(born 1932) Cash wrote songs, poems and stories after working with his parents growing cotton. As an adult, he became one of the most important American storytellers, expanding country music by adding a dark tone that went beyond love songs. His “Folsom Prison Blues” became a huge hit as his deep, resonant baritone voice, given to irony took up the cause of the lonesome and dispossessed (echoed in his biggest hit, “I Walk the Line,” 1956).

Prison rights and Native American rights (Cash is one-quarter Cherokee) have long been primary concerns. Still active in music, television, film and publishing, his daughter June Carter has also become a popular singer.