In a surprising turn of events, a bronze statue of the legendary Johnny Cash has found its place at the U.S. Capitol, unveiled in a ceremony attended by Congressional leaders, Arkansas lawmakers, and Cash family members. The statue, portraying the iconic “Man in Black,” was revealed alongside another new figure representing civil rights pioneer Daisy Bates, who played a crucial role in the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School in 1957.
Arkansas, known for its previous statues of obscure figures from the 18th and 19th centuries, decided in 2019 to replace them with more recognizable individuals. After a debate among state lawmakers, Cash and Bates were chosen to represent Arkansas in the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall Collection, joining a select group of notable figures from each state’s history.
Johnny Cash, hailing from Kingsland, a small town south of Little Rock, enjoyed a remarkable career spanning various music genres, selling over 90 million records worldwide. Inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cash’s influence and legacy are undeniable.
The statue, crafted by Little Rock sculptor Kevin Kresse, captures Cash with a guitar slung over his back and a Bible in hand, symbolizing his musical and spiritual contributions. Kresse, known for sculpting other musical icons from Arkansas like Al Green and Glen Campbell, was chosen to immortalize Cash’s image in bronze at the Capitol.
Johnny Cash’s statue joins the prestigious collection at the U.S. Capitol, following the recent addition of a statue representing the Rev. Billy Graham from North Carolina. The unveiling of Cash’s statue marks a significant moment in honoring the legacy of an extraordinary musician and cultural icon.
