The Johnny Cash Memphis Legacy

The goal of this project is to commemorate Johnny Cash's time in Memphis and specifically his first performance with the construction and installation of a statue and historical marker. The marker and statue will be located at the intersection of Cooper and Walker streets in Memphis, TN, which is the site of the former Galloway United Methodist Church. In the basement of the church is a room where Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two played their first show for women’s church group. The statue will be created by sculptor Bill Beckwith (www.williamnbeckwith.com) and will be unveiled on May 1, 2016, the 60^th anniversary of the release of Johnny Cash’s first Sun record, “I Walk the Line.” The project is a collaboration between organizations and individuals in Memphis who are working to preserve and celebrate Memphis’ role in launching the career of Johnny Cash. These partners include: Cooper Walker Place, Rhodes College, the Visible Music College, filmmaker Mike McCarthy, and the Cooper Young Community Association.

1. Raise $10,000 by May 15th so that the sculpture can be started in time for unveiling by May 1, 2016.
2. Conduct 3 more fundraising efforts, Phases 2-4.
3. Research and write text for historical marker
4. Unveil statue and historical marker on May 1, 2016
5. Proudly admire the beautiful tribute to Johnny Cash’s Memphis legacy!

Memphis has a long and rich musical heritage, but often the spots where things happen go unrecognized. This is the case for Johnny Cash’s time in Memphis. While many of us know the story of how he got his start at Sun Records, little is known about his time living and working in Memphis. This project gives us the unique opportunity to celebrate the location of Cash’s first performance with the Tennessee Two by erecting a statue and historical marker that can serve not only as a source of civic pride for Memphians, but as a location for tourists to visit as they come to Memphis.