I Was There When It Happened: My Life with Johnny Cash

In her introduction, Rosanne Cash writes, "[t]ruth is subjective. Every experience has its own individual interpretation, no matter how many people witnessed the same event [...] " No where is this cliché better illustrated than in "I Was There When It Happened: My Life With Johnny Cash."Marshall Grant (with Chris Zar) has written a fascinating, if not always objective, account of the rise and (in his eyes) fall of Johnny Cash.More reminiscence than biography, the tale starts at the point that everyone who picked up the books wanted it to start. Not with a detailed bio of Marshall Grant, but the introduction of Marshall Grant to Luther Perkins. At the time, the two were mechanics trying to get by in post-world-war-II America, working at Automobile Sales, the largest Desoto-Plymouth dealership in Memphis. As fate would have it, another mechanic at the same business was Roy Cash, brother to apprentice appliance salesman (and future music legend), J.R. Cash. In short order, the three join forces and decide that if Elvis can make a record in Memphis, then so can they. And the story is off and running.The book is divided into five sections, starting with the Fifties and moving through each decade to the Nineties. The tale advances more or less chronologically, but with a "stream of consciousness" feel that sometimes causes the story to take an odd jump or two. For example, in the middle of recounting Johnny's longest period of drug-free continence in the book, Marshall jumps to an anecdote of June fretting over the latest outrage committed by an amphetamine using Johnny. Marshall also states in several places that the birth of son John Carter was "the day that Johnny Cash stopped doing drugs. No matter what you may have heard, no matter what was printed, no matter who got credit for what, the moment John looked down and saw his infant son was the moment he quit drugs 100 percent." (Page 177). Except he didn't.Drugs, and their impact on Johnny Cash, consume most of the book, which often reads like a build-up to the day in 1980 that John, heavily using drugs, fires Marshall Grant and (the book implies) torpedoes what's left of his career.There is no doubt that Johnny Cash struggled with addiction most of his life. But in this book, Marshall is the "power behind the throne" making all of the major decisions that propel Cash to international fame. Johnny Cash, on the other hand, wanders zombie-like and stoned through most of the narrative. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find (in this book) much that Cash does to deserve stardom.In between managing Johnny Cash's career and fortunes, Marshall finds time to discover the Statler Brothers, Kris Kristofferson, the Oak Ridge Boys, Reba McEntire, Naomi and Wynona Judd, and Brooks & Dunn. Marshall Grant depicts himself as king-maker and I have to say that if all of this is the *exact* truth, then Country Music has done this man an extraordinary disservice in not recognizing his many accomplishments. So why do I have my doubts? Well, like Rosanne Cash says in her intro, the truth is subjective and this is, above all else, Marshall Grant's truth.Lest you think I'm completely negative and think Marshall Grant a fraud, look at my five-star rating and let me assure you, his account usually rings true and is filled with many heart-felt tributes to Johnny Cash. There is a love and honesty that comes out of the written words and a deep, deep regret that things turned out so negatively for two men with such a unique, and extensively shared, history.Concerning the events that lead up to the 1980 break between Marshall and Johnny, the reader will not gain much insight. Marshall cryptically sums it up on page 260 with "I'll always believe that if that certain band member had kept his mouth shut... [t]hat would have been the best thing that could have happened - for all of us." The details, in the telling, are not much more explicit. I look forward to reading reading Michael Streissguth's  Johnny Cash: The Biography  to see if he has more detail.My only other complaint is that the book is sloppily edited in places (commas where periods should have been, and so forth) and much of the dialogue is wooden and begs credulity. For example, on page 263 Marshall discovers an unconscious June Carter Cash surrounded by hysterical family members and friends who insists that "she's a-dyin!" Instead of seeking emergency medical aid, Marshall launches into soliloquy, expressing aloud his concern about the headlines the next day if an ambulance is summoned or June is taken to the hospital.Despite all my whining and nit-picking, this is a great, great book and may just be the most honest account of the life and fortunes of an American Icon. Whatever the dispassionate truth is, you'll be left with a richer understanding for the life and times of Johnny Cash and the man who, short of June, was his best friend.

Nice book and de fine seller.

I'm not sure I can add anything more to the numerous persons that have already done so here. As a JC fan, and particularly when I was a little boy, I am generally not wanting to read these types of books about persons I hold in esteem simply because I don't care much to know the reality of these people's lives. But something drew me to this book, and I am glad I chose to read it. I guess the most surprising thing to me to read about JC was how long he abused those drugs - practically his entire life. And the amazing thing was the professional side of his life always seemed intact. I saw him several times during his career, at MSG in the 60's as a kid to a quiet summer evening in San Diego during the 90's. I'm left wondering whether the pill taking was simply because he could or whether he was truly addicted and never much cared to address it. Marshall repeats often in the book he never thought JC was addicted per se, and that he could have stopped at any time but simply chose to not do so. Who could know for sure. But he puts together interesting bits and pieces, and timelines, and it's an interesting read for sure. The only thing I think detracted from the book was a nearly chapter by chapter admonition by Marshall that drugs, and the drugs JC was abusing are no good for anybody. I am certainly in agreement with that, but I thought he droned on with that admonition unnecessarily throughout the entire book. It became somewhat irritating in a weird way.

Everything arrived on time and as advertised

I have read many Johnny Cash books, written by many different people. This book was by far the greatest read ever. I finished it and started reading it all over again. Marshall is such a genuine sincere person and he tells this story just like he was sitting in front of you and talking just to you. My only regret is that I didn't get my hands on this book while Marshall was still living. I would like to thank him directly for his efforts.We all know Johnny Cash had a rough life and trouble with the drugs, but this book really sheds a lot of light on how those drugs affected him and his relationship with his family and his band. The book also fills you in on the lives of Marshall Grant and Luther Perkins, two of the most unique musicians ever. I am just so proud of the efforts that went into this book and the way they remained friends to the end in spite of major obstacles.I am greatful for the many opportunities I had in the 60s and 70s to attend the Johnny Cash and Tennessee Two shows! And I'm excited to say I just returned from Memphis and Hendersonville where I was able to visit graves and important sites from this music era. There will never be a group again like Johnny, Marshall and Luther. A must read for any Cash fan!

As a huge Johnny Cash fan, I've read nearly every book about him. I found this one to be the most fascinating of them all. So many interesting tidbits I hadn't seen before and much insider information. Although everyone knows of Cash's struggle with drugs, it was hard to read about it here, and the toll it was taking on the music, on June, and on John, whose body failed him much too soon. I was glad that John and Marshall were able to reconnect and remain friends in later years despite their legal issues. A very enjoyable book and highly recommended.

I looked forward to reading this book by Johnny Cash's original bass player from The Tennessee Two, Marshall Grant.Particular note was first made of the previous review which mentioned that 15 pages where duplicated when you reach page 320. This was not the case in my copy; I did note that on close examination of the book binding that the same amount of pages ( slighly different in colour) had been inserted at this location, suggesting the publisher has rectified this problem.Being a Johnny Cash fan, and owning his records and DVDs of live performances, also of course the movie " Walk The Line " I was aware he had a drug addiction problem. However I was surprised to read that his problem was much worse than I previously thought. He must have been very hard person to live and work with despite his stage presence and appeal. Reading about the early days on the road and some of the bands antics for fun did raise a few smiles.As his popularity grew and travelling to venues worldwide frequently increased, so did the obvious pressures of constantly being in the limelight increase and so too his drug problem. This affected his wife June Carter, all his friends and all the show members badly who's hearts must have been in their mouths regularly.The relationship between John and Marshall became very intense indeed until their eventual split after years together in the band which was very sad; this leading to an inevitable law suit and settlement.For any Cash fan this is a good read and worthwhile but be prepared for an eye-opener, which could colour your concept of Cash somewhat. You should bear in mind at the same time it is only one persons opinion of him, perhaps they were to close for to long and contempt had crept in, who knows.

More than adequate for my means. Which translated means Gt. V.F.M. Many thanks on a good read.

very interesting and full of facts.A really good read if you are interested in the life of Johnny Cash Written by one of his closest mates in those early years

Marshall Grant's memories of playing with Johnny Cash...their friendship and all the crazy, crazy things they did. A must for any Johnny Cash fan and their collection.

Good book!