At last, the story about one of the most influential women from the world of country music is finally being told.
Of course, you don’t have to take my word for it on just how much she means to the world of music. Many legends speak her truth, including Dolly Parton who said, “If you just know June Carter Cash, you’re missing a lot of things.”
She was born Valerie June Carter with an auspicious pedigree. She went on to receive five Grammy Awards, she was a member of the immensely successful Carter Family Trio. While she is best known for being a gifted songwriter who could croon with the best, she was also an author, actress, comedian, and philanthropist. Notably, she was a staunch humanitarian.
You don’t know music until you know June!
Carter was successful on her own, but it was her marriage to the Man in Black, Johnny Cash that turned her story from a story of fame and glory, to infamy and legend.
From those who knew and loved her, she is described as being a visionary, tenacious, honest, loyal to a fault, dynamic, fierce and … a “bad-ass bitch.”
What makes someone a legend is always the stories behind the story. In this case, there are many. Aside from the roadside antics and folk tales that turned into lore, June Carter Cash was a mother on the road at a time when that was unheard of. She also had a front-row seat for the rise of the other legend… Johnny Cash.
One of the most covered songs in the Johnny Cash hits catalog was written by J. Cash. Yes, J. Cash as in June Carter Cash wrote the song that was a big part of the Johnny Cash mythology: “Ring of Fire.”
Not only did this song go on to be an enormous hit for Mr. Cash, but it has done very well for countless other bands and artists that have covered her song.
Ask Mike Ness of Social Distortion how prolific songwriting can make a song turn a great artist into a punk rock legend.
How entertaining and talented was June Carter as a performer? Well, she opened for Elvis Presley, so that should tell you something.
“Johnny Cash wouldn’t have been Johnny Cash with June Carter.”
June gave “Stand by Your Man” a whole new meaning. Just like any story, there are ups and downs, but perseverance is a word that we can all feel and relate to and share in a kinship to Mrs. Cash.
J U N E
“She gave us a life lesson of what it means to stick it out.”
With all this in mind, there is a documentary that will drop June 16th. The documentary simply titled “JUNE,” breathes fresh air into fabled life. Stories come from some who knew her very well, such as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Larry Gatlin, and Kacey Musgraves.
These interviews illustrate through words her legit skills and credit her tenacity and family values as the standard that created the Cash legacy.
In addition to never-before-seen archival footage, JUNE will also feature perspectives from Larry Gatlin, Robert Duvall, and Ronnie Dunn.
The person who famously played her role, Reese Witherspoon will let us all know the bottom line how June Carter Cash walked the line.
“JUNE” was directed by Kristen Vaurio and it will be available to stream January 16th through Paramount+.
If you want a true backstage pass to what makes a legend – a legend, check out “JUNE.”
