“The Man in Black”, a nickname that is almost synonymous with Johnny Cash. He was a little bit country and a little bit rock n’ roll. His gravelly, soulful voice resonated with so many people and still does today. In the same way, his well tailored style is still classic and relevant 50 years later.


           

Johnny Cash was born and raised in Arkansas, and started writing songs at the age of 12. Cash garnered popularity in the 1950’s, at the start of his career with many singles. He worked the Tennessee music circuit, running with the likes of Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis. His career started at the birth of rock and roll which has roots in folk, gospel and blues. Some of his most popular songs were “The Ring of Fire”, “Jackson”, “I Walk the Line”, and “Folsom Prison Blues”. There was a decline in popularity when he eventually earned a bad boy image due to his drug use, relationship with June Carter, and support of prison reform. Who else would dare to perform live at Folsom prison? His fame spiked again in the 1970’s after he married June and became a reformed Christian fundamentalist.


 

            His clothing choices supported his brooding, outlaw stage presence. Early in his career, Cash wore black because that was the only color shirt that he and his band had to match. Eventually his famous moniker stuck because Cash purely enjoyed wearing black onstage and in his personal life. Near the beginning of his career in 1957, he performed at the Grand Ole Opry “all in black where the other performers were decked out in flamboyant, rhinestone-studded outfits” (Erlewine, 1). His simplicity makes him stand out from other singers of his time. His famous look is “that of a poet turned country singer and songwriter” (Style icon, 1). He wasn’t careless with fashion, like other country stars. Rather he wore well tailored and refined pieces, including black shirts, pants, and leather jackets. He knew who he was and never strayed from his personal style. Cash wrote the song “Man in Black” to express his views on his peers: “We're doing mighty fine I do suppose / In our streak of lightning cars and fancy clothes / But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back / Up front there ought to be a man in black”.

 

            You might say that Cash’s style was precursor to goth, or that he likes the funeral look, but his masculine turned romantic fashion is emulated around the world. Whether it’s by a kid on Halloween, wannabe rock stars like Nick Jonas, or tailored black suits at Dolce and Gabbana, men seek to imitate his clean look because it is classic. To achieve Cash’s look for yourself, invest in some finely tailored black pants, shirt and leather jacket. Armani makes many clean cut leather jackets. For a twist, add some country details such as fringe, boots, or a bandana. With these details, you too can look like a brooding “woman in black”.