Johnny Cash, the legendary Man in Black, found himself in a bit of trouble back in 1965 when he was arrested in El Paso for possession of amphetamines. This incident may come as a surprise to many fans who associate Cash with songs like “Folsom Prison Blues” and his live albums recorded in actual prisons.
It was a tumultuous year for Cash personally, despite his professional success. His marriage with his first wife, Vivian Liberto, was falling apart, and he was struggling with addiction. The arrest in El Paso was a turning point in Cash’s life, as it marked his most significant run-in with the law.
When Cash returned to El Paso for trial later that year, Vivian stood by his side. However, the couple faced backlash and scandal due to Vivian’s appearance, which led to rumors of an interracial marriage. Vivian, who had African American ancestry unbeknownst to her at the time, became a target of racist groups who attacked the couple and their children.
Despite the challenges he faced, Cash remained defiant in the face of adversity. He spoke out against the attacks on his family while navigating a troubled marriage and his own struggles with addiction. By 1966, Cash’s marriage with Vivian had ended, and he had begun a new chapter in his life and career with his relationship with June Carter.
The incident in El Paso serves as a reminder of Johnny Cash’s complex and often tumultuous life, filled with highs and lows. It sheds light on the personal struggles he faced behind the scenes, despite his public image as a music icon and advocate for the incarcerated.
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