Life wasn’t very easy for young Johnny Cash. Growing up in rural Arkansas during the Great Depression, he helped the family farm cotton. His dad and brother took side jobs to support the family.

Growing up, Cash began writing songs and poems while ... And Johnny proved that." "Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon" is playing exclusively in theaters Dec. 5-7.

NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with Johnny Cash historian Mark Stielper and Cash's son, John Carter Cash, on their book, Johnny Cash: The Life in Lyrics and the Man in Black's legacy as a songwriter.

and the profound impact that growing up in Dyess had on Johnny Cash and his music. They even have Johnny's senior picture from the Dyess high school. The museum also showcases WPA posters and ...

"The father and man that I knew and connected to while growing up was a man of strong faith more than an iconic rebel," Cash said. "Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon" was produced by ...