I Came to Believe
An Interview with Joanne Cash
Joanne Cash has been around the music industry for a long time. She worked for the historic House of Cash, sang at the Grand Ole Opry, and collaborated with one of America’s largest icons, her brother, Johnny Cash.
Her poor upbringing, though difficult at times, could not stop the rich influences of music and church in her life. These two constants served as a reminder to Cash that her family was blessed. They also served as presage for a life that would be profoundly affected by both. Her story is one of loss, addiction and pain. But, thanks to Johnny and the Almighty, it is ultimately a story of hope and healing.
TDS: You grew up poor in the cotton fields of Arkansas. What was life like for you and your family then?
CASH: The work in the cotton fields was hard, but I can look back now and see how very blessed we were. Daddy was in the fields at sunrise, and was there until it was too dark to see. Our food consisted of things we grew in our massive garden—vegetables, watermelons, cantaloupes, and peanuts. We never went hungry. At night when all the chores were done, we would gather around Mama's old upright piano and sing all those great gospel songs. We grew up on those songs. We went to church whenever the doors were open; Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night. I'm so very thankful for those years of learning all the things Mama and Daddy taught me.
TDS: You had a very traumatic experience as a young child with the loss of your brother, Jack. How did you deal with losing a brother?
CASH: I was six years old. It was really hard. As a child, death was something scary to me. I didn't understand why God would take my brother that I loved so much. Johnny and Jack were my big brothers. They were always there for me. When Jack passed away, I was there in the hospital and I heard him talking about seeing angels and Jesus. Everyone was crying—the experience was intense. I remember Jack always called me Jana. To him it was short for Joanne. So many memories … I miss him and Johnny every day.
TDS: Your brother Johnny grew up to become an American icon. What is your most memorable childhood memory him?
CASH: Every morning we had to walk about a fourth of a mile to catch the school bus. I remember one day coming home and it was raining very hard. So hard the rain was coming down sideways. I knew we were going to get soaked. As we went to get off the bus Johnny said "don't worry, I've got an umbrella." We got off the bus and he held the umbrella over Reba, Tommy and me while he took the rain in his face. To this day I don't know where Johnny got that umbrella - not everybody had one. I've never forgotten that.
TDS: You and Johnny had similar struggles earlier in life both experiencing failed marriages as well as drug and alcohol addictions. How did you help each other during those darker periods of your lives?
CASH: Our lives were the same in several ways. I was living in Houston, Texas. My life was a mess. I had gone through a divorce, and I turned to drugs and alcohol to cover up my pain. At my lowest point Johnny called me and said, "Hi baby, I'm sending a moving van to get your things. We want you to come home.” So I got my three children in the car and came home to Nashville. My family met me with open arms.
To make a very long story short on October 18th 1970 I gave my heart to Jesus in a church here in Nashville. This is also where I met my husband Harry. We've been married 36 wonderful years.
Johnny watched my life for 3 weeks and one day, coming up Mama's driveway, he put his arm around me and said "baby you really got it didn't you." I said yes and I'm praying for you.
Over the years Harry and I have encouraged him and he certainly has encouraged us in many ways.
TDS: While you and Johnny struggled with addictions and failed marriages you both began a spiritual journey that led to recovery and a second chance at long and healthy marriages. What role did your spiritual journey play in your healing and recovery process?
CASH: Lots of prayer together, Bible studies, and things like that. Johnny saw what a complete change the Lord had made in my life. We had many precious times together.
TDS: You released a new album last year called Gospel, which is a collection of old-time Gospel-Country songs. Some of these tracks are songs you grew up singing and some of the songs are duets with Johnny, including the last two tracks you recorded with him. What emotions did you feel as you compiled this album and now, listening to it, what emotions do you have?
CASH: Deep emotion and thankfulness. When we recorded the last song, "Softly and Tenderly," Johnny reached over and took my hand. We both shed some tears that day. Our whole band felt the presence of God in a strong way. Those songs will always be a treasure to me.
TDS: 2003 was a difficult year for you personally with the loss of four family members, including Johnny and your oldest sister Louise. How did these experiences shape your song selections?
CASH: It has made me more determined to present the gospel of Jesus Christ in my songs. Life is so short.
TDS: You have said that one of your main purposes with this album is to “uplift the downtrodden.” What role has music played in your life?
CASH: Music is powerful; it’s what God uses to move people. Often when I am home in the daytime I play gospel music, especially Johnny's gospel music. There are several of his songs that encourage me. One is I Came to Believe that he wrote and recorded on one of his last albums, just hearing his voice encourages me.
TDS: You have been in the music industry a long time and seen a lot of changes. It seems as if the music industry is in a period of dramatic change now, what is the one thing that has remained the same over the years?
CASH: If you can understand the words, you can understand the message. If you can't understand the words, where's the message? Johnny said one time, "if you have to beat your guitar to death and remove your clothes, it's not music.”
Stay true to yourself and to the Lord. One of my favorite people in the music business is Alan Jackson, he's true country and has stayed the same. I like that in him.
TDS: Both you and your brother have had long and prosperous careers doing what you love, what are some secrets to longevity in the music business?
CASH: Don't ever try to be like someone else. Be yourself. Don't believe your own publicity. God created us all special and different and for a purpose.
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