Indie Memphis 2008

JOHNNY CASH’S AMERICA ties together Cash’s politics, beliefs, influence and his unbowed patriotism. How did personal, national and political events shape Cash and how did he reflect it back to the country? How can one man unify so many? Johnny Cash’s America was not red, white or blue, but black. And he wore it proudly. He navigated some of the most contentious issues of our time – war, prison reform, youth discontent, religion, Native American rights – without losing his audience. What lessons can be learned from his story? How can one speak his mind without losing his voice?

Director's Bio:
Directors Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon are the award-winning filmmakers behind such notable documentaries as RESPECT YOURSELF: THE STAX RECORDS STORY, MUDDY WATTERS CAN’T BE SATISFIED and SHAKESPEARE WAS A BIG GEORGE JONES FAN, a cult documentary on legendary producer “Cowboy” Jack Clement, Cash’s longtime friend. Neville’s other films include documentaries on The Brill Building, Sam Phillips and Sun Records, and Brian Wilson. He directed the Emmy-winning HANK WILLIAMS: HONKY TONK BLUES as well as THE HIGHWAYMEN and THE WOMEN OF COUNTRY MUSIC. Gordon is the author of several books, including IT CAME FROM MEMPHIS and CAN’T BE SATISFIED: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MUDDY WATERS. HE also wrote and produced “The Road to Memphis,” an episode of MARTIN SCORSESE PRESENTS THE BLUES, and produced and directed WILLIAM EGGLESTON’S STRANDED IN CANTON.