It almost seems hard to believe that the world has been missing the pillar-like presence of Johnny Cash for more than 20 years now. Cash was a foundational country music star, of course, but he was so much more than that simple pigeonhole of a description. In fact, when it came to Cash, he was brilliant at transcending any of the labels he attracted throughout his life, whether they related to his onstage skills or the way he became a cultural figure even without a guitar in his hand.

Yes, Johnny Cash played country music, but he did so with the power, force and presence of a rocker who won the respect of other rockers like Trent Reznor through the strength of his American Recordings with Hip Hop producer extraordinaire Rick Rubin. Cash also served in the Air Force, was later the erratic bad boy who kicked drugs and found religion, became a novelist and ordained minister, and was an actor on various television shows (including a guest appearance on The Simpsons). Throughout his career, Cash also went by the moniker the "Man in Black."

Origins Of A Nickname

Cash With A Cause

Now why did Cash go by this title? Well, the exact origins of "Man in Black" are a bit hazy. Some say that Cash wore a black shirt because he wanted to look "smart" before his first performance at a Memphis church, and continued to dress that way for good luck. Others say Cash wanted to match his bandmates onstage in the Tennessee Two, and the only thing they all mutually owned in those early days of performing were black shirts. Wherever it started, the popularity of his apparel took off.

When Cash appeared on The Mike Douglas Show in 1971, he addressed the moniker, explaining "People were always asking my why I wore black. I’ve worn black basically ever since I’ve been in the music business. But I never did really answer the reporters when they asked that question.”

And while black was not always Cash's universal choice of outfit color throughout his life, career, and later years, the stances associated with the decision were very much in sync with Cash's pattern of using his fame to give a voice to the voiceless. In fact, Cash even wrote a 1971 protest song titled "Man in Black" to explain this as well.

The Man In Black

Speakin' On Speakin' Out

With the Vietnam War still raging amidst tumultuous times, Cash wrote the song "Man in Black" for a 1971 album of the same name, with many of the songs focused on the current events and political difficulties of the early '70s. During his first performance of the track on the program he hosted called The Johnny Cash Show, Cash stated he'd been inspired to write the song after having conversations with regular people about what was going on in the world. And reflecting on the lyrics, it's easy to see Cash's pen reflecting through the eyes of the masses.

Why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone.

Well, there's a reason for the things that I have on.

I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,

Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town,

I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,

But is there because he's a victim of the times.

I wear the black for those who never read,

Or listened to the words that Jesus said,

About the road to happiness through love and charity,

Why, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me.

Cash would never be a stranger when it came to speaking out and elevating the struggles of regular people in this manner. Over the years, he became involved in prison reform, recorded an album ing Native American rights called Bitter Tears, and frequently reflected on the consequences of war, the soldiers involved, and the mental and physical wounds they carried as a result.

Cash could also be patriotic in songs he wrote about his country, but was never shy about speaking up against the injustices he saw. He was truly a "Man in Black" for the people, whose signature baritone still leaves a hole in the world even over 20 years later.