Johnny Cash has become the first professional musician to receive a statue in the U.S. Capitol. The statue was revealed by members of Johnny’s family, including his daughter Rosanne, during a ceremony on Tuesday, September 24th at Emancipation Hall.
Did you know each U.S. state receives two statues in recognition of notable figures from throughout their history? Johnny was a native of Dyess, Arkansas, and his statue will now be Arkansas’ second figure at the Capitol, joining a bronze representation of civil rights activist Daisy Bates.
NPR’s Scott Simon spoke with Little Rock artist Kevin Kresse in May, and the sculptor selected to create Cash’s 8-foot-tall bronze likeness, which features the country legend with a guitar slung across his back and holding a bible.
“I think the honesty of his work, the truth in his lyrics and the simplicity and straightforward way of getting that message across just spoke to me as an artist as well.” – Kevin Kresse
It is an absolutely stunning piece.
