THE MAN IN BLACK:

Despite Age and Illness, a Steady Cash Flow (Richard Harrington, November 3, 2002, Washington Post)

In many ways, Johnny Cash is the godfather of Americana, the bridge between country and folk traditions and modernism. He's one of a handful of artists to be inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; the select company Cash keeps includes Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, Bill Monroe and Elvis Presley.

Pop culture icon? American original?

Oh, yes.

And at 70, Cash is still taking risks, fighting demons. Those demons are no longer drugs or alcohol but human frailty.

Over the last few years, Cash has battled autonomic neuropathy, a disease of the nervous system that makes him susceptible to respiratory problems. He stopped touring regularly in 1997. For his new album, "The Man Comes Around" (Lost Highway), Cash often had to record in short segments, and limitations of breath and range are apparent in that now well-weathered baritone. But his defiant, indomitable spirit remains undiminished.

There are a lot of old guys making records who should have hung it up long ago. Johnny Cash's last couple discs may be as good as any he's ever done. Posted by Orrin Judd at November 9, 2002 8:53 PM