CMT will feature a Kid Rock-hosted celebration of Johnny Cash from September 8 to 12. In commemoration of the 12th anniversary of Cash’s September 12 death, the network — which will take on the moniker Cash Music Television for the week — will air films, docs, and special programming related to the country music hero.
Highlights include the Cash-dedicated CMT Hot 20 Countdown with VJs Cody Allen and Katie Cook, and a new documentary called Johnny Cash: American Rebel, both of which will air on September 12. The Countdown will delve into Cash’s legacy as one of the most influential country music stars in modern times. American Rebel takes a look into his greatest songs and features interviews with Cash’s children John Carter Cash and Rosanne Cash, and June Carter’s daughter Carlene Cash. Also in the mix will be Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Merle Haggard, John Mellencamp, Willie Nelson, and others.
Other programming on CMT’s Johnny Cash Week includes the Oscar-winning biopic Walk the Line, featuring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon on the 8th, Throwback Thursday Video Block: Cash Edition on the 10th, and CMT All-Time Top 40: Artists Choice. The Thursday Video Block segment will relive Cash’s greatest music videos, and artists that he has inspired. The All-Time Top 40 will count down the best of the country music greats chosen by modern country stars.
“The weeklong tribute will both remind long-time fans as well as introduce new fans to the brilliance and artistry that made Cash one of the most influential music artists in American history,” said CMT president Brian Philips in a statement.
The Man in Black secured himself a place in history with smashes like I Walk the Line, A Boy Named Sue, Sunday Morning Coming Down, along with more recent covers, like his haunting version of the NIN song, Hurt. But that list barely scratches the surface of the platform-crossing music legend. Cash recorded more than 1,500 songs during his storied career, and stands as the only aritst to be inducted into both the Country Music and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame in recognition of his storied career.
