JOHNNY CASH – HIS UNIQUE STORY ON BBC ALBA

UNRELEASED AND NEVER-BEFORE SEEN FOOTAGE
Thursday 31st December at 9pm on BBC ALBA

BBC ALBA brings viewers inside the unique story of one man, his music and the country that embraced him with the documentary special "Johnny Cash” which is to be transmitted on Hogmanay at 9pm.

The film sheds new light on the life and legacy of the "Man in Black”, giving viewers unprecedented access to a wealth of rare materials, including never-before-seen footage and photos, intimate interviews with Cash's family, children, and several life-long friends, and 27 of Johnny Cash's recordings, many used in the programme for the first time.

At the time of his death in 2003, no other entertainer in history had brought together people of such diverse creeds, politics, and persuasions as Johnny Cash. With hits spanning six decades from the 1950s into the 21st century, Cash sought to advocate his beliefs and unify people through his music.

Wading into the controversies of his time, Cash was a man who believed in God but was a friend to the Devil, a patriot and a drug addict, a friend to Presidents and an ally to prisoners. His America was not red, white or blue; it was black.

The documentary explores the prominent themes of Cash's life including love of the land, freedom, justice, family, faith and redemption through exclusive interviews, photos and unreleased music and footage.

Interviews include Cash's sister Joanne, son John Carter Cash and daughters Cindy Cash and Rosanne Cash, childhood friends and fellow band mates as well as Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Al Gore, Loretta Lynn, Snoop Dogg, Steve Earle, and Merle Haggard, all of whom are connected to Cash in surprising ways.

The special features 27 of Cash's songs as well as unreleased and never-before seen footage including the 1965 "Johnny Cash Show" featuring a solo performance of "Five Feet High and Rising," outtakes from the recording studio with Cash and Bob Dylan from his elusive ‘Eat the Document’ documentary and rehearsal footage for a Highwaymen recording session.

The Cash family, Johnny's sister, son, and other relatives, take viewers to rural Dyess, Arkansas to Cash's childhood home and visit brother Jack's grave which elicits a moving, impromptu singing of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."

Johnny Cash has been produced by Ann Morrison at MacTV and will be transmitted on BBC ALBA on Thursday, 31st December at 9pm.