A Day in the Country July 7, 2011 — Kris Kriftofferson, Johnny Cash, June Carter [Video]

Kris Kristofferson, who we referenced in Country Stars Birthdays on June 22 celebrates a milestone today. He had the #1 song in Country Music in 1973, WHY ME, LORD? Future wife Rita Coolidge and aspiring singer Larry Gatlin provided backup vocals. Some say the song was Kris's way of protesting the decadence of the 60s and 70s, of which he was a participant.

One of Kris's best friends was Johnny Cash.  On this date in 1956, Johnny met his future wife June Carter. She was backstage as Johnny debuted on the Grand Ole Opry singing three tunes -- "I Walk The Line," "Get Rhythm" and "So Doggone Lonesome." Ironically, June's husband at the time, Carl Smith, introduced Johnny.

I met Johnny and June on two occasions. First, in 1964, in Lubbock, Texas, weher I worked at KLLL. June was just as enthusiastic and exhuberant as Reese Witherspoon portrayed her in THE FILM WALK THE LINE. The second time was in Nashville at Columbia Recording Studios. They had come in to visit with producers Don Law and Frank Jones. My brother Don was vacationing with me at the time and Frank Jones being a friend of mine introduced as to the Cash's. My recollection of that moment was that Johnny Cash appeared to be seven feet tall!

Be sure and visit the official website noted above. It is lovingly maintained by Johnny and June's son, John Carter Cash. You can see many photos like this one.