Johnny Cash is a name that is closely associated with country music. He was one of the biggest music legends in history, combining his unique style, deep voice and unforgettable lyrics to create music that people from all walks of life could appreciate. While many people know about his music, few are familiar with his childhood in the small town of Dyess, Arkansas.

Early Life in Dyess

Johnny Cash grew up in a small farming town in Arkansas called Dyess. In the Depression era, cash-poor families in the Southern and Midwestern U.S. could apply for homes in planned communities provided by the government as part of a New Deal initiative during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration.

Cash’s father, Ray Cash, was among the early recipients of a new, five-room house in Dyess, approximately 30 miles northeast of Jonesboro. The family moved there from Kingsland, Arkansas when Johnny was only three years old. The new house provided a better living condition for the family, who had previously lived in a leaky house and worked on a cotton farm.

Dyess was a small, close-knit community, with everyone in the town knowing each other. Cash’s family was one of the poorest in the town, and his mother Carrie often worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. Johnny Cash later recounted that growing up in Dyess taught him to appreciate the value of hard work and the need to help others.

Early Musical Influences

Growing up in Dyess, Cash was exposed to music from an early age. His mother, Carrie, played the pump organ in the Methodist church and Cash often accompanied her. Cash’s older brother, Jack, was also a talented musician and regularly performed at local dances and gatherings.

Cash was drawn to various musical styles, including gospel, folk, and blues. He listened to the Grand Ole Opry radio program regularly and was inspired by the music of Jimmie Rodgers and Roy Acuff. Cash later credited these early musical influences with shaping his sound and style.

Life on the Farm

Dyess was a farming community, and Cash’s family worked hard to make a living. Johnny and his siblings were expected to help with chores around the farm, including picking cotton, caring for animals, and tending the family garden. Despite the hard work, Cash later fondly recalled his childhood in Dyess, describing it as a time of simple pleasures and close family bonds.

Education in Dyess

Cash attended Dyess Elementary School, which was built for the children of families who lived in the government-provided houses. Cash later described the school as “one of the best in the county,” and credited his education there with providing him with a solid foundation in reading and writing.

Conclusion

Johnny Cash’s childhood in Dyess was marked by hard work, close family ties, and a love of music. While he went on to achieve international fame, he never forgot his roots in the small farming community where he grew up. His experiences in Dyess shaped his worldview and provided him with the inspiration for many of his greatest songs. Today, the Dyess restoration project preserves the history and legacy of this unique Arkansas town.