married fellow musician June Carter in 1968. He had proposed to her while they were touring together and onstage at a show in London, Ont.